Is professional teeth whitening right for you?

As the years go by, our teeth can lose their white luster and become discolored or stained from some of our favorite indulgences, like  dark-colored soda, red wine, and even dark berries such as blueberries and raspberries. Not only that, but sometimes genetic factors and various medications can contribute to tooth discoloration as well.

So, what do you do when you want to regain and reclaim your bright, white smile? This is where teeth whitening comes into play. In this article, we’ll take you through what you need to know about professional tooth whitening and over-the-counter options that may be available at your local convenience store.

Basics of Professional Teeth Whitening 

Let’s start with the basics about professional teeth whitening. At Parmer Lane Family Dentistry, your best Austin cosmetic dentist, we offer two options. Both are considered professional grade tooth whitening solutions that will help you achieve a whiter smile in a relatively short period of time.

In-office teeth whitening with Zoom! is one of the fastest and most effective ways to whiten your smile. This treatment can be completed in around an hour and is perfect for those who want immediate results. During the procedure, a powerful whitening gel is applied on your teeth and is then activated by a special bleaching light. This combination breaks down stains and discoloration, leaving your teeth noticeably whiter after just one session.

At-home teeth whitening is a more gradual approach that can be done at your convenience. This method uses custom-fitted trays that we measure you for at our dental practice. At home, you’ll fill the trays with a professional-grade whitening gel and wear them for a certain amount of time each day. This option allows you to whiten your teeth on your schedule and can help you achieve significant results over a period of a few weeks.

Both methods are safe and effective, and we will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. We also offer refills at each biannual appointment to help maintain your bright smile. 

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Tooth Whitening Products

You’re probably wondering how over-the-counter tooth whitening products compare to the solutions we just mentioned. After all, you likely see ads for these products on social media and the television all the time. If the ads are everywhere, these products must work, right? Well, yes and no.

Over-the-counter tooth whitening products can offer you a whiter smile, and there are many options to choose from like:.

• Whitening Toothpaste: Contains mild abrasives and chemical agents to help remove surface stains.
• Whitening Strips: Thin, flexible plastic strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel that you apply to your teeth.
• Whitening Gels: Peroxide-based gels that you apply directly to your teeth using a small brush.
• Whitening Rinses: Mouthwashes that contain whitening agents to help reduce surface stains over time.
• Whitening Trays: Pre-filled or moldable trays with a whitening gel that you wear over your teeth for a specified amount of time.
• Whitening Pens: Small, portable pens filled with a whitening gel that you can apply directly to your teeth for touch-ups.

But here’s the kicker: while these products can indeed help you achieve a whiter smile for a lower price, they aren’t nearly as effective, and some of them aren’t safe for your teeth at all. This can mean you end up spending money on something that doesn’t work as well as a professional option, and you can create long-term damage to your enamel that may cost you a lot more in dental treatments down the road.

The Risks of OTC Tooth Whitening Treatments

Let’s take a look at some of the risks of these OTC products. 

• Tooth Sensitivity: Overuse of whitening products can result in tooth sensitivity, making it uncomfortable for you to eat or drink hot and cold foods.
• Gum Irritation: The bleaching agents in whitening products can irritate your gums, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort.
• Uneven Whitening: Over-the-counter products may not cover all teeth surfaces evenly, resulting in a patchy or uneven appearance.
• Enamel Damage: Some products contain high levels of abrasives that can wear down your tooth enamel over time, increasing the risk of cavities and other dental issues.
• Temporary Results: The effects of over-the-counter whitening products are often short-lived and may require frequent reapplication, which can exacerbate other risks.

Be cautious about the ingredients in over-the-counter whitening products. Some products contain high levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can be harsh on your teeth and gums if used excessively. Additionally, avoid products with chlorine dioxide, as this chemical can erode tooth enamel and cause long-term damage.

Always consult with your dentist at Parmer Lane Family Dentistry before starting any whitening treatment to ensure it is safe and suitable for your dental health. Better yet, skip the OTC products and choose a professional whitening solution that is not only safe, but super effective.

Schedule a consultation for professional tooth whitening at the best Austin cosmetic dentist!

Don’t leave the results of your dental teeth whitening up to chance. If you want the best results, select professional tooth whitening for your smile makeover. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including tooth whitening myths and facts, and we’ll help you select the best option for your smile goals.

Ready to get started? Request an appointment today.