The Hidden Costs of Over-the-Counter Whitening: What Dentists Are Seeing in Patients Who DIY'd Their Smile
The appeal of a brighter smile from the convenience of your own bathroom is understandable — and the marketing behind over-the-counter whitening products is designed to make it feel risk-free. But what dentists are seeing in clinical practice tells a more complicated story, one involving enamel erosion, sensitivity that doesn't resolve, and repair costs that dwarf what professional whitening would have required. Here is what you need to know before you reach for that kit.