“Too much of a good thing” is a common phrase people use when talking about eating, exercising, or technology, but can it be applied to enhancing your smile? If you mean teeth whitening, it’s possible. These store-bought products can help remove surface stains, but overuse can damage enamel, increase sensitivity, and cause other side effects. Read on to learn why professional whitening is a safer option and what you can do to ensure healthy, lasting, and smile-worthy results.
How Can Over-the-Counter Whitening Products Damage Your Teeth?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a brighter smile, but using teeth whitening products from your local drugstore too often can cause problems over time. Overuse of whitening products can erode enamel, cause tooth sensitivity, discolored edges, translucency, swollen gums, and poor oral health.
The truth is, while strips, trays, and bleaching pens remove surface stains, they don’t deliver the results you really want.
Most of these products use highly concentrated ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, and may not be FDA-approved. As a result, you risk your smile and often spend more money because the results don’t last.
Why Should You Use Professional Teeth Whitening to Brighten Your Smile?
Instead of wasting your time and money on products that may do more harm than good, consider why it’s worth investing in professional teeth whitening from a qualified cosmetic dentist.
- Customized Plan: Working with a professional ensures your treatment plan is customized based on what your teeth need. They will evaluate the severity of your stains and whether they are intrinsic or extrinsic. This determines the type of teeth whitening you will receive and the strength of the products used to whiten your smile.
- Pre-Evaluation of Your Oral Health: Not all patients are good candidates for teeth whitening. Your dentist will evaluate your smile beforehand to ensure there are no issues that need to be addressed (e.g., cavities, gum disease, etc.). If so, they will be treated before whitening is administered.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Professional whitening uses professional-grade whitening agents that remove stains above and below the enamel to ensure lasting results. These also minimize the risk of sensitivity and gum irritation because the dentist applies it in office or provides clear take-home instructions.
Don’t risk your oral health just because you want brighter teeth. Let a trusted professional handle the process so that you walk away with long-lasting results and a healthier, more radiant smile.
About the Author
Dr. Monica Boehmer earned her dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry and studied at the SPEAR Education facility, focusing on esthetics and other areas of dental care. She is considered one of the Top Dentists in Albuquerque and is committed to helping her patients regain their confidence. Offering professional in-office and take-home teeth whitening, she and our team are here to make the experience safe, easy, and enjoyable. Ready to see a brighter smile? Contact us at (505) 271-8009 to schedule an appointment.