Many people are bothered by the stains on their teeth. You may be the same, but is there anything you can do about it? It’s normal to pull up a search engine and look for ways to get a brighter smile. As you look at the various do-it-yourself hacks out there, you might be tempted to try them out yourself. However, many of them can be quite harmful. Here’s how and a safe, effective way you can get to a gorgeous grin.
Why Are DIY Hacks Dangerous for My Smile?
The DIY hacks you’ve seen likely promise the transformative results you want, but they aren’t all fine and dandy. This is the truth behind popular whitening methods you might’ve come across:
- Activated charcoal, whether in a product or powder, is abrasive against your enamel. It can wear this layer down, maybe giving you a one- or two-shade difference, but also sensitivity as well. Not only that, but you may also expose your dentin, leading to a yellow, dull, or gray look.
- Over-the-counter items are designed to be one-size-fits-all, but every smile is unique. Strips that fit one person may not fit you. When the bleaching gel gets where it’s not supposed to, it can lead to irritation. The concentration is also low, so you may only get a shade brighter after weeks of consistent use, even when following the directions to a T.
- Hydrogen peroxide is often an ingredient used in professional whitening, but it’s effective and reliable because dentists have the training to safely apply it. If you do it yourself, then you can leave it on for too long and impact your gum and enamel health, leading to discomfort.
Is There a Safer Way to Brighten My Smile?
While DIY hacks may not be what they seem, there is an option that can avoid complications and give you more noticeable results. That is professional whitening from your dentist!
You can get this treatment in-office, where your provider will first protect your lips and gums and then apply a high-quality bleaching gel. It will penetrate your enamel and break down stains on and within it. After about an hour visit, you can get up to an eight-shade difference.
Take-home kits from your dentist may also be an option, but they are just as safe and effective. You will put the same concentrated gel on custom trays and wear them for a specified amount of time for two weeks. Afterward, you can get similar results in the convenience of your own home.
In the end, don’t get disappointed or harm your oral health with DIY hacks. Your dentist is here to get you to the noticeably brighter smile you want while keeping it strong and effective.
About the Practice
At Washington Dental Associates, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your grin. We are dedicated to helping the Bergenfield community get the aesthetic set of teeth they deserve with reliable treatments like professional whitening. By customizing your service, we can get you to results you feel your best in. If you want to ditch DIY hacks, schedule an appointment or call our office at (201) 453-4863.