Over the last few years, social media has made over-the-counter teeth whiteners more popular. You’ve likely noticed this trend yourself. Depending on who you read, posts claim OTC whiteners give you a bright smile without the hassle of a dental visit. Said items are cost-effective, too, as store-bought products use less time and money. In truth, though, OTC whitening doesn’t work as well as many suggest; you’re better off with pro service. To learn more, here’s a summary of the faults behind teeth whitening products in Raleigh and why to see a dentist instead.
The Hype of OTC Whiteners
OTC teeth whiteners rely on two known ways to lighten pearly whites.
The first method is to bleach tooth enamel using a special gel. Things like store-bought trays, whitening strips, and kits take this approach. Applied well, these items supposedly make teeth whiter and shinier in a few days or weeks.
To remove tooth stains, the second method rubs abrasive materials over teeth. So-called “whitening” toothpaste, “whitening” gum, and “whitening” mouthwash use this process. If you apply them daily, supporters claim, your teeth will whiten in mere days.
Do They Actually Work?
In general, OTC teeth whiteners aren’t very effective. Some, frankly, risk causing tooth damage.
Consider store-bought trays, kits, and strips. They have the same bleach as pro whiteners but in far smaller amounts. For instance, the kits have as little as ten percent of the bleaching material. Meanwhile, pro whiteners hold up to forty percent. As a result, the OTC versions produce inferior outcomes.
Meanwhile, whiteners with abrasives don’t often work at all. In fact, their material is more likely to scrape away protective enamel. Doing so will expose the underlying dentin and make your teeth look more yellow.
Why to See Your Dentist Instead
Unlike OTC products, teeth whitening from a dentist is safe and highly effective.
For starters, its bleaching gel isn’t harmful. It doesn’t use abrasives or anything else that could damage enamel.
Furthermore, pro whitening has proven results born from countless testing. After just one session of it, teeth will look six to eight shades whiter!
In the end, OTC teeth whitening products in Raleigh are overhyped. That said, talk to your local dentist about treatment in the coming days.
About the Author
Dr. Brandon D. Rensch is a family dentist based in Raleigh, NC, having earned his doctorate from the Creighton University School of Dentistry. He’s also a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He specializes in comprehensive dental services, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency care. Dr. Rensch currently practices at Rensch & Laster and can be reached at his website or by phone at (919)-787-0355.
