Why You Need to Stop Using Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips

A brighter smile can give you the confidence to go after a job promotion, ask a special someone to dinner and make you proud to show off your teeth. Teeth whitening with our cosmetic dentist can be extremely effective and help you reach the shade you’re looking for, but over-the-counter (OTC) whitening strips could cause you more harm than good.

There are three main reasons to avoid using OTC whitening methods including:

1. Uneven Whitening Results

Whitening strips you can buy at your local grocery store or pharmacy make a lot of promises. Unfortunately, the whitening agents used in these products are typically too weak to make a noticeable difference, but these agents are also more likely to be inconsistent, meaning your teeth may be whiter in some places than others. A whitening agent needs to be in contact with your teeth for at least 20 minutes, and whitening strips typically have difficulty adhering to your teeth, which can also lead to uneven results.

2. Increased Tooth Sensitivity

The whitening agents used in OTC products may also be too strong, causing your tooth enamel to erode and lead to tooth sensitivity. A professional teeth-whitening treatment at our Fort Worth office can effectively brighten your teeth while also reducing your risk of stripping enamel.

3. Gum Tissue Irritation

Over-the-counter whitening strips and trays come into contact with your gums, which can cause irritation. When you whiten your teeth at Museum Smiles with Dr. Audu, she can make sure your gum tissue and lips are protected.

OTC teeth whitening products also take several weeks to noticeably whiten your teeth. You could see a visible difference in tooth shade after just one whitening treatment with Dr. Audu, and we offer customized at-home whitening trays so you can achieve a brighter smile in the comfort of your own home.

If you’re interested in teeth whitening, please contact our cosmetic dentist in Fort Worth today at 817-870-5099 to schedule your dental exam. Museum Smiles serves patients in Fort Worth, Arlington, Keller and all of Texas.