Teeth whitening is so popular these days that most people like to think they’ve got a good handle on the subject. Unfortunately, evidence seems to suggest that a surprising number of people continue to make a number of common mistakes when going about the process.
The simple fact of the matter is that even with the very best whitening strips and DIY kits money can buy, you aren’t going to be happy with the results if you don’t get the job done right. So with this in mind, what follows is a brief overview of just a few examples of the kinds of DIY teeth whitening mistakes there’s a chance you might be making:
- Overuse Whitening Strips
First of all, it’s important to remember that when it comes to whitening strips, there is such a thing as going overboard. More specifically, every time you buy whitening strips of any kind, the product will come with specific guidelines regarding how often they can be used and how long they can be safely left on your teeth. Unfortunately, far too many people completely ignore these rules and assume that more is better. Not only can using whitening strips for too long lead to substandard results, but in some instances could also damage your teeth and gums. Long story short therefore – always follow the instructions! - Not Asking Your Dentist
There are some people for whom certain approaches to teeth whitening are entirely unsuitable. What many fail to take into account is that each and every person’s mouth is unique, which in turn means that what works for some might not work for others. In all instances therefore, one of the best ways of getting started in the first place is to simply have a chat with your dentist and discuss the available options. Whichever is the best approach to whitening your teeth, you can rest assured that they will highlight it and recommend it. By contrast, if you are not a suitable candidate for teeth whitening, they will also inform you of this. - Poor-Fitting Trays
One of the biggest problems with many DIY teeth whitening kits is the way in which they come with one-size-fits-all trays which most certainly do not fit all. They might be suitable for some mouths, but for others are completely and utterly useless. It really doesn’t matter whether the kit itself is of a genuinely outstanding quality – it isn’t going to work if the trays don’t fit properly. Which is precisely why it is a good idea to do a little homework, before deciding which kits to go with. - Relying on Whitening Products
Largely due to misleading marketing campaigns, millions of people all over the world genuinely believe that they can whiten their teeth simply by choosing a specialist toothpaste and/or mouthwash. In reality however, this isn’t the case at all. While there might be any number of whitening toothpastes and whitening mouthwash products currently available, the one thing they all have in common is that in terms of actually whitening your teeth, they simply do not work. What most people fail to realise is that these products are designed to help keep teeth whiter by helping remove residual surface stains and preventing new stains from forming. What they cannot and will not do is change the colour of your teeth to any noticeable degree whatsoever. Such products can be great when used as part of a wider stain removal and prevention regime. Nevertheless, they aren’t going to do anything in terms of whitening your teeth on their own. - Choosing the Cheapest Kits
While it’s not to say that you have to spend a fortune to take home an excellent teeth whitening kit, you nonetheless have to draw the line somewhere when it comes to quality. The reason being that if you are only willing to pick up the cheapest kits and accessories on the market from brands you’ve never heard of before, you cannot expect to achieve outstanding results. Not only this, but depending on the quality and composition of the products you purchase, there’s every chance you could in fact cause damage to your teeth and gums. Once again, it’s a good idea to speak to your dentist beforehand, in order to be pointed in the direction of the best possible products. If not, at least search for a few experts’ recommendations online. - Not Consulting Feedback
Speaking of which, one of the easiest and most effective ways of gauging the effectiveness of a teeth whitening kit before buying it is to simply see what others have had to say about it. All you need to do is look up the kit you are interested in online and see what kind of feedback and recommendations it has earned from past and present customers. This will usually tell you all you need to know, in terms of whether or not it represents the right choice for you. You’re unlikely to ever come across a kit that pleases 100% of people 100% of the time, but still. - Not Focusing on Prevention
Last but not least, there are so many people who fall into the trap of believing that teeth whitening is permanent. They seem to assume that just as soon as they have completed their chosen treatment, their teeth will remain as bright and white as can be indefinitely. Not only is this not the case, but failing to address stain prevention after whitening your teeth can lead to things once again becoming unsightly and discoloured in no time at all. As already mentioned, there are some great toothpastes and mouthwash products available that can help you hold onto your whiter smile for as long as possible. And for obvious reasons, those looking to keep their teeth immaculately white would be well advised to stay away from the kinds of foods and drinks that are notorious in terms of discoloration.