For several years I have seen Groupon and Living Social coupons lately for at home teeth whitening products. Do these really work? I’ve always wanted to have a really white smile and now it looks like I can do it affordably. The prices vary and so do the sellers so I’m not sure what I should look for to get a quality product. Are there any types of whitening that are better than other? – Gretchen M.

 

Gretchen.

At-home teeth whitening products are becoming increasingly popular. Some of the products contain as much as  35% carbamide peroxide, which is professional-strength gel.

But you need to exercise caution. There are some advantages of getting teeth whitening from your dentist, even if you decide to get a take-home kit from your dentist.

Not all stains on teeth can be removed with teeth whitening products. Depending on the cause of the stains, the bleaching gel might make the stains more noticeable. Existing dental work on your teeth needs to be checked before starting the teeth whitening process, and that should be done by a dentist.

Your dentist will be able to provide you with customized trays for your teeth. These trays will help you to avoid wasting the gel or irritating your gums with trays that don’t properly fit. Your dentist can monitor the progress of the teeth whitening and determine if adjustments need to be made.

Be cautious about the products that you use. Talk with your dentist about the coupons you’ve seen and discuss cost. Your dentist might be willing to work with your budget, so that you can get your teeth safely whitened.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.