Blog Post

The Risks for Online Kits vs. Professional Whitening

a close up of a woman 's face with her tongue sticking out .

Are you constantly bombarded with ads on social media promising dazzling white teeth in just a few minutes? It's tempting, isn't it? Almost irresistible. Enthusiastic beauty and wellness influencers promote teeth whitening strips, pens, gels, lamps and toothpastes. But before you rush to click that "buy now" button, let's explore the dangers lurking behind the seemingly harmless teeth whitening methods advertised online.

In today's digital age, social media platforms have become a marketplace for all sorts of products and services, including teeth whitening kits and DIY remedies. The convenience and affordability of these products is appealing; however, the risks associated with using them can far outweigh the benefits.

At Duxton Dental’s Riccarton clinic, we’ve seen firsthand the consequences of using over-the-counter teeth whitening products and unregulated treatments.

Potential damage to your teeth and gums: one of the biggest pitfalls of buying teeth whitening methods from social media or unknown sellers is the whitening kits often contain excess harsh chemicals. When used in large quantities, hydrogen peroxide can be harmful, particularly if applied to cavities or diseased gums, permanently damaging tooth enamel and irritating gums to the extent they recede – an early warning sign of future tooth loss.

It's important to note, any teeth whitening product with over 6% of hydrogen peroxide must be supplied to the public under the supervision of a registered dentist. Without the expertise of a trained dental professional, you risk causing irreversible harm to your oral health.

a row of white teeth next to a row of yellow teeth on a blue background .

Lack of customisation: unlike professional teeth whitening treatments offered at dental clinics in Christchurch, off-the-shelf whitening kits lack customisation. A cosmetic dentist tailors the whitening process to suit your specific dental needs and addresses any underlying issues before proceeding with dental treatment. The requirements to achieve the best teeth whitening results for a young adult are very different to those of a senior.

Hidden health risks: some online whitening products may not meet New Zealand safety standards or even contain harmful ingredients. By purchasing these products, you're unknowingly exposing yourself to potential health risks that carry long-term consequences.

Unpredictable results: many of these products claim to deliver "professional grade" teeth whitening effects, but without proper guidance, supervision and teeth whitening after care advice, you could end up with uneven or blotchy results.

Wasted time and money: the quick-fix solutions advertised on social media seem like a bargain at first glance. However, when you factor in the potential damage they can cause and the need for corrective dental treatments down the line, you'll end up spending more time and money than if you had visited a dentist from the start.

So, what's the solution? Instead of taking chances with your dental health, trust the expertise of a qualified dentist in Christchurch, NZ. At our dental clinic in Riccarton, a range of professional teeth whitening services are offered that are safe, effective, and tailored to your individual needs.

Our team of experienced dentists and dental hygienists is committed to providing quality dental care using the latest techniques and technology. Whether you're interested in Invisalign treatment, orthodontic braces, or cosmetic dentistry services, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Don't let the allure of social media advertisements lead you astray. When it comes to your dental health, choose the safe and reliable option—visit your trusted dentist in Christchurch for professional teeth whitening treatment. Your smile deserves nothing less than the best! Call 03 348 5488 to make an appointment.

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A close up of a woman 's smile with white teeth and pink lips.

How to keep the whiteness of your whitened teeth

21 Apr, 2024

Once you've made the investment in a brighter, whiter smile through professional teeth whitening , you'll notice the immediate boost it gives to your confidence and self-esteem. While the joy of an improved and radiant smile is long lasting, it is not permanent. It can last from as short as a couple of months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person but also the lifestyle choices they make. If you had your cosmetic dental treatment with us at Duxton Dental’s clinic in Riccarton, you will know (in great detail) about how to maintain your newly whitened teeth. However, not all cosmetic dentists are as obsessed with aftercare. Here’s a summary of the maintenance information we give to help keep that sparkly smile for longer: Aftercare: 72 hours after you’ve whitened your teeth Teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle and it is on the pellicle where stains on your teeth are found. During the teeth whitening process, this natural barrier is removed which means they are vulnerable to fresh staining. For the pellicle to develop again it takes between 12 to 24 hours. It’s best to avoid consuming anything that would stain a white shirt, this includes, but is not limited to: · Coffee · Colas · Red sauces including ketchup · Mustards · Soy sauce Eat only white and clear foods and drinks and avoid anything acid based for the first 72 hours. If you eat something dark, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth afterwards. If you are unable to do so, chew some sugar-free gum within 20 minutes. The saliva produced helps remove food and drink debris, neutralise acids in the mouth and help reduce any whitening-induced tooth sensitivity. During the first 72 hours, your teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay as well as staining, so be vigilant to the food and drink you are consuming. Here’s some examples of foods and drinks you can eat: · Milk and water · Bananas and apples with the peel removed · White bread and flour tortillas · Oatmeal, cream of wheat · Plain yoghurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese · White rice or baked potato · Plain pasta with a white sauce

A young girl wearing glasses is holding a model of teeth and braces.

Invisalign vs. braces: Which is best for you?

21 Apr, 2024

Are you considering straightening your teeth but feeling torn between the classic method of orthodontic braces and the innovative alternative of Invisalign? Invisalign and braces are two of the most popular orthodontic treatments available in Duxton Dental clinics in Christchurch. Both are highly effective at correcting misaligned teeth and improving smiles. So, which is best for you? Let's start by breaking down the key differences between Invisalign and braces: 1. Visibility Braces: traditional braces are conspicuous and obvious, with metal brackets and wires that are easily noticeable when you speak or smile. Some people feel self-conscious about their appearance during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible braces made from clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, making them discreet and barely noticeable to others. 2. Comfort Braces: the metal brackets and wires can sometimes cause discomfort, irritation, and even mouth sores, especially during the initial adjustment period. Your orthodontist may need to make further adjustments to make the brace more comfortable. Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth comfortably, with smooth edges that won't irritate your mouth. There can be some minor discomfort initially, but this is short lived and remedied by over-the-counter painkillers. Overall, they offer a more comfortable experience, with no wires or brackets to worry about. 3. Convenience Braces: with braces, certain foods need to be avoided to prevent damage to the brackets and wires. Maintaining oral hygiene can be a challenge due to the hardware obstructing thorough cleaning. Invisalign: one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is its removability. You can easily remove the aligners before eating, so you can continue to enjoy all your favourite foods without restrictions. Your regular brushing and flossing routine remain the same as there are no brackets or wires to navigate around.