Everyone wants a whiter smile and sometimes toothpastes and mouthwashes aren’t the answer. Another product you’ll find on the market are tooth whitening kits. Many of these kits include a tray in which the bleaching agent is dispensed and the tray is worn for a specific period of time for so many days. But, are these products safe? More importantly, can everyone get whiter teeth?

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Pros and Cons of Whitening Kits

There are many benefits to whitening kits. The first benefit is the affordability. Many of these kits can be purchased for less than $50. Another benefit is that they are easy to find. Most discount box stores carry these products. Many kits are also easy to use. Of course, there are also drawbacks. The first being that many of these products don’t work as well as they claim. Another drawback is that they can be hard to use properly. More importantly though is that these products can be dangerous to your health and your teeth. Many of these products can erode your enamel, which can lead to tooth decay.

What You Should Know About Tooth Color

Something none of these companies want you to know is that teeth color can’t always be altered. A dentist will tell you some people naturally have yellow teeth. In other words, it’s not surface stains it’s the tooth itself that has a yellowish tint. You could spend thousands trying to remove what you believe are surface stains and end up destroying your teeth.

Why You Should Visit a Dentist

There are a number of reasons why visiting a dentist’s office is a preferred method for having your teeth whitened. First of all, your dentist will be able to determine if you have surface stains or if the pigment of your teeth has a yellow tint. Another benefit is that the treatment can be done in one visit. Yes, it will be more costly, but you won’t have to worry about swallowing dangerous chemicals or damaging any dental implants or veneers you may have. These are also much stronger agents than those found in over-the-counter products. However, they are designed to protect the enamel of your teeth. Best of all, your gums and the rest of your mouth are protected from the chemicals. In one hour, the shade of your teeth can become up to 10 shades whiter.

Yes, you can certainly whiten your teeth at home, but the safety of your health and your teeth should be more important than saving a few bucks. If you’re going to whiten your teeth, visit your dentist to discuss if it’s even possible for your teeth and if so what results you can expect to see after treatment.

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