As you consider teeth whitening, chances are you are going to run into the same dilemma that many of our patients run into: Which product to choose and how to use it? The good news is, if you are like most of our patients, you will realize that it is much easier to just come in and allow us to do all the work for you. Since there are so many choices and variables available, choosing the right solution for your teeth whitening may not be as simple as it looks. Teeth whitening has grown in popularity to the point of being a household endeavor. As a result, the market has responded with a multi-billion dollar industry in do-it-yourself and over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. Deluged with products, surrounded by fancy advertising that promises all kinds of results, and unsure what exactly you need, this describes how many of our patients feel before coming into the sanctity of their teeth whitening dentist office.
If you do try it yourself, you should remember that teeth whitening is actually a scientific process. The oxidization and release of free radicals are designed to make your teeth more transparent and hence, appear to be whiter. There are dangers with this in the form of overuse. Many patients do not know what to do if they do not get the results that they were hoping for the first time. The natural inclination and this would be a mistake, is to reuse the product repeatedly until the desired results are achieved. More often than not, this results in overuse with the consequence being highly sensitive teeth and a trip to see your dentist. There are numerous variables that should be addressed, like this one, and it is often easier just to come in and have you dentist take care of your teeth whitening needs.
There are other basic advantages that come with getting your teeth whitening done by a professional. One of the most obvious, or will become obvious as you use them, are the trays that we use for placing the whitening solution in. These trays need to fit over your teeth, allowing the solution to touch your teeth for a period of time. What you do not want is for the substance to get all over your gums and mouth, which could be sensitive and react badly to the chemicals in the solution. The challenge with over the counter products is that they are designed for the mass market, not for your individual teeth whitening needs. This means that the trays are a one size fits all or rather a one size that is supposed to fit all. This makes the process sloppy and inconsistent. On the other hand, when you come in to see a teeth whitening dentist, you know that the trays are going to be custom fabricated for your teeth. This allows for limited leakage and gives the teeth whitening solution the maximum contact with your teeth to whiten them evenly and perfectly.
