There are a lot of myths out there about teeth whitening. Some people think that it’s expensive, some people think that it’s painful, and some people even think that it can damage your teeth.
But what are the facts?
In this article, we’ll dispel the myths and tell you the truth about teeth whitening.
So whether you’re considering getting your teeth whitened or you just want to know more about the process, keep reading!
What is teeth whitening and how does it work?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can be performed at home or by a dentist. The goal of teeth whitening is to remove stained or discolored tooth enamel, typically through the use of bleaching agents.
“Don’t be swayed by myths, consult the facts and make an informed decision about how to get your smile looking its best.”
At-home teeth whitening kits typically use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as the bleaching agent, while dentist-supervised procedures may use stronger bleaching agents such as sodium hydroxide.
The bleaching agent works by breaking down the stains and tannins in the tooth enamel, allowing for the underlying white color to shine through.
The results of teeth whitening can vary depending on the severity of the staining, but most people see a significant improvement after just one treatment.
Teeth whitening is generally considered safe, although there are some potential side effects such as increased sensitivity or gum irritation. With proper care, the results of teeth whitening can last for several months.
Myths about teeth whitening
Most people are interested in having whiter teeth. In fact, teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. However, there are many myths and misconceptions about teeth whitening.
1. Myth: Teeth whitening is expensive.
The truth is, teeth whitening can be quite affordable. There are a variety of at-home teeth whitening kits available that are very reasonably priced. In addition, many dental insurance plans cover the cost of professional teeth whitening procedures.
2. Myth: Teeth whitening is painful.
Contrary to popular belief, teeth whitening is not painful. At-home teeth whitening kits use very low concentrations of bleaching agents, so they are gentle on the teeth and gums.
Professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dentist may use higher concentrations of bleaching agents, but they are still well tolerated by most people.
There is a small minority of people who may experience some sensitivity during and after teeth whitening, but this is typically temporary and goes away within a few days.
If you do experience any pain or sensitivity, be sure to consult with your dentist before continuing with the treatment.
3. Myth: Teeth whitening can damage your teeth.
When performed correctly, teeth whitening is safe and does not damage the teeth. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid over-whitening the teeth.
Whitening too often or using bleaching agents that are too strong can cause tooth enamel to become thinner and more susceptible to damage. It’s important to consult with your dentist before beginning any teeth whitening regimen to ensure that it’s safe for you and won’t damage your teeth.
4. Myth: Fillings, crowns, and other dental work will be affected by teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening only affects natural tooth enamel, so it will not change the color of fillings, crowns, or other dental work. If you are considering having your teeth whitened, be sure to talk to your dentist first to find out if it’s right for you.
5. Myth: Teeth whitening effects are permanent.
Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. The results typically last for several months, but they will gradually fade over time. If you want to maintain your results, you will need to touch up your teeth every few months or so.
There are also some things that you can do to help prolong the results of your teeth whitening, such as avoiding smoking and drinking coffee or tea.
Facts about teeth whitening
Now that we’ve debunked some of the myths about teeth whitening, let’s take a look at the facts.
Most people would love to have whiter teeth. After all, a brighter smile can make a big difference in how you look and feel.
Here are a few facts that may surprise you.
1. Fact: Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure.
In recent years, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. In fact, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures.
2. Fact: Teeth whitening is safe.
When performed correctly, teeth whitening is quite safe. In fact, teeth whitening is one of the least invasive cosmetic dental procedures.
However, it’s important to consult with your dentist before you begin any teeth whitening treatment. This is because some people may have allergies to the ingredients in teeth whitening products.
3. Fact: Teeth whitening can be done in as little as one hour.
If you’re looking for immediate results, there are some teeth whitening treatments that can be done in as little as one hour.
In-office teeth whitening is one option that can give you noticeable results after just one session. This type of treatment uses a stronger bleaching gel than what is available over the counter, and it’s applied by a trained dental professional.
If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may also use a special light or laser to help reduce any discomfort. At-home teeth whitening kits are another option for fast results. These kits usually come with customized trays that fit over your teeth, and they can be used for short periods of time each day until you reach your desired level of whiteness.
Although they take longer to produce results than in-office treatments, at-home kits are generally more affordable and convenient. talk to your dentist about which option is best for you.
4. Fact: You may need to whiten your teeth multiple times to maintain your results.
How often you need to whiten your teeth will depend on a number of factors, including the type of treatment you use, your lifestyle, and how well you take care of your teeth.
If you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or red wine regularly, you may notice that your teeth start to yellow more quickly. In these cases, you may need to whiten your teeth more often to maintain your results.
On the other hand, if you take good care of your teeth and avoid foods and drinks that can cause staining, you may be able to go longer between whitening treatments.
No matter how often you whiten your teeth, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. This will help remove any build-up of plaque and tartar that can cause your teeth to yellow over time.
5. Fact: Teeth whitening does not work on all types of stains.
Teeth whitening is most effective on surface stains that are caused by food, drinks, or smoking.
However, it’s important to note that teeth whitening will not work on all types of stains. For example, if your teeth are stained from taking certain medications (such as tetracycline), you may need to explore other options, such as veneers.
Talk to your dentist about the best way to treat your specific case.
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re considering teeth whitening, don’t be swayed by myths. Instead, consult the facts and make an informed decision about how to get your smile looking its best.
At iSmile Dental, we want to help you achieve your perfect smile, and our team of experts are here to answer any questions you may have about teeth whitening or any of our other services.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see what we can do for you!
