Achieving a brighter, whiter smile is a goal for many, with 4 in 10 people under 35 having had teeth whitening in the UK according to the Oral Health Foundation. 

The growth of the teeth whitening market has led to a wide variety of options being available for consumers. These range from dentist-led treatments, to over-the-counter products and cheap home whitening kits that can be ordered online.

What are the risks of cheap home whitening kits?

While cheap home whitening kits have the allure of being affordable and convenient, promising quick and dramatic results, they typically come with significant risks to your dental health.

Many cheap home whitening kits contain harsh chemicals that can damage both the teeth and gums.

Uneven whitening

Cheap kits are generally designed to fit a wide range of users, which means they lack the precision needed for even whitening.

This can result in uneven colour distribution, leaving you with patchy teeth.

Damage to soft tissue

Since the trays of cheap whitening kits are often ill-fitting, they allow for leakages onto the soft tissues of your mouth.

This means that these chemicals have the potential to cause painful burns inside your mouth when you’re bleaching your teeth.

No support available

When attempting DIY teeth whitening, you won’t have the guidance or support of your dentist.

This means you could be taking unknown risks, sometimes causing irreversible damage.

While you can of course seek a dentist’s help afterwards, it may be too late to completely undo the harmful results.

Tooth sensitivity

With many of these products containing high levels of peroxide, they can weaken the enamel and lead to increased tooth sensitivity.

This is particularly concerning if you already suffer from sensitive teeth, as these products can exacerbate the problem.

Enamel damage 

Without professional supervision, it’s easy to overuse cheap home whitening kits. Excessive use, especially with harmful chemicals, can erode the enamel.

This increases the risk of cavities, discolouration, and long-term damage to your teeth.

How can you whiten your teeth safely?

While ‘expensive’ may sound off-putting, when it comes to whitening your teeth, investing more money is the best option.

With a higher price comes higher quality. Paying for dentist-approved whitening means you won’t have all of the risks that come with cheap whitening kits.

Professional-grade treatments will have regulated ingredients and precise formulations, designed to minimise risks like enamel damage and tooth sensitivity. They will also have custom-fit trays, ensuring even application and reducing the likelihood of gum irritation.

What is Boutique Whitening?

Formulated by UK dentists and chemists from Canada and the USA, Boutique Whitening offers high-quality teeth whitening gels that are meticulously tested in their lab.

Compared to non-professional products, Boutique whitening gels are 60 times stronger. The formula is safe and easy to use, promising results within 2 to 3 weeks.

This application process of Boutique Whitening gels is straightforward. The whitening trays feature dosing dots, which serve as a simple guide to ensure the correct amount of gel is used every time. This leads to uniform whitening and reduces any potential discomfort from applying too much product.

Don't take the risk

To safely achieve a brighter, whiter smile, investing in professional-grade treatments is crucial.

Professional whitening options, like those provided by Boutique Whitening, use regulated ingredients and precise formulations to ensure both safety and efficacy.

Although they may come with a higher price tag, these treatments are designed with your dental health in mind, offering effective and lasting results while minimising risks.

October 01, 2024 — Emelia Turner