There’s “more than one way to skin a cat,” as the saying goes, and there’s more than one way to whiten your teeth! You could, for example, go to the store for an off-the-shelf whitening kit, or you could receive a customized kit from your dentist.
The price of store bought products might be attractive, but there are some pretty good reasons why it’s generally better to go pro. To learn why your dentist’s methods are better than store-bought, keep reading.
Safety in Customization
For one thing, professional, customized whitening kits are safer for your teeth. Ingredients used in store-bought products are abrasive enough to wear down your enamel when used too frequently. Since the trays are mass-produced, there’s also a risk the whitening gel can make contact with your gums, causing irritation.
Your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth before proceeding with any dental treatment and will customize your trays to fit your teeth properly. They also know how to use gels without harming your dental layers. Thanks to their knowledge and guidance, you can brighten your smile without sacrificing your enamel or gum health!
Effectiveness in Skill
Generally, store-bought products don’t whiten teeth all that significantly. Patients often find that the results are almost unnoticeable, even after six weeks or more. Part of this has to do with the mass-produced trays – and the other part has to do with the concentration of the whitening gel.
If your whitening trays don’t fit quite right, it’s possible the gel won’t sit on your teeth like it should, resulting in an ineffective treatment. A little customization can fix this, and as medical professionals, dentists are FDA approved to administer stronger gel concentrations for better stain removal. Basically, with your dentist, you get a treatment that’s right for you and your smile instead of a one-size-fits-all solution!
Conclusion
It’s true that store-bought whitening products are generally less expensive than professional methods, but you get what you pay for. Cheap whitening will yield cheap-looking results and potentially harm your oral health. In your dentist’s care, though, you can rest assured that your teeth will be whitening safely and effectively!
About the Practice
At Dental Group West, we have four skilled and compassionate dentists on-staff who would love to help you brighten your smile. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Poole are especially passionate about cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening. If you have questions or concerns about our take-home kits, don’t hesitate to give our office a call at 419-539-2168.