Everyone wants to feel confident about their appearance, and a bright smile is usually near the top of the list. Fortunately, there are simple cosmetic options that can help you get the dazzling shade you've been dreaming of. However, while there are plenty of whitening treatments in drugstores and supermarket aisles, visiting a dentist for a professional procedure is the smart choice. Here's a closer look at store-bought whitening kits and in-office procedures.

Store-Bought Kits Come With Drawbacks

Although mass-market kits are highly accessible in local stores, many users experience disappointment when they don't get the results they're looking for. Not only are store-bought kits less effective, but they can also be harmful to your oral health. The peroxides in the whitening formula of these strips or cells can come in contact with sensitive gum tissue and cause irritation. 

Additionally, whitening agents with sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide can end up causing enamel erosion, exposing the dentin, the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel. Dentin has a yellowish hue that makes your teeth look even more discolored, but more importantly, it can also cause painful tooth sensitivity. Lastly, a store-bought kit doesn't involve your dentist in the process, so you may end up applying a whitening agent to damaged areas of teeth, which can exacerbate existing oral issues. 

Professionally Approved Products Are Safer and More Effective

The benefits of using a professional whitening method are centered around personalized care. The product your dentist recommends will be beneficial for your mouth's needs, which eliminates any concerns about gum tissue damage and the integrity of your teeth. You'll also have the guidance of your dentist to ensure any oral issues can be resolved prior to the whitening treatment. 

This is a significant improvement over the one-size-fits-all approach of store-bought products. The potent professional-grade ingredients also allow for noticeable results in a shorter period, which takes the guesswork out of the equation when you're preparing for a wedding or another special event. 

If you need a reliable dentist for the whole family, turn to Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien, P.C., and Waukon Dental for high-quality general and cosmetic dental services. These experienced teams assist families with a range of treatments and procedures, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and oral exams, at three convenient locations. Visit Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien, P.C., Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, and Waukon Dental online today.