Do off-the shelf teeth whitening systems work?

Teeth whitening systems are all different. How do you decide to go to the dentist for a teeth whitening system or you local drug store. Teeth whitening systems contain different amounts of bleach. So the question is, do off-the shelf teeth whitening systems work? You decide.

Off-the shelf teeth whitening systems have been proven to whiten teeth up to five shades white than your natural color teeth. Off-the shelf whitening systems usually have to be applied more than one or two times. Some off-the shelf whitening systems have to be applied for seven to ten days. Off-the shelf teeth whitening systems also make your teeth sensitive and can irritate your gums. Sensitivity from off-the shelf teeth whitening systems usually go away after discontinued use of the teeth whitening system.

Some off-the shelf teeth whitening systems come with trays that you put whitening gel in. You then stick the trays on your teeth like you would a mouth guard. Sometimes this is difficult because the off-the shelf teeth whitening systems come with a one fits all tray. There are some off-the shelf teeth whitening systems that you can make a cast of your teeth and then send it in to the company to have a tray manufactured to custom fit your teeth. There are also off-the shelf teeth whitening systems that have trays that you boil and bite which will make the tray form to your teeth. Off-the shelf teeth whitening systems trays are also usually bigger and bulkier than dentist made trays.  Using the trays from the off-the shelf teeth whitening systems can also cause irritation from the gel leaking out due to the fact that the trays do not fit your teeth as snuggly as they should. Also if your teeth are out of line you may not get the even color white a crossed all of your teeth. The color may very and be darker in some spots that in others. It just depends on how much you want to spend on off-the shelf teeth whitening systems.

Off-the shelf teeth whitening systems can only bleach an absorbent enamel tooth. Some people have harder or less absorbent teeth so the off-the shelf teeth whitening systems will not work on some teeth. Also leaving teeth whitening systems on to long can cause damage such as sensitivity to your teeth and gums. Also using off-the shelf teeth whitening systems too much will cause your teeth to turn a tint of blue. You teeth will become so transparent they will look a blue-gray color.

If you are going to do a off-the shelf teeth whitening system make sure to get the trays that you can be custom fit for your mouth.  Also make sure that it does contain true whitening agencies in it. Off-the shelf whitening systems can be a success as far as achieving whiter teeth. You teeth might not be as white as they would be at the dentist but they will be whiter than they started out to be.

Off-the shelf teeth whitening systems will not make the dental work you have had done whiter. For example bridges, crowns, and fillings. Dental work like the ones just mentioned will stay the same color. Even if you get your teeth bleached at the dentist office your previous dental work will stay the same.  So to get whiter teeth you can spend tons of money at the dentist or just go to your local drug store and get an off-the shelf teeth whitening system and still get whiter teeth than what you started with.
Dr. Natalie Ann Amann, DDS, and the King of Prussia Smile Center are leaders in Montgomery County cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Amann is highly experienced in Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. To get more information on how Dr. Amann can give you a brilliant smile visit the King of Prussia Smile Center or call (610) 265-3939.