The most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure in the world, teeth whitening is an easy and affordable treatment that can get rid of any discoloration on your teeth. This discoloration is caused after years of eating foods and drinking drinks that can stain the teeth. Other habits, such as smoking or drinking wine, can also cause the teeth to become discolored. To improve the look of your teeth, your smile, and your confidence, you can invest in fast and pain-free teeth whitening procedure with your trusted family dentist. However, many patients are also wondering about the use and effectiveness of over-the-counter tooth whitening products. In short, is at-home teeth whitening safe?
Is it safe to whiten your teeth at home using your own products? Or, is it better to visit your dentist for an in-office session? Our experts believe that they are totally safe to use, as long as the instructions are followed. Visit the top cosmetic dentist Glendora has to learn more about your options.
Read on to find out more about how you can whiten your teeth in the office or at home! However, for the best results, opt for the best teeth whitening treatment Glendora has at Glendora Family Dentistry.
Types of At-Home Teeth Whitening
If you have ever had your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office before, you already understand how the process work. Whitening your teeth at home can be a unique experience depending on the products you choose. There are many different ways to whiten your teeth using over-the-counter products, and they all have varying levels of effectiveness.
The most common types of at-home teeth whitening kits are as follows:
Strips and Gels
You can purchase over-the-counter tooth whitening solutions in the form of whitening strips. These are clear adhesive strips that you lay over the visible part of your teeth. These strips release a gel over time that will start to whiten your teeth. You must keep the strips on for at least 30 minutes to see the results.
You can also purchase a whitening product in pure gel form. This gel can be applied with a toothbrush or another apparatus and left on your teeth for 30 minutes at a time, up to twice per day.
Whitening Trays
Whitening trays can help you to whiten your teeth all around. Instead of just focusing on the front surface of your teeth, you can use trays to whiten all of the exposed parts of your teeth. There are trays you can purchase over the counter, although it is recommended to schedule an in-office visit for teeth whitening to ensure the cleaning can be done properly.
Does Whitening at Home Have Adverse Effects?
There are no real safety concerns when it comes to whitening your teeth at home. In a sense, at-home teeth whitening is safe. However, if you do not follow the instructions or properly apply the whitening material, you may not see any successful results.
There are those who worry about whether there are certain chemicals to be worried about. Most over-the-counter products have different ingredients than the whitening products used by dentists in the office, but neither of the products should be cause for concern.
If the whitening products are not applied correctly, you could pose a slight risk for the following adverse effects:
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Mild irritation or gingivitis
- Removal of too much mineral content on the teeth
- Damage to the nerves or pulp of the tooth
- Erosion
These adverse effects are not common and can be avoided if you follow the instructions given to you with your over-the-counter tooth whitener. If you are concerned about applying tooth whitening products on your own, a professional tooth whitening procedure may be a better option for you.
Get Your Teeth Whitened With Us Today!
You can find plenty of products at your local pharmacy that can help you whiten your teeth. There are many ways to whiten your teeth at home from gels and strips to trays and toothpaste. This practice is generally safe, although it can at times be less effective than an in-office visit.
