teeth whitening coupons Archives - Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Few people would turn down a chance to have whiter teeth. Very few. You finally have the opportunity to get the Hollywood-white smile you’ve always wanted. And it’s way cheaper than you’ve ever dreamed. The prices of do-it-yourself whitening kits make a bright smile more affordable than ever—especially with online coupons and offers for free whitening. But before you bite into the teeth whitening scene, there are five things you should know that can help you improve your smile and avoid damaging it.

1. What’s the cause of those stains?

Why are your teeth stained? Are you a heavy coffee, tea, or wine drinker? Do you smoke frequently? These habits can stain your teeth, and it’s likely that bleaching gel will brighten your smile. But if the cause for the stains in your teeth is medical or due to prescription drugs, bleaching them may have no effect at all. At times, it can make the stains worse.

2. What’s in your whitening gel?

Not all gels are created equal. Professional-strength teeth whitening gel from a dentist contains carbamide peroxide. Some whitening agents that claim to brighten your teeth just don’t do the job. Read the ingredients before you use the gel, and ensure it doesn’t contain anything that will irritate your lips or gums, or that will cause an allergic reaction.

3. Does the gel or kit come with instructions?

How do you use it? How long should the gel stay on your teeth? These are things you should know before you start whitening your teeth. Stronger gels usually don’t need to stay on your teeth overnight. They can make your teeth super sensitive to heat or cold, and the gel can burn your gums.

4. Custom bleaching trays make a difference

One-size-fits-all teeth whitening trays are misleading. Bleaching gel needs to stay in contact with your teeth to whiten your them. But it also needs to stay away from your gums. If the gel oozes out of the trays, ouch! Your gums will burn, baby burn. Ensure the bleaching trays you use are customized to fit your teeth.

5. Be patient

Did you know that you can actually over-bleach your teeth? The teeth whitening process should not go on and on. Follow the instructions. Whiten them for two weeks, or for the period specified in the instructions, and wait for the gel to continue to whiten before you proceed. If you whiten your teeth too much, they can dry out and become discolored.

Whitening your teeth can be done safely and successfully. The best results are supervised by a dentist. Tell your dentist that you’re thinking about getting your teeth whitened. He or she will likely offer some free advice based on the condition of your teeth that can help you consider your options and make a smart choice.

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

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.