A bright white, gleaming smile can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence! After all, there really is nothing more attractive than wearing a smile that you’re proud to show off, right? And, in today’s technologically advanced world, there are more teeth whitening products than ever before to help you to enhance and improve your smile!
But, with so many products out there, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish whether or not a product or procedure is actually safe or effective. So we’ve complied a list of 5 of the most common mistakes…
1. Failing to consult your dentist about teeth whitening
Before committing to any cosmetic dentistry procedure or trying out a new teeth-whitening product, you should always consult your dentist.
Your dentist will not only be able to pinpoint the cause of your discoloured teeth, but he/she will also be able to steer you away from products that could potentially cause you more harm than good.
Some whitening procedures and products have been known to cause long-term damage and sensitivity to both your teeth and gums. Of course, you should also be aware that some of the products you can buy over the counter will only be effective in removing surface stains, rather than tackling the underlying cause of your staining.
In extreme cases of staining, you should always opt for professional teeth whitening treatments, as this will allow you to get the best possible results.
2. Failing to visit the hygienist
If you’ve already invested in a teeth-whitening treatment or are considering it for the first time, it’s essential that you recognise the importance of visiting your dental hygienist for teeth cleaning on a regular basis.
This is because plaque and tarter can build up on your teeth over time, making it difficult for the teeth whitening gel to reach the actual tooth. As soon as the tartar and plaque has been removed, you should instantly notice a difference in the look and feel of your teeth.
3. Relying on over the counter teeth whitening products
The teeth-whitening products you need will depend very much upon your individual circumstances, as not all products are suitable for everyone! So you should never be influenced by other people’s experiences of using a particular product.
It’s also worth pointing out that, although many over the counter products are extremely effective, others will do very little at all and can even cause damage to your teeth and gums.
4. Using one-size-fits-all trays
Firstly, everyone’s teeth are entirely different shapes and sizes, meaning that no one-size-fits-all tray will allow you to achieve optimum results.
And the one-size fits all trays that are available over the counter tend not to fit the shape of your teeth properly, meaning the results are negatively affected. But’s that’s not all, a poorly fitted tray that does not make contact with your teeth can end up bleaching your gums and causing irritation.
Instead, if you’re considering this method of treatment, you should always visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening. As part of this service, you will receive custom-made trays that have been specially designed to ensure that the whitening gel does not make contact with your gums. Of course, your dentist will also use a far more powerful bleaching agent containing higher concentrations of active ingredients.
5. Forgetting to maintain your teeth whitening
A common mistake that many people make is failing to maintain their new smile after completing whitening sessions. Many people assume that they don’t have to do anything at all when it comes to keeping their newly whitened teeth looking and feeling happy, healthy and clean!
In order to keep your freshly brightened smile gleaming white, you should think about what actually made your smile stained in the first place and avoid these contributing factors. So, if you’re a smoker, a coffee drinking, or enjoy other foods and beverages that are notorious for causing staining, you should make a conscious effort to remove them from your diet!