5 Teeth Whitening Myths Busted

A beautiful smile functions like a social connector that reflects trustworthiness, belonging, and good intentions. Actors say that an eye-catching smile helps them move further in their careers, and mothers subconsciously know their smile helps soothe a crying baby. A photogenic smile can cross every border and brighten faded photographs from past eras. That’s probably why teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic procedure requested by people from their dental specialists. More than 10 million people will undergo whitening procedures and buy whitening products in America this year alone. However, there are still lots of myths surrounding teeth whitening. 

Below are some of the most common myths about teeth whitening debunked. 

1. Teeth whitening results are permanent 

Stains typically build up on teeth that are exposed to different foods and beverages. Some of the top discoloring agents include chocolate, tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco products. While professional teeth whitening helps get rid of stains caused by these foods and drinks, new stains will begin to develop immediately. However, in-office whitening results typically last for 1 to 2 years and may last more with a proper maintenance routine. Ask your dentist for advice on keeping your smile bright for longer.  

2. Whitening toothpaste and rinse can provide great results

Nowadays, more people start using whitening rinses and toothpastes to whiten their teeth. While these whitening products can make your teeth a few shades lighter, the bleaching solution contained in them is too weak to provide a significant result. This is because the stains start to dissolve only after the first 20 minutes of the product contacting your teeth. If you’ll try to brighten your smile with these products, it will take lots of time to see a difference. 

3. DIY gels are the same as professional gels

The whitening results you achieve will strongly depend on the quality of the gel you use. Though all gels are based on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide, their formulations and handling aren’t necessarily the same. Gels are very sensitive to temperatures and may deteriorate if not transported or stored in the right way. Besides, most gels have shorter expiration dates than other products. Dental specialists use bleaching solutions from reputable manufacturers with great quality control. Plus, it’s best to consult a specialist about which type of products to use to achieve the best results in your particular situation. 

4. Stained crowns and filling can also be whitened 

Certain materials don’t respond to whitening. These include porcelain crowns and composite fillings. You shouldn’t be concerned if these types of dental work don’t show up when you smile. However, if you have crowns on your front teeth, they won’t be whitened at all and will compromise your teeth whitening results. In such a case, it’s essential to replace discolored dental work with modern materials. Make sure to consult a dentist before whitening your teeth to determine which areas will lighten and which will not. 

5. Whitening gels damage your teeth

Various studies have shown that gels are only safe when used in appropriate formulations, exposure dates, and methods. High concentrations are beneficial in proper situations, but these formulas typically contain fluoride to prevent damaging the protective layer of teeth. One-size-fits-all whitening trays will most likely fail to fit your teeth correctly, leading to extremely irritated gums. Try looking for custom trays to ensure an ideal fit and prevent exposing your gums to whitening elements. Ask a dental specialist for advice on choosing the high-quality products that fit your specific situation.     

The bottom line

If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, always consult a dental specialist before using any DIY whitening kits or other products. This is essential to prevent causing irreversible damage to your gums and enamel. A specialist will examine your teeth and recommend a whitening method that suits you the best.