When asked how they would like to improve their smile, almost everyone would say that they would like to have whiter teeth. While there is a wide variety of ways to brighten smiles and lift stubborn dental stains, all teeth whitening methods are not created equal. Here’s a brief guide to a few popular methods as well as why you should consult with your dentist before using any smile-brightening solutions.
DIY Is a Recipe for Disaster
While you can find a host of purported “do-it-yourself” teeth whitening techniques on the Internet, these methods should always be regarded with a healthy degree of suspicion. Most of these whitening tricks use abrasive agents like lemon juice or charcoal to wear away stained enamel. While this can eliminate discoloration, it does so by eroding your teeth’s crucial defensive layer and leaving them more exposed to injury and infection.
Give Some Thought Before Using Products Store-Bought
There are many teeth whitening products available at stores and pharmacies, and they can vary wildly in terms of quality and effectiveness. Store-bought whitening kits come with one-size-fits-all dental trays and tubes of non-prescription bleaching gel, and these can lead to uneven results or even oral injuries due to the gums being exposed to the brightening agent. In many cases, people using these products or whitening strips only see lackluster results if any even after several months.
Your Dentist Can Make a Suitable Recommendation
No one knows teeth like dentists, and your oral health professional is qualified to recommend an appropriate way to help you achieve a brighter smile. While they may approve of a trusted store-bought product, the best way to brighten your smile will probably be professional teeth whitening treatment. This will come in the form of an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed in about two weeks, and either one will deliver significant results.
Don’t let an ill-advised teeth whitening scheme wreck your oral health. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve your ideal smile.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rose earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and has completed the curriculum at the prestigious Kois Center. He is proud to serve as a member of American Dental Association, the Nevada Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His office in Las Vegas offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. To book your consultation for teeth whitening, contact his office online or dial (702) 459-8998.