Most people want a bright white smile, as it is seen as an indication of good oral health. There are multiple options available, including DIY teeth whitening kits you use at home and in-office teeth bleaching. If you are considering DIY kits, there are a few important things you should know beforehand.
Always Read the Instructions and Ingredients
Every teeth whitening kit is slightly different, so you should always carefully read the instructions before using it. You do not want to leave the solution on your teeth for longer than recommended, as this can cause damage.
You also want to pay attention to the ingredients, especially the concentration of bleach or other active ingredients. Never opt for a product with a bleach concentration above 10 percent, as this may not be safe.
Take Care When Applying Them
When using teeth whitening products, always ensure that the product properly fits your teeth. If you aren’t careful or the strips or mouthguard don’t fit your teeth properly, you can accidentally apply some to your gums. While they should heal fine if you use a safe product, they will still be irritated for a little time.
Don’t Expect Permanent Results
You should not expect permanent results from a DIY teeth whitening kit. Most kits will only whiten your teeth for about one to three months. This figure can vary, but it means that you should not see it as a long-term solution.
Talk to Your Dentist First
You may not realize it, but you should typically talk to your dentist before using a DIY whitening kit. Some people are hesitant to do this, especially if their dentist offers teeth whitening. They may be concerned that the dentist will suggest the in-office procedure instead.
In reality, most dentists put their patients’ best interests at heart. While Dr. Sharma will be honest if in-office professional whitening makes more sense for you, he will also be honest if a DIY kit can provide the results you want.
The important reason to talk to your dentist is for their advice. They will let you know if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. They can also give you more realistic expectations about the results to expect from the treatment. Dr. Sharma can even suggest specific kits or brands based on your oral health, preferences, and budget.
Know When Not to Use the Kits
As mentioned, one of the important reasons to talk to your dentist before using a DIY teeth whitening kit is to confirm that you are a good candidate for them. While many people can use these kits without a problem, that is not true for everyone.
If, for example, you have a peroxide allergy, you may want to reconsider. That is because most kits include peroxide. You will want to ask your dentist for a suggestion of one that doesn’t have peroxide.
You should also avoid these whitening kits if you have exposed roots, periodontal disease, cavities, or worn enamel. The kits may be too harsh on your mouth, so you should talk to your dentist first.
You should not use the kits if you have braces, as they will only whiten the part that they can reach, not the area under the braces. Similarly, most whitening kits won’t whiten crowns, veneers, bonding, and bridges. This can lead to uneven results, which means you should probably skip the whitening kit.
If you have more questions about teeth whitening in Chicago, you can check with our dentist today.