24 September 2018

Teeth whitening is a somewhat controversial topic in the world of dentistry. It is a popular service offered by a large number of professionals especially cosmetic dentists, but some see it as a potential health hazard if done too much or incorrectly.

Unfortunately, it is also offered by many non-professionals who are not qualified to carry out procedures. There is also a lot of misinformation on the topic on the Internet, further making it difficult to assess the situation for someone who’s interested in getting their teeth whitened. And as usual, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

DIY Kits

A quick search for teeth whitening online will reveal a huge number of DIY kits meant to be purchased and used at home. Some even have glowing reviews, but the reality is that a large number of those products can be dangerous and are not tested properly. Or, in cases where the product does work as it should, it can be harmful in the hands of an inexperienced user who doesn’t follow the instructions carefully. This is also where all the negativity about the procedure comes from, for the most part – many people who’ve suffered the consequences of a cheap DIY teeth whitening kit have taken to the Internet to complain.

Professional Treatment

There is also the option to get your teeth whitened by a dental expert, one qualified to provide this work. Stay clear of beauty salons and other non-qualified professionals. Dentists know how the procedure works and can guide you through the whole process from start to finish in a safe manner, including providing you with plenty of information and making sure you are dentally fit before the treatment. Unlike DIY kits, this approach is completely safe, as long as you make sure to use a registered dentist. Also, follow their guidelines carefully – nobody can protect you from your own self if you decide to disregard your post-treatment care instructions.

How Often Is Too Often?

There’s also the issue of frequency. Teeth whitening can start to take its toll on your teeth if you do it too much, and at some point, you risk harming their integrity. Any good dentist will warn you about that though, and they’ll never allow you to get treated multiple times in a row if the frequency of the procedures is becoming too unsafe. It’s a good idea to consult your dentist about this in advance if you are planning to get your teeth whitened for a special occasion – it’s not nice to find out that the procedure will be too risky when you’ve already made arrangements for the event.

As long as you get it done by a dental professional who knows what they’re doing and have a good reputation, teeth whitening is a great way to enhance your smile and help you gain more confidence in your everyday life. Just remember that your dentist knows far more than you, and there’s a reason you’re using their services in the first place – so don’t disregard anything they might have to say about your treatment, thinking that you know better than them simply because you’ve read a few articles online.

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