Many cheap and popular over the counter or online varieties of DIY teeth whitening kits can actually cause serious and irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.
Although whitening your teeth may help to transform your appearance, perhaps knocking years off your looks, have you given any serious thought to the notion – What if it all goes wrong?
Some people do end up damaging their teeth and looking worse for it – this is the potentially shocking, costly and sometimes painful reality behind some DIY teeth whitening products.
In recent years the do-it-yourself teeth whitening kit has grown in popularity especially since photo shopped celebrities try to inspire people to get Hollywood’s latest and unrealistic looks.
The dangerous problem with these cheap and nasty teeth whitening kits is that many people see them as an affordable alternative to professional dentistry.
However if it all goes wrong the damage can sometimes be irreversible and the costs involved to fix the damage can spiral out of control.
The side effects of do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits can be blistered and/or shrinking gums – due to the high and illegal levels of whitening ingredients and hydrogen peroxide contained within the product(s).
Many Australians are unaware that most of these types of DIY teeth whitening kits have actually been made illegal in the UK. AND in both the UK and the USA it is now illegal for anyone other than a dental professional to carry out teeth whitening procedures.
Dental professionals have strict guidelines placed upon them regarding which whitening products they can use and more specifically on the strength of the gels they are allowed to apply (a gel that is too strong can burn your mouth and damage your teeth causing extreme pain and sensitivity, whereas a gel that is not strong enough will not work).
A dentist will provide a custom made tray that fits the shape of your mouth perfectly which ensures that the gel has contact with all your teeth. DIY kits do not contain custom trays and therefore are not adapted to the unique shape of your mouth and teeth, which can allow gel to seep into your mouth and onto your gums causing them to burn.
There are so many considerations to be made before whitening your teeth that only a qualified dentist can help you with. They will first check to see if you have any cavities, shrinking gums or cracked teeth and leaking fillings, which DIY whitening products can cause extreme pain if you have any of these conditions. They will also check for other dental work such as crowns or bridges, which do not bleach and can be damaged by the chemicals contained in cheap bleaching products. A dentist can assess your teeth’s suitability for whitening as well as help to manage the outcome and your expectations.
When it comes to DIY teeth whitening kits if the deal looks to good to be true, it probably is! If you are considering teeth whitening then please avoid these cheap and nasty DIY kits and make sure you see your dentist before making any costly and irreversible decisions.
Call the Dental Pod to find out about our safe and cost effective teeth whitening treatments and get a healthy smile today!
Because it’s time to think differently about your dental health…