Almost everyone would like to have a whiter smile or get rid of frustrating dental stains, and your dentist can address these concerns with safe and effective teeth whitening techniques that can deliver amazing results in brief timeframes. While you may be tempted by cheaper options like store-bought whitening products or purported “do-it-yourself” techniques, there are significant oral health risks associated with these methods. Here’s why teeth whitening is always best left to a trusted oral health professional.
Don’t Give Store-Bought a Second Thought
A store-bought teeth whitening kit usually comes with a set of one-size-fits-all dental trays and retail-grade dental bleaching gel. Unfortunately, the “one-size-fits-all” trays are often too big or too small for some people, which can lead to uneven whitening results or the gums being exposed to the harsh whitening agent. Despite this risk, many users find that these kits fail to deliver noticeable results even after several months of use, which makes these treatments a bad investment.
Don’t Try DIY
Many social media influencers are recommending “do-it-yourself” teeth whitening methods that use common household products like charcoal or lemon juice to lift stubborn dental stains. While these methods may sometimes be effective ways to eliminate dental discoloration, they do so by eroding stained but otherwise healthy enamel, which makes teeth more vulnerable to infections and injuries that can lead to tooth loss.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Are Superior
Your dentist can administer a safe and effective teeth whitening treatment that can lift stubborn stains and discoloration and brighten your grin by up to eight shades in a short amount of time. These treatments can take 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. In either case, the patient can expect to achieve a shinier smile that makes it easier for them to grin proudly at business and social events.
Don’t let ill-advised teeth whitening methods lead to dental damage or unimpressive results. Trusting your cosmetic dental treatments to a qualified oral health professional will help you achieve a more beautiful smile with minimal risk of complications.
About the Practice
Dr. Annie Yu earned her dental degree at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2006 and completed an intensive postgraduate residency program at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She refines her skills further with coursework from Spear Education and the Pankey Institute. Her office in Chevy Chase offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact her office online or dial (240) 743-4421.