These days, more people than ever before are turning toward cosmetic dentistry to achieve brighter and whiter smiles—in fact, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the demand for cosmetic dental work has essentially doubled within the last five years! And one option that several patients turn toward is teeth whitening; however, many prefer to use DIY whitening products purchased at the store, rather than visiting their cosmetic dentist. But believe it or not, using these products actually comes with some inherent risks. Here’s what you need to know.
A Closer Look at Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular and accessible cosmetic dental solutions available, and to put it simply, it’s a treatment method that allows patients to visibly whiten their teeth by several shades. It’s ideal for patients who’ve regularly exposed their pearly whites to foods and drinks that are capable of staining them, but it’s capable of tackling a large spectrum of staining issues.
The Risks of Using DIY Whitening Products
Due to the popularity of teeth whitening, there’s been a noticeable rise in the demand for DIY and store-bought whitening products over the last few years. There are all kinds of these products out there, including toothpaste and gels, whitening strips and trays, and more. Over time, these products do have the potential to whiten your teeth to a certain extent.
However, as widespread and seemingly convenient as they appear to be, using them often comes with some inherent risks, such as:
- Some of these products can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, and in rare cases, even tooth damage can occur. Severe problems are more likely to arise if patients have existing oral health issues like cavities or gum disease.
- Certain products contain peroxide, which is known to cause allergic reactions in some patients.
- Store-bought whitening products cannot do anything for dental restorations or orthodontics like braces.
- It’s impossible to predict how much or how little a storebought product will whiten your teeth.
- There is no professional supervision offered when using these types of products.
Why You Should Trust Your Dentist to Whiten Your Smile
Whether you’re trying to overhaul the appearance of your smile or simply whiten some minor staining, it’s always going to be in your best interest to consult with a dental professional and rely on them for assistance. Since this process begins with an initial examination, you’re guaranteed that going into the whitening process, your smile is free of any health issues that might compromise your results. Not to mention, this supervision will continue throughout treatment, meaning that if there is some type of complication or unforeseen circumstance, your dentist can quickly intervene!
It’s also worth mentioning that your dentist has access to whitening agents and equipment that you cannot purchase yourself—these tools and materials are leaps and bounds ahead of anything on the open market, and the results will prove this!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard received his DDS from the UCLA School of Dentistry and is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a feat achieved by fewer than 500 dentists worldwide! His practice in Rancho Bernardo is excited to offer patients and families a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments, including professional teeth whitening. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or someone you know, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (858) 451-0550.