With the myriad of whitening treatments available in the market, and the rising popularity of DIY whitening kits, it’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to over-the-counter whitening kits instead.
They’re simply more convenient.
You don’t have to go down to the dentist regularly to get your teeth whitened, or spend nearly a thousand dollars on in-clinic whitening treatments.
But remember, you should never trade your dental health for convenience. That means, seeking a qualified dental professional’s opinion. The American Dental Association recommends that one should always seek dentist-supervision and advice before starting on any kind of dental treatment.
If you’re looking for affordable and convenient whitening treatment that’s dentist-supervised, check out this medical-grade teeth-whitening product instead.
Here are a few reasons why you should always consult a dentist before starting your whitening treatment:
1. Dentists clean your teeth first - then whiten them
Dental cleaning, also known as scaling and polishing is crucial before any form of whitening treatment is carried out.
During the scaling and polishing process, your dentist will remove plaque and any stains on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that starts to form on your teeth after you eat or drink something.
As plaque coats and sticks on your teeth, this prevents the whitening gel or agent from coming into contact with your teeth – rendering any form of teeth-whitening useless.
It’s like going in the shower with your clothes still on.
Pointless.
So, make sure you visit the dentist to remove plaque from your teeth before starting any form of whitening treatment.
2. Different teeth stains need different treatments
There are a multitude of reasons that can result in your pearly whites losing their shine:
- Natural aging
- Consumption of coffee or tea
- Type of diet
- Lifestyle habits like smoking and more
Teeth stains can be categorised into two main types – extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains.
Extrinsic teeth stains are stains on the outer layer of your enamel, typically caused by the consumption of beverages like coffee, tea, and habits like smoking. Consuming dark-coloured food like curry, soy sauce, and even blueberries can result in stains on your teeth.
These stains can only be removed via certain treatment methods that are targeted to remove extrinsic stains.
Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, are stains within the inner structure of your teeth. They are often caused by the usage of certain medications, or a person’s excessive exposure to fluoride in their youth.
Whitening toothpastes and scrubs will not be effective against intrinsic stains as they occur within your teeth.
So before you start playing amateur dentist and randomly guessing which type of teeth stain you have, STOP.
Get a qualified dentist to check what type of teeth staining you have and ensure you are getting the appropriate treatment for your case.
3. Dentists need to check your teeth condition
That’s right – Your teeth need to be in the right condition before you whiten them.
If you currently have any cavities or pre-existing dental conditions, whitening your teeth may do more harm than good. Whitening agents might end up inflaming or irritating your gums and teeth instead.
Ironing out any problems in your teeth before starting any form of dental treatment will ensure that you can whiten your teeth worry-free!
4. Uneven teeth whitening is unacceptable
Whitening kits often fail to mention the fact that teeth whitening kits are not effective on tooth restorations like tooth-coloured fillings, bonded teeth, veneers, crowns or implants.
They will maintain their original shade.
So if you have had any dental work or tooth restorations done, using a whitening kit without consulting your dentist’s advice may result in your teeth being unevenly coloured:
- Your natural teeth would appear pearly white
- But your tooth restorations would still remain as the original colour of your teeth
Not pretty. Not acceptable.
If you have a single darker shaded tooth, special single-tooth whitening trays must also be manufactured to ensure that the rest of your teeth will not be affected.
Always go for dentist-supervised teeth whitening
Whitening your teeth with the supervision of your dentist can definitely help to ease most of the worries that come with teeth whitening.
Your dentist can help to diagnose your suitability for the various types of whitening treatments and recommend the most appropriate one for you. If any concerns like gum or teeth sensitivity are present, your dentist will also be able to recommend additional supplements to ensure that your teeth are not affected throughout the process.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to whiten your teeth but still want the assurance and safety that comes with dentist supervision, check out this take-home teeth whitening kit that includes a complimentary check-up at the dentist to ensure your teeth are in tip-top condition for whitening.
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