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Walk down any pharmacy aisle and you’ll see shelves full of teeth whitening products – strips, pens, toothpastes, trays, and even LED kits all promising a brighter, whiter smile. While these over-the-counter (OTC) options may seem convenient and affordable, many patients are left disappointed with the results. In this post, you’ll learn why these store-bought solutions often don’t live up to the hype and why professional whitening is worth considering instead.
How Teeth Whiteners Work
First, let’s build some context around teeth whiteners and how they work.
If you’ve ever tackled a fresh stain with club soda or picked up a cleaner labeled with “oxy-,” you’ve already seen how oxygen can lift pigment-based stains. Hydrogen peroxide works in similar ways in teeth. In gel form, it releases oxygen deep into the enamel’s structure, breaking down discoloration caused by food, drinks, and tobacco.
The effectiveness of teeth whitening products depends on three key factors:
- Strength: What is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide being used?
- Stability: Has the peroxide been stored in a way that maintains its effectiveness?
- Application: How effectively is the gel applied to ensure it targets and removes stains thoroughly?
OTC Products Have a Lower Concentration of Whitening Agents
The main ingredient in most whitening products is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. However, OTC products contain much lower concentrations of these whitening agents compared to what your dentist can offer. This means the results are often minimal and take much longer to appear – if they appear at all.
In contrast, professional treatments contain higher, dentist-approved levels of whitening agents, allowing for more effective and longer-lasting results in less time.
OTC Whitening Products Don’t Go Beneath the Surface
Most OTC whiteners only tackle shallow stains. While this might slightly improve the appearance of your teeth, it doesn’t reach the deeper layers of enamel where more stubborn discoloration resides. Professional whitening systems penetrate beneath the surface for a more noticeable, longer-lasting transformation.
OTC Whitening Products May Increase Risk of Sensitivity or Damage
Many people assume that because a product is sold over the counter, it’s completely safe. But misusing whitening strips or using them too often can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or even enamel damage. Without professional guidance, it’s easy to overdo it.
When you whiten your teeth under the care of a dentist, they monitor your treatment closely, minimizing side effects and protecting the health of your smile. If your dentist offers take-home whitening kits, they will give clear instructions on what to do.
Leave it to the Pros
Professional whitening is best left to a dentist. With the at-home treatment, you will visit the dentist for an appointment so the trays can be customized to the patient’s unique mouth. Then, the patient receives instructions on how to put the whitening solution into the trays, how long to wear them, and other important information. When the trays arrive, the patient executes the treatment themselves for two weeks for optimal whitening.
While you may be tempted to grab a quick alternative from your pharmacy in the hopes of attaining whiter teeth, these products simply lack the power of teeth whitening by a professional. Dentists have better products and tools at their disposal, not to mention years of advanced training. Don’t go for middling, short-term results – schedule an appointment with your dentist today for professional whitening.
About the Practice
If you’d like to improve the appearance of your smile and your overall oral health, our team at Brush Dental offers a number of cosmetic solutions for you, including porcelain veneers, at-home teeth whitening, metal-free dental crowns, and dental bonding! We cater to patients of all ages and offer convenient hours in the evenings and weekends, so you don’t have to miss work or school. Ready to upgrade your smile? Contact us today for an appointment at our Royse City office at (469) 723-4000 or visit our website.
