Why Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Often Falls Short
We’ve all seen the endless aisle of whitening toothpastes, strips, pens, and more available for purchase while shopping. Many end up being just okay, a few are great, and some are downright a waste of time. If you’re tired of messing with over-the-counter teeth whitening options, our Jackson, MI, cosmetic dentists have what you need.
Here’s what you need to know about professional teeth whitening and why it reigns superior over products found at the store.
Should I Whiten My Teeth?
The answer to this question comes down to whether or not you’re satisfied with the current shade of your smile. If your response is no, our cosmetic dentists are here to help with in-office and at-home teeth whitening.
For those who prefer to have our team oversee the entire process, we offer Zoom and KöR whitening inside our Jackson dental office. Either option can be completed in one visit with dramatic results. Whereas KöR uses a high-potency, refrigerated whitening gel to minimize tooth sensitivity, Zoom uses an LED light to speed up oxidation and whiten teeth faster.
Learn More → 5 Reasons Why You May Benefit From Teeth Whitening
Our dentists also want you to have the choice to gradually brighten your smile in the comfort of your own home which is why we also offer custom teeth whitening trays and Zoom gel. We will provide you with all of the supplies you need and detailed instructions on what to do. Depending on your desired shade, this may take several weeks to complete.
Keep in mind that teeth whitening is not effective for:
- Capped teeth with dental crowns
- Teeth with active cavities
- Patients with overly sensitive teeth
- Severe discoloration (porcelain veneers may be recommended instead)
Compared to Other Products, Professional Teeth Whitening:
1) Is Easier to Use and More Controlled
When you buy something like teeth whitening strips, it can be hard to know how much of a particular whitening agent is included in each individual use. It’s quite the opposite with the teeth whitening treatments we provide. Our dentists know exactly how powerful each application is, whether in-office or at-home.
There’s also no fussing with a sloppy kit that is made for the general public, not just you. Our whitening trays are molded from your teeth so they fit perfectly and the professional-grade whitening gel we provide gets the job done while remaining safe. We also include easy to follow instructions so there’s no mistaking what you need to do.
2) Produces Long-Lasting Results
It’s not uncommon for patients to tell us that they’ve been using whitening toothpaste for a month only to notice little to no difference. On the other hand, if decent results are accomplished, they often don’t last for long.
Our two forms of treatment contain a higher concentration of teeth whitening ingredients from the start to ensure your smile stays bright for much longer than any over-the-counter product. Some patients are satisfied after just one session whereas others prefer a few visits to achieve their desired shade.
3) Is Highly Regulated and Proven Safe
While some are approved by the American Dental Association, a large amount of the teeth whitening products on the market today are not well regulated. Ingredients are not always specified, the strength of each ingredient isn’t known, and some make grand promises such as “immediate results”.
Over-the-counter products also require you to use them more due to the lower concentration gels. This can lead to overuse which long-term, can prove harmful. This is not the case with the teeth whitening courtesy of our dentists. We monitor every part of the whitening process and would not offer what we do if it was not safe for our patients.
Achieve Your Whiter Smile Today
If you’re ready for a smile free of discoloration that you can show off, let’s discuss! Our cosmetic dentists in Jackson, MI, offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatment for you to choose from. All you need to do is call The Dental Experience at (517) 787-5367 and request an appointment to get started.
This blog post has been updated.