Possible Side Effects of OTC Teeth Whitening Products
There are many people who are not happy with their smile. They shy away from getting clicked and socializing. These people look for ways to whiten their teeth. If you explore the options, the OTC whitening products will appear to be the easiest and quickest way of whitening your teeth for any upcoming special occasion or event, but the fact is that these whitening products have several side effects, says the dentist near 77450.
It has been said by the dental experts that the professional teeth whitening performed in the dental clinic are by far the best ways of getting your stained or discolored teeth whitened. However, people perceive the procedure to be time-consuming and expensive which is why they look for OTC whitening products, says the Katy dentist.
The fact is that people are not aware of the issues associated with OTC products. They may appear to be a cheap and effective solution, but the fact is far away from what people perceive. Let’s have a look at some of the common problems caused by over the counter whitening products and kits:
- Ineffective Results
If you use whitening toothpaste or kits available at the drug store, they won’t have the whitening agent as effective as the dentists have. The professional-grade whitening agent can’t be sold without a prescription. The bleaching agents found in the store are diluted versions. Thus, when you apply them, the results are seldom satisfactory. Even if they whiten the teeth, it may take a long time and the shade won’t be as light as you were expecting to be.
- Damage to Gums
According to the dentist in Katy TX, the whitening kits available in the market work on a one-size-fits-all approach. The bleaching is designed to work with your teeth. It is designed to lift the stains off the enamel which means that it should not come in contact with your gums. If the trays are not custom-made, they will come in contact with your gums which will make your gums irritated and damaged. This is a major drawback of OTC kits which you can overcome only with professional kits as they are custom-made only for you.
- No Supervision
Unlike the dentist’s office near you, there is no one at home to guide you and supervise the process. All you can do is rely on the information given in the tiny pamphlets which can be confusing. When this is combined with ill-fitting trays, the procedure turns out to be a failure and a big disappointment.
- Enamel Erosion
Another side effect of OTC Teeth Whitening products is enamel erosion. The enamel is the outer layer of the teeth which protects the nerves inside. The enamel helps in protecting against bacteria and cavities. Without enamel, the teeth become weaker and vulnerable to decay. When you use a whitening product that is not prescribed to you by the dentist, you put your enamel at risk. The bleaching agents when left for too long or the charcoal paste can damage your enamel than doing any good.
If you are looking for teeth whitening, you must go for a professional whitening treatment without a doubt. These treatments are quite effective and offer up to 8 shades lighter teeth. They are safe and quick. When you use a professional tooth whitening product/ treatment, you won’t face such risks. The dentist will supervise the procedure if it is being performed in the clinic.
In the case of at-home treatments, the dentist will take an impression of your mouth and offer a custom-made whitening kit to you. The kit will offer an even and beautiful smile without any side –effects. The dentist will discuss the shade of white that you are expecting so that the treatment can be designed accordingly. Only professional products are used which means there is no risk of damage to your gums and enamel.
If you wish to achieve a bright smile before a special occasion such as wedding, engagement, graduation, or interview, schedule an appointment with a dentist near you for his consultation and suggestions. He can suggest the right treatment for your discolored and stained teeth according to your expected whitening goals.