Why You Should Leave Behind Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments On The Shelf
If you’re unhappy with the shade of your teeth, you may have suddenly found yourself staring at a shelf full of whitening options at your local drugstore. There are so many to choose from. Which teeth whitening treatment is the best? You may be surprised to learn that if you are looking for serious results, the answer is none of them.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening options can provide marginal results, but they will not last long and could do more harm than good. Professional whitening treatments are safer and more effective. Learn why hundreds of people looking for whiter teeth in the Knoxville, Tennessee area have sought professional treatments from South Knox Dental.
What Is Over-the-Counter?
Over-the-counter medical products are those which are able to be purchased without a prescription. Sellers typically market these products as more affordable alternatives, which drives consumer demand. While many over-the-counter options are great (think generic-brand medications), when it comes to teeth whitening solutions, they are not very effective at meeting expectations or fulfilling the promise they often slap on the front of the box.
Your best bet is to seek professional whitening treatment from a local dentist, who can administer the appropriate amount of whitening gel (which is stronger than over-the-counter options) and closely monitor the treatment. Let’s look at some reasons why over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments are not a great idea if you are looking for whiter teeth.
Can Cause Discomfort
If you already have tooth or soft tissue problems that cause discomfort, using over-the-counter whitening products can exacerbate the issue due to their ingredients. Issues that may result include gum inflammation, gum pain, tooth sensitivity, and more.
Uneven Results
A significant complaint of consumers who purchase over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments is the uneven results they ultimately receive. Because the mouthpieces to which the whitening gel is applied are “one size fits all,” the gel often will not rest evenly on the teeth, resulting in patchy results. Teeth can appear multi-colored after these treatments, often looking worse than the yellowed tint they had previously.
Results Are Temporary
With proper care, the results of a professional whitening treatment should last a year or slightly longer. When you pay for an over-the-counter whitening treatment, the results will likely last only a few months before fading. Leaving you right where you started. Because results do not last, you will find yourself buying these products more often, resulting in more out-of-pocket expenses than if you would if you would have just chosen a professional treatment from the beginning.
Tooth Damage
There are some over-the-counter whitening treatments that are rich in acids and compounds that actually attack the tooth’s enamel, resulting in weakened teeth. The chemicals used in these products leave some users in significant pain. If you are not willing to take this risk, you should never consider an over-the-counter whitening option and seek professional treatment from your dentist.
Call Us For An Appointment Today!
When it comes to great results and whiter teeth, nothing can match a professional whitening treatment. South Knox Dental offers convenient take-home whitening trays custom-crafted to fit your teeth. Results are professional-grade and safe. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
