Pros, Cons and Myths: Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Home Remedies

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Are you trying to decide whether to book a cosmetic whitening treatment or pick up a box from your local store and go it alone? Here are some important points to consider before you take the plunge.

Home remedies:

Cons

It is hard to know exactly how your teeth and gums will react to these over the counter products. Overly active bleaching formulas or ill-fitting trays can cause irritation to your lips and gums. You may be unable to tell whether any discomfort you’re experiencing is normal.

Without a dental expert by your side to assist you, the decision to continue to follow the instructions on the package can be both difficult and dangerous.

Pros

These treatments are often advertised as being cheaper than professional whitening provided by a dentist. Many of them can be done from home while you go about your daily activities.

Professional whitening:

Cons

Many sources will tell you that over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions are the best because they are less expensive than a treatment performed by a dental professional. While many of the products themselves cost less than a cosmetic tteeth whitening appointment, the results are not necessarily guaranteed to be the same. You could be paying for a product that is no more than a diluted version of what your dentist uses, or only targets surface stains. That’s not really saving money after all!

The only way to bust open the myths surrounding the over-the-counter tooth whitening products is to ask your dentist. If your dentist gives your chosen product their tick of approval, a professional perspective can at least reassure you and tell you what to expect.

Pros

If you choose to opt for superior professional whitening in your dentist’s chair or to take home, you’re looking at a lot of pros. Your dentist can establish your full dental history and provide advice about the implications of any treatments and services you want to undertake. With their help, you can identify any underlying problems or habits that cause your tooth discolouration and staining. Knowing exactly what is going on inside your mouth can help to prolong the life of your new white smile.

Using products recommended by dental professionals will give you peace of mind and comprehensive information to ensure the lasting success of your bright new smile.

Comments

  1. I like what this article mentions about over-the-counter options being a little cheaper but also a lot less effective. It makes sense that even though a professional whitening would be costly, having it done quickly and effectively could be helpful. It’s something to keep in mind when looking at different whitening options as I don’t want it to take too long. Thanks for sharing!

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