A healthy smile is most important, but an appealing smile is also beneficial. Not only will a white, bright smile improve your appearance, but it can also help improve your self-esteem and confidence. This improved appearance and self-confidence can be beneficial in your social and professional life. Of course, having the clean, white, and attractive smile you want can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tooth whitening mistakes to avoid.

Using Whitening Toothpaste Only

If you visit your local drug or discount retailer, you will most likely see a large selection of whitening toothpastes and rinses. Although these products are effective for removing food residue and plaque, brushing and rinsing with these products will not be enough for cleaning, whitening, and brightening your smile.

If your smile still appears stained or dull in color even though you are using whitening toothpastes and rinses, consult a cosmetic dentist for a more involved whitening treatment.

Using Whitening Strips Excessively

Another common mistake many people make is using the whitening strips you can buy in stores excessively.

Because they are so available, it is easy to overuse these strips. Unfortunately, the constant use of these strips can actually wear down your tooth enamel, increasing the risk of deeper stains and even tooth decay.

In addition to overusing the whitening strips, using them improperly is also common. It is important to follow the directions fully to ensure they are effective when you DO use them. Avoid leaving the strips on for too long, for example, and do not eat or drink while wearing the strips.

Not Using a Custom Whitening Tray

Many whitening products you can buy at stores or online include a bleaching tray, which is designed to fit someone's mouth, but not YOUR mouth. Without using a custom tray, the bleaching agents are not reaching each part of your smile, reducing how effective the whitening treatment is.

Instead of relying on these whitening trays, ask your cosmetic dentist to create a custom tray and whitening solution that is not only effective, but also efficient. This will ensure you are whitening YOUR teeth and addressing your dental issues and not using a product designed for "all" consumers.

Help is available when you are ready to whiten and brighten your smile with ease. For more information on the best treatments to address your oral health and whiten your specific smile, talk to your cosmetic dentist today. 

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