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One of the first things a person notices about you during your first interaction is your smile. But, almost every day, people consume things that have the potential to stain their teeth, such as coffee, red wine, and cigarettes. Given that, it’s no surprise that the teeth whitening industry is flourishing. The global market of tooth whitening is forecasted to grow to $8.21 billion by 2026. The satisfaction of removing stained and discolored teeth contributes vastly to these numbers, as a bright and healthy smile can help you feel about yourself and boost your confidence.
The rise in demand for teeth whitening products on the market can make it challenging for people to choose the right product. Some people may prefer an over-the-counter whitening treatment as it may seem more affordable. However, it’s essential to understand what you’re paying for and the effectiveness of the treatment you choose.
Effectiveness of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
Toothpaste & Mouthwash
Whether or not teeth whitening is a worthwhile investment depends on your desired results. Although over-the-counter toothpaste and mouthwash can serve their purposes, they may provide minimal results.
Over-the-counter products also have limitations when attempting to reach the back teeth. They’re more likely to focus on the front teeth. So you may need to decide based on your desired treatment area.
Whitening Strips
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash can be effective, but studies reveal that whitening strips help you achieve the desired result faster. You can expect significant results if you constantly use whitening strips.
While they’re more effective in whitening your teeth than over-the-counter toothpaste, they still don’t compare to the results of professional treatments. The active ingredients in these strips are less intense since manufacturers must ensure their whitening agents are safe for home use.
You may need to use the strips for months to achieve the results you’ll likely get in one professional whitening session. Aside from prolonged use, you also must ensure that the whitening trays or strips perfectly fit your teeth. Otherwise, the whitening effect would be uneven. This means there would be areas that would appear darker than others.
On top of that, the risks of overuse and exposure to enamel-damaging chemicals are high without a dentist’s supervision. If you’re satisfied with minimal and milder results over a prolonged period, you can forego professional whitening. But if you want more, look into what it can do for you.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Consider the benefits of professional teeth whitening when choosing between a dental clinic and over-the-counter solutions.
Quick & Dramatic Results
You can only have a definite answer to whether or not professional teeth whitening is worth it if you know the difference it makes on your pearly whites. If you want to see quick and dramatic results while keeping natural-looking teeth, opt for professional teeth whitening services offered by a credible local dentist, such as Kosterdentureclinic.ca, where you can get both denture and teeth whitening.
Customized Treatment
A professional clinic with extensive experience can create custom whitening trays suitable for your teeth alignment and unique jaw structure. This will give every tooth the maximum dosage of whitening agents in every procedure.
Better Safety Measures
You can rest assured that your teeth will remain safe even if your dentist applies a more potent dosage of the active whitening agents, as they have the necessary skills to ensure that the procedure is safe for you. A dental professional will also protect your gums from the bleaching agent, which isn’t possible with an at-home solution.
Reliable Treatments
When you purchase a teeth whitening kit from the store, there’s no way for you to determine if the product is worthwhile. On the other hand, a dental professional can show you photo samples of past work to help you understand the quality of their work. You also have the option to read online reviews and testimonials about the clinic, allowing you to make a more informed decision.
Removal of Stubborn Stains
Although over-the-counter whitening treatments might be able to lighten your teeth, they may not be able to target stubborn stains. Some people have strong stains that form on their teeth over several years. You may also have stains deep into the enamel, like fluorosis or tetracycline stains. However, teeth whitening solutions available at a drug store have a low concentration of peroxide, reducing their ability to target tough stains.
A dental professional can customize your treatment to remove the stains and give your teeth an overall brighter appearance as they can access more robust solutions.
Results Will Last Longer
The results of over-the-counter whitening treatment may not last long as the ingredients used aren’t strong. However, a dental professional can provide a more practical solution as the results from their treatment are likely to last a long time. You may have to revisit the clinic for repeat treatments, as certain lifestyle habits, such as coffee or wine stains, can reduce the treatment effects. But, the results from a dental professional will not require as frequent treatments as may be required with an over-the-counter solution.
Receive Professional Opinion
When you visit a dental professional, they will examine your teeth before they begin the whitening process. They can identify the issue and recommend necessary treatment if you have any untreated dental problems. This will ensure that you don’t damage your teeth further by seeking treatment for an existing dental problem.
Choose the Effective Option Instead of the Cheap One
Some over-the-counter productions might provide a temporary solution. However, every mouth is different, and an over-the-counter product does not provide a custom treatment. Teeth whitening treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so it can be beneficial to seek professional help to maximize results and avoid damage.
You may want to use whitening toothpaste, mouth, or strips temporarily. But prolonged use can expose your mouth to chemicals that harm your teeth and gums.
A dental professional will monitor the process every step to ensure no complications, allowing you to rest assured when seeking treatment. It might be wiser to save money to invest in professional teeth whitening and steer clear of over-the-counter products to keep your teeth healthy and white!
