The dangers of DIY teeth whitening: Professional & take-home treatment
If you’re contemplating DIY teeth whitening, there are a few important things you should understand.
While there’s been a lot of hype around DIY teeth whitening in the past few years, it does come with potential dangers and risks that you should carefully consider before going ahead. Professional teeth whitening and take-home treatments at The Practice offer different results and safety considerations, making it crucial to understand the key differences before making a decision.
What are the potential dangers of DIY teeth whitening?
While DIY teeth whitening seems appealing due to its lower cost and advertised results, there are a range of potential risks associated with this kind of treatment, including:
Sensitivity and irritation: Some DIY teeth whitening treatments can cause sensitivity and irritation due to improper use or inferior products. If you have sensitive teeth you may experience increased sensitivity when the bleaching agents come into contact with your teeth.
When not applied correctly, DIY teeth whitening products can also irritate the gums. Many DIY treatments that include trays or strips may not fit properly over your teeth, meaning the bleaching agents come into contact with your gums and irritate delicate gum tissue. This can result in redness, swelling and discomfort.
Excessive use of DIY teeth whitening products can have serious implications for your oral health. The products can weaken tooth enamel, leading to enamel erosion which results in tooth sensitivity and can make your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay. If the whitening products contain abrasive particles it can wear down the enamel, making teeth appear translucent or yellow over time and cause permanent damage.
Uneven whitening: If you don’t apply your DIY teeth whitening products correctly, you could end up with uneven whitening, with some teeth looking whiter than others.
Poor results: Often, DIY teeth whitening products are weaker than products purchased through your dentist. Because of this, your teeth may not be as white as professional treatments or the results may not last as long.
Why choose professional teeth whitening? What are the benefits?
Professional teeth whitening offered by the dentists at The Practice offers a range of advantages over DIY treatments, including:
Personalised treatment plans: At The Practice, our Brisbane dentists will assess your dental health and create a customised teeth whitening plan to achieve the best results. We’ll take into account the colour of your teeth, your lifestyle and any other dental conditions you may have to ensure we meet your expectations.
Controlled application: With our professional teeth whitening, whether it be at home or in-chair, you will receive detailed instructions personalised to your teeth. Our dentists ensure the precise application of bleaching agents to minimise any risk of uneven results or sensitivity.
Stronger bleaching agents: Our dentists use professional-grade bleaching agents that are stronger, better quality and more effective than DIY options. This will ensure optimal results without compromising your oral health.
Supervised process: Even with our take-home teeth whitening, our dentists go above and beyond to ensure a safe and controlled process to maximise results and minimise the risk of damage to teeth enamel or gums.
Teeth whitening at The Practice – West End dentist
In-Chair Whitening: Instant results
Our in-chair whitening process is a relaxing experience, allowing you to sit back and enjoy a movie in the dental chair for approximately one and a half hours. The results are instant, leaving you with noticeably whiter teeth compared to when you first walked in. The dental operator handles all the steps, making it a hassle-free and effective option for those seeking immediate results.
Take-Home Whitening: Gradual and effective
On the other hand, the take-home whitening option offers similar results but requires more time and consistency. This method involves using a custom-made whitening tray, known as a retainer, which you wear daily. The retainer holds a whitening gel that you apply to your teeth for a specific period each day over two weeks. The gradual process allows for effective and long-lasting results, but it requires dedication and patience.
While DIY teeth whitening products may promise fast results at a lower cost, professional teeth whitening will ensure your receiving personalised treatment, and stronger bleaching agents and it’s a safe and effective process. Our South Brisbane dentists have years of experience whitening teeth and offer the most innovative and effective products on the market.
To learn more about teeth whitening at The Practice, contact us online or call 07 3733 3223.
