Have you noticed your smile looks more stained than it did in the past? You might start to feel self-conscious about it, so you look online for simple, easy things you can do. You get results and videos of do-it-yourself hacks that promise to brighten your grin in a couple of easy steps. While you might be tempted to try them out, they can cause trouble if you aren’t careful. Here’s how and a safer method to get aesthetic teeth.
What Makes DIY Whitening Hacks Harmful?
DIY whitening can seem like it’ll transform your smile, but it’s not as simple as getting the results you want. In fact, many methods you might come across can be dangerous in some cases. This is a breakdown of popular ones that many people see:
- Activated Charcoal: Whether in toothpaste or a powder, it’s abrasive and wears down your enamel. This will remove surface stains to give you a one- to two-shade difference, but it can also lead to sensitivity. The more you use it, the more your dentin can also become exposed, giving you a dull yellow or gray look.
- Over-the-Counter Products: These are one-size-fits-all, but every grin is different. It may be harder for you to effectively apply any strips and the like, potentially leading to gum irritation as the bleaching agent may get onto the soft tissues. Even using it as directed can brighten by just a shade after weeks of consistent use.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: While this is an ingredient used in professional services, it’s safe and effective when given by an oral healthcare provider. They have the training to avoid any complications. By doing it yourself, you can use too much or leave it for too long and cause discomfort.
How Can I Get the Bright Smile I Want Safely?
While DIY hacks might not give you the dramatic results you want, a visit with your dentist can! They offer a whitening treatment that can be more effective than anything you can find in stores. That’s because they have access to higher-quality products that will give you a noticeable difference without harming your smile in the process.
You will be given a professional take-home kit that has custom-made trays you’ll fill with a concentrated bleaching gel. After wearing them for a specified amount of time, for about two weeks, you can see up to an eight-shade improvement. Your results won’t have much, if any, sensitivity at all, and you can feel your best showing off your grin.
Save your time, money, and oral health by avoiding DIY methods to get brighter teeth. By visiting your dentist, you can get the enhancements you want without any worry.
About the Practice
At Darby Creek Dental, you benefit from a skilled team of dentists who look after you and your smile. We are here to help the Marysville community get rid of dental flaws with effective treatments like professional whitening. By tailoring the plan to you, we can get you to the results you want and avoid any problems afterward. If you want a reliable fix to stains, schedule an appointment or call our office at (937) 644-8822.