If you're like most people, you would love to have a brighter and more radiant smile. Fortunately, there are plenty of teeth whitening options out there that can deliver noticeable results and help you achieve a more confident smile. Before you decide to whiten your teeth, however, make sure you're aware of some common teeth whitening mistakes and how to avoid them.
Overlooking Professional Whitening
While store-bought whitening kits have come a long way in recent years, professional whitening is still the best way to go if you want instantly noticeable results. Dentists have access to the strongest whitening agent that simply cannot be found in store-bought kits, and the results tend to last longer. Before you decide to go the at-home route, at least take some time to price out your options at a reputable dentist.
Leaving Whitening Strips on Too Long
If you decide to use whitening strips to whiten your teeth, be sure to follow the package instructions carefully--especially when it comes to how long the strips can be safely left on the teeth. Leaving strips on for longer than the recommended time period will not yield whiter teeth and may actually cause permanent damage to your enamel, which could lead to more sensitive teeth and other problems down the road.
Allowing Whitening Agent to Touch Gums
If you decide to whiten your teeth at home, you'll also need to exercise special caution when applying whitening agent so that you don't end up with any on your gums. If whitening agent comes into contact with your gums, you could end up with chemical burns or other side effects, such as sensitivity and soreness. Having your whitening done by a professional will ensure that your gums are properly protected.
Failing to Maintain Whitening Results
The results of teeth whitening won't last forever, but you can prolong the results by using a whitening toothpaste daily and avoiding foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth, such as red wines, coffees, and berries. Unfortunately, if you don't go out of your way to maintain results, you could end up with discolored or yellowed teeth within just a couple of months. Fortunately, it is usually safe to whiten your teeth a couple times per year, so long as you're using a quality product and following the instructions.
By avoiding these common teeth whitening mistakes, you'll be well on your way to a brighter smile! For more information, talk to a professional like Pike Dentistry.
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