06
Dec
The risks of over-the-counter teeth whitening products
You see them all the time — over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening kits are sold in every grocery and drug store. From whitening strips and toothpaste to treatments that rely on stronger chemicals, there is a very diverse line of products to choose from. These products are incredibly popular, yet they don’t provide you with the same results as professional teeth whitening. Patients in the Devonshire, Bermuda area looking to get whiter teeth will achieve dazzling results when choosing Positive Image Dental. At our practice, Drs. Ian Campbell, Christopher Allington, and Lara Loescher provide safe and effective teeth whitening treatments.
One big drawback of choosing OTC whitening kits is that you miss out on professional guidance. The packaging may promise whiter teeth in just 4 to 14 days, but there are particular risks in choosing a treatment that doesn’t involve getting a professional opinion.
Overuse
When carrying out whitening treatments on your own, it is easy to overuse the bleaching agents in hopes that you will get better results. The truth is that these OTC products can only be effective to an extent as they are not professional-grade. Overusing bleaching agents can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, worn enamel, decay, and other issues. If you are seeking brilliant results, reach out to your dentist for a whitening treatment.
Burns
Bleaching kits from your local store offer a one-size-fits-all treatment, so the whitening trays that come with it are not custom-fitted for your mouth. As a result, your gums could become victims of burns from bleaching agents. When you go in for a professional treatment, dental impressions are taken to create trays that fit snugly in your mouth to ensure the whitening gel is delivered uniformly over your teeth, preventing gum burns.
Allergic reactions
While a much smaller risk exists, you could have an allergic reaction to the bleaching agents used in OTC kits. Reports of swollen lips, blisters, and more have been made after using these products. Even if you choose to go for an OTC treatment, reaching out to your dentist for guidance will help minimize any risks.
If you are interested in learning more about teeth whitening treatments or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Positive Image Dental, please reach out to us at (441) 292-2312 today.
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The Positive Image Dental team comprises three doctors:
Ian Campbell, DMD graduated
from Saltus Grammar School, Mount Allison University, and McGill University Dental School. He has
over 40 years of experience in dentistry and is reputed for providing high-quality dental care in
Bermuda. Dr. Campbell is passionate about lifelong learning and staying abreast of the latest trends
in dentistry.
Christopher Allington, DMD is
an alumnus of the University of Queens, McGill Dental School, and University of Connecticut. He has
been practicing in Bermuda for over 12 years and is a member, past president, and chair of the
Bermuda Dental Association and Bermuda Dental Board. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General
Dentistry and International Congress of Oral Implantology and is registered for fellowship in the
International Association of Orthodontics.
Dr. Lara Loescher BDS, MFDS
RCSEd is a graduate of Bermuda High School and University of Bristol, a member of the Royal
College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and is completing a Masters in Aesthetic and Restorative
dentistry. She has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry, including Invisalign, for over 13
years and is interested in diabetes management.
Dr. Faraz, BSc, BDS, MA, is
passionate about all aspects of high-quality dentistry, especially endodontics and cosmetic
dentistry. His enthusiasm for cutting-edge technologies and techniques keeps him grounded in
minimally invasive dentistry.
Dr. Faraz earned his doctorate in dentistry from King’s College London in 2011 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences. He worked in Oxfordshire for ten years before moving to London to work full-time at his family practice. Dr. Faraz routinely pursues additional training to improve his skill in rebuilding exceptionally natural-looking teeth.
He gains tremendous satisfaction from supporting anxious patients in overcoming their dental phobias via his passion and patience, restoring confidence in their oral health. Dr. Faraz looks forward to serving you with all your needs while ensuring your trust is always in safe hands.