One of the most common questions dentists hear is, “Does over-the-counter teeth whitening work?” While the worldwide industry for store-bought whitening products is estimated at an astounding 3.2 billion dollars, high sales don’t mean that these products provide great results! If you’re interested in erasing years of stains and discoloration and having a beautiful white smile, keep reading to find out how to get the best results from the start.
Is Over-the-Counter Whitening as Good as Professional Whitening?
Simply put…no! There are a couple of main reasons why professional whitening delivers superior results:
- You’re working with a professional – Your smile is just as unique as you are. By working with an experienced cosmetic dentist, you’ll be sure that you’re getting the best treatment for For example, if you have a lot of dental fillings or crowns, tetracycline staining, fluorosis, or developmental enamel defects, you simply won’t get the results you want from an over-the-counter product. With a professional’s guidance, you won’t spend money on something that doesn’t work great the first time.
- Professional products are stronger – The Food and Drug Administration regulates the strength of store-bought products. A dentist is licensed to provide higher concentrations that are also safe and gentle for your enamel. Professional whitening also contains ingredients that minimize the temporary cold sensitivity some people get.
Multiple Professional Options For Everyone
Look for a cosmetic dentist who offers several different types of professional whitening. With multiple options, one is sure to fit your needs:
- Pre-filled trays – This option is great for people with milder stains and discoloration. You’ll wear these disposable, one-size-fits-all trays for 20 minutes at a time for 10 consecutive days.
- Custom-made trays – With custom-made trays, you can re-use them for many years and touch up your results as often as you’d like. For your initial treatment, you’ll wear them at home for 4-8 hours a day (or overnight for best results) for about 10-14 days.
- Icon whitening – An Icon treatment is excellent for stubborn white spots or other types of more severe staining. A dentist will remove a small amount of surface enamel before applying whitening gel to the teeth. This gives your smile a smooth, uniform, beautifully white appearance.
To find out which choice is best, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. After assessing your needs, they’ll create the perfect treatment plan for you.
Ultimately, seeing a dentist is your best bet for safe, reliable teeth whitening. With their help, you’ll avoid the disappointment that can come with over-the-counter products and achieve the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft is an award-winning general and cosmetic dentist who completed her residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She’s seen firsthand how whitening enhances her patients’ self-image and provides multiple professional options to fit everyone’s needs. If you’ve been wanting to brighten your smile and have any questions, she can be reached via her website.