If you want a brighter, whiter smile, you’re not alone. Pragma Dental OKC hears this often from patients! Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures for adults of all ages. After all, nobody wants to reveal dull, yellow, discolored teeth when they smile.
You might be tempted to purchase a teeth whitening kit online, but DIY whitening systems don’t always deliver the results you want. Make sure you understand the key differences between DIY teeth whitening and professional teeth whitening before you make a purchase.
The Hidden Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening
It’s easy to find DIY teeth whitening kits at the grocery store or drug store, but the promises they make are often too good to be true. The truth is, these generic whitening systems often cause more harm than good.
First, DIY teeth whitening kits can be harmful to your gum tissue. The whitening strips or gel trays provided aren’t customized to your mouth, which leads to painful contact between peroxide and your gum line. Peroxide is a powerful, harsh ingredient that can burn your gum tissues if used improperly.
Second, DIY teeth whitening systems don’t deliver consistent results. They use weaker, less reliable formulas that are easily diluted by saliva in the mouth. It’s also possible that you might forget to apply the whitening gel a few times, or keep it on your teeth for an incorrect length of time. All of these variables lead to inconsistent results.
Even worse, DIY teeth whitening kits are notorious for causing tooth sensitivity. The harsh peroxide formulas used in DIY systems eat away at tooth enamel. This triggers painful sensitivity “zings” for weeks or months after whitening, especially when eating hot or cold foods.
Professional Teeth Whitening Offers Many Benefits
Professional teeth whitening eliminates the uncertainty, discomfort, and inefficiency associated with DIY whitening kits.
Professional teeth whitening in Oklahoma City offers many perks that DIY whitening simply cannot. Unlike generic store-bought whitening kits, your dentist utilizes advanced whitening products and technologies to guarantee effective, long-lasting whitening. The powerful formulas used in professional whitening aren’t available in-store or online, so your dentist is the only person who can whiten your teeth for such exceptional results.
Better yet, professional teeth whitening removes signs of stains and discoloration in a fraction of the time. Thanks to specialized whitening technology, it’s possible to brighten your smile by up to 12 shades in just one in-office appointment!
Additionally, your dentist will talk with you about what your goals and your concerns are. If you already have sensitive teeth, they may place you on an enamel repair regimen before whitening to reduce sensitivity during your treatment. This regimen can look like brushing with Sensodyne for two weeks prior to starting whitening trays. Your dentist may also shorten the time the whitening product has contact with your teeth. The point is that your Oklahoma City dentist will customize your whitening experience both before treatment and during treatment. This personalization can save patients so much discomfort while yielding the results they are looking for in the shortest amount of time.
How to Find Professional Teeth Whitening in OKC
You don’t have to look far for reliable, professional teeth whitening in Oklahoma City. The team at Pragma Dental OKC offers customized teeth whitening treatments to help patients achieve a smile they’re proud to show. Call us today to schedule your first whitening appointment.