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      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
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      • Dental Care for Your Baby
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Should I Use Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Kits?

  • April 14, 2017
  • 12:21 pm
  • Dental Education, Teeth Whitening
  • Dental Care, Teeth Whitening

Everybody wants a bright, white smile. There has probably never been a single person who took great pride in yellow or stained teeth. Avoiding smoking and drugs and moderation of sugar, coffee and wine are all things that can help preserve your bright white smile. However, we all eventually find ourselves in a fight against the natural progression of darkening teeth.

Ineffective Teeth Whitening Costs You Money

There are many over the counter products that claim to whiten your teeth, from toothpastes and mouthwashes to fancy treatments that include a light that is said to help the process. These options seem like a cheaper alternative to going to the actual dentist for teeth whitening. The problem is, the government does not regulate teeth whitening products. The companies that manufacture these products don’t have any accountability as to whether or not their products have any whitening effect at all. If you end up investing your money in over the counter teeth whitening kits that end up having no positive effect on the brightness of your smile, you aren’t really saving money.

When it comes to whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes, there’s not going to be much change unless you’re rinsing with mouthwash 6 to 9 times a day, holding it in your mouth for a few minutes and repeating daily for a few months. Even then, whitening is not a sure thing. Some white strips have a whitening effect but only cover your front 6 teeth. There are some other products that boast a teeth-whitening light, which seems to be more of a marketing ploy, as it has not been proven to contribute much to the whitening process.

Related Post: Why Professional Teeth Whitening Beats Store Bought Strips

Teeth Whitening Without Proper Dental Care is Risky

Another potential downside of whitening kits is that they are often used as a substitute for dental work. Attempting to brighten a smile that has not seen a dentist in years by use of over the counter products can cause further complications. If one of the supposed whitening agents gets into a cavity or a troubled spot in their mouth, the result could be extreme pain.

Related Post: Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures: Is Teeth Whitening Worth It?

Let a Professional Handle Your Teeth Whitening

On the contrary, if you go to your dentist for teeth whitening, they will have all of the knowledge that is needed to get you the appropriate care. Professionals have tried and true methods that produce sure results. At Parkcrest Dental Group, we offer non-invasive and effective teeth whitening. If you want to get back to your brightest, whitest smile and you want to do it in a healthy and effective way, contact Parkcrest Dental Group today for your consultation.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

More to explore

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What Is a Family Dentist & Other Family Dentistry FAQs

April 3, 2023

Family dentistry is one of our main focal points at Parkcrest Dental Group. When you choose us as your dental provider, you

Are Fillings Necessary for Baby Teeth?

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