4 Common Teeth Whitening Mistakes to Avoid

If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, it can be tempting to take matters into your own hands. But some at-home whitening methods just don’t work, while others can damage your smile. Here are four common mistakes that you might be making on your quest for a brighter smile:

1. Not checking with a dentist first. The best thing you can do to ensure a safe whitening experience is to talk to our Las Vegas cosmetic dentist Dr. Jorge Paez before you get started. He will look for dental health problems that could make you a poor candidate for whitening. If you have dental restorations, he may also warn you about the possibility of uneven whitening results.
2. Overdoing it with whitening strips. Whitening strips have specific directions for safe use. Wearing them too long and too often can damage your teeth. You may experience problems such as painful tooth sensitivity. If you go this route, be sure to follow the directions, and know that you may still run into some unwanted effects.
3. Brushing with strawberries, baking soda, or charcoal. A growing number of people are looking for the answer to white teeth in their kitchens. Unfortunately, many natural whitening methods are harmful and ineffective. Strawberries, for example, contain citric acid that breaks down tooth enamel, while baking soda and charcoal can scratch your enamel away. Enamel erosion makes teeth look more yellow, so it’s best to avoid these methods.
4. Using one-size-fits-all teeth whitening trays. Ill-fitting whitening trays that you buy from the store don’t always get the job done. If the tray doesn’t fit you properly, the whitening gel can leak all over the place. Not only will this cause gum irritation, but it can also mean that you don’t see results. If at-home whitening is your thing, Dr. Paez can make you a customized tray and provide professional-strength gel to go with it.

If your goal is to have a bright and beautiful smile, then scheduling an in-office treatment with the ZOOM! system is your best bet. It can whiten your teeth by six to ten shades in a single visit. Administered by our trained dentist, ZOOM! lets you achieve great results while minimizing the negative side effects of whitening.

Call 702-737-3553 today to learn more about whitening your smile. Nevada Dental Esthetics serves Summerlin, Spring Valley, and nearby Nevada locations.