There is an amazing array of teeth whitening products available over-the-counter at any grocery, department, or drug store in Philadelphia or anywhere across the country. There are whitening kinds of toothpaste, mouthwashes, rinses, pens, gels, trays, strips, systems, and even lights.
While these products may have a small impact on the color and brightness of your teeth, they can also cause damage. This is particularly true with some of the bleach-based systems that can contribute to extreme tooth and gum sensitivities and even cause irritation to the mouth and throat.
Over-use of over-the-counter bleaching products can also cause a loss of tooth enamel over time. This loss of enamel can increase the risk of tooth decay and create a more translucent look to the teeth. It can also cause discoloration or bright and darker spots that cannot be corrected. Keep in mind, that both over-the-counter home treatments and whitening processes by the dentist will not brighten or whiten crowns or other types of existing dental work.
Your Dentist and Teeth Whitening
Dentists use a more concentrated formulation of bleach that is applied correctly and used under very precise conditions. This includes protecting the gums and keeping the bleaching solution in place, eliminating gum and mouth irritation concerns.
Your dentist in Philadelphia will also talk to you in advance about any tooth sensitivities, allowing the dentist to choose the correct formulation and concentration of solution to avoid these problems after the treatment.
In most cases, the dentist will schedule tooth cleaning prior to whitening. This enhances the results of the process while also ensuring that gums and teeth are suitable for bleaching before getting started.
At Absolute Smile, our dentists in Philadelphia can discuss your options for teeth whitening based on your oral health and goals.
