Everyone around the world wishes to have the brightest, most gorgeous smile out there but often find themselves asking what the best way to achieve it is. Professional teeth whitening is the gold standard of brighter smiles but does at home do it yourself (DIY) whitening kits have the same effect as if you were to go to a dentist?

About  32% of people say that they’re extremely concerned about the look of their teeth and often find themselves hiding their teeth in photos. At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, we want you to be happy and proud of your smile, but we also want you to do so safely. When it comes to your Beautiful Smile teeth whitening options, you can either come to the dental clinic or do it your own, but which of these two are more effective and safe?

Differences Between Teeth Whitening & Teeth Cleaning

It is easy to confuse teeth cleaning with teeth whitening because they are both done for a brighter, healthier smile. Both procedures enhance self-esteem and promote good oral health and hygiene. Though these are similarities, they are completely different treatments. The significant difference between the two is that teeth cleaning is designed to remove plaque and tartar, while teeth cleaning is meant to remove stains and yellowness to create a brighter smile. Other differences are:

Time

The difference of times for achieving a bright white smile is drastically different between at-home whitening and at the dentist. When you go to Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, you may spend 1 to 2 hours, but you leave with teeth at least 8 shades whiter. DIY teeth whitening takes at least 1-2 hours a day for a week, and the shade is only 4-6 shades whiter.

Longevity

Since a professional cleaning targets deeper below the surface than at-home kits, they tend to last longer.

Causes of Discolored Teeth

Over time it is natural for there to be a change in the color of the teeth. There are a variety of different factors that can cause this; some of the culprits are the following:

What You Eat and Drink

Your diet plays a huge role in the color of your teeth. If you are eating or drinking sweets, coffee, and red wine in excess, their deep color pigments can attach to the enamel in your teeth, causing severe discoloration and staining. Try to limit the amount of these foods you are eating, brush at least twice a day, and you should be good!

Tobacco Use

Nicotine and tar are the main chemicals in all tobacco products, so it is understandable why it has a serious effect on the look of teeth. If you are a heavy smoker, the nicotine mixed with oxygen produces a yellow substance that coats the teeth.

Age

Sometimes no matter what you do, your teeth naturally become a little bit yellower over time. Below tooth enamel is dentin, which is yellowish in nature. As you age, the dentin becomes a little bit more visible, taking away from the regular whiteness.

DIY Teeth Whitening Facts

Fact #1: Natural whitening techniques are always better

The best way to maintain a sparkling smile is to prevent staining your teeth

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Use an ADA approved whitening toothpaste
• Floss your teeth once a day
• Don’t drink too much coffee, tea, and red wine
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings

Fact #2: Teeth whitening methods such as using lemon and baking soda are dangerous

A 2008 study found lemon juice is corrosive to tooth enamel. So though it may give you a brighter smile for a period of time, it is actually worsening the condition and health of your smile.

Fact#3: DIY Tooth whitening kits are less expensive

Yes, tooth whitening kits are less expensive, but is it worth it? DIY teeth whitening kits take more time and require to be applied more often.

Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can be done safely and still be effective, but using the wrong kit or the wrong method can lead to permanent and persistent tooth damage. Not only are whitening kits sold over the counter and require no medical prescriptions, but they are also done without the help of a dentist. When done at home, you run the risk of

• Tooth sensitivity
• Softening the surface of the teeth
• Gum irritation
• Damage to tooth restoration
• Undesirable shading

Book an appointment by contacting Beautiful Smiles Dental Center for exceptional, highly reviewed teeth whitening services in Gurnee, IL.