Does Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Really Work?

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments, and it’s easy to see why. Just about everyone wishes that their smile was a little bit brighter, and take-home professional teeth whitening can give that to you from the comfort of your home.

However, some people want the results of teeth whitening without visiting the dentist, which is why over-the-counter teeth whitening has surged to prominence. You may wonder if these treatments actually work—here’s what you ought to know.

Is Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Effective?

When you get professional whitening treatment, the first thing that your dentist will do is to carefully examine your teeth for how strong they should make the bleaching solution. This allows them to give you just enough to get results while causing minimal sensitivity.

Over-the-counter whitening solutions aren’t professional-grade, naturally making them weaker and less effective than what a dentist can give you. While you might get some kind of result, it’s unlikely to be something you’d be happy with.

The Dangers of Over-the-Counter Whitening

Not only is OTC whitening usually ineffective, but it can also be dangerous. When you use a whitening solution that’s improperly attuned to your needs, it can be easy to wind up using too much of it. This can cause sensitivity for weeks after using it, something your dentist will work hard to avoid when designing a more professional kit.

There’s also the risk that you have cavities or decay which makes tooth whitening in general a bad idea. If the interior of your tooth is exposed, there’s a chance that the whitening solution could come in contact with nerve tissue. Should this happen, it’ll be deeply uncomfortable.

By going to a professional for your whitening treatment, you can be sure that the procedure will be both safe and effective.

About the Author

Dr. Bradford Plasha comes to work every day with one goal in mind: providing exceptional care to his patients in a way that will make them feel happy and comfortable. He takes immense pride in being able to provide a wide variety of services completely painlessly. Dr. Plasha received his dental degree from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and to continue his education he maintains membership in both the American Dental Association and Pennsylvania Dental Association.

If you have any questions about teeth whitening, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (484) 854-6900.