Most Americans now prioritize having whiter and brighter teeth as one of their top cosmetic goals. Teeth can darken due to a wide range of factors including aging, poor dental care, coffee, tea, alcohol, drugs, and trauma. Teeth whitening is a simple and non-invasive technique that may help you improve the appearance of your smile, seem younger, or show off your dazzling whites for a special event.
There are several common misconceptions about this cosmetic procedure. That is why it is critical to debunk the most common teeth whitening misconceptions so you can have a clearer understanding of how this procedure actually works. Here is a list of six common myths about teeth whitening that you shouldn’t believe in.
1. Bleached teeth look weird
Teeth that have been overly whitened function as fodder for laughs in movies and comedy. Whitened teeth, on the other hand, seldom become abnormally dazzling. The truth is that teeth typically only get three to eight shades whiter from their starting point.
You also have complete control over how white your teeth get with teeth whitening kits at home. In other words, after you achieve the desired results, you stop the use of the product, and your teeth will not whiten anymore. When the dentist performs laser teeth whitening, they will make sure that your teeth aren’t too white.
2. Whitening toothpaste and gum can significantly whiten teeth
While these products do include whitening chemicals, the quantity is far too low to have any noticeable impact. These products are readily accessible and can be quite affordable; nevertheless, you should be aware that these alternatives are unlikely to provide you with the bright white smile you desire.
3. Teeth bleaching lasts forever
Teeth that have been whitened will remain white permanently, right? Unfortunately, the method doesn’t work in this way. After your initial treatment, the impacts of your lifestyle like drinking red wine, coffee, or tea, and smoking (all of which can cause discoloration) will continue to appear on your teeth.
However, there is some good news: your teeth are unlikely to return to their former color. Your dentist may advise you to top up your whitening procedure every few months. Additionally, it is better to drink those problematic drinks using a straw to help the front surface of your teeth stay brighter for longer.
4. People with sensitive teeth can’t bleach them
Many people believe that if they have tooth sensitivity, they should avoid having their teeth whitened. But the truth is that using a less intense product with the same components for teeth whitening will still allow you to get the confident smile you’ve always desired.
5. Teeth whitening will result in long-term tooth sensitivity
While it is true that teeth are often sensitive after a whitening procedure, such tooth sensitivity is just temporary and normally goes away after a day or two. It is triggered by the interaction of peroxide bleach with dentin.
However, if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions or have your dentist whiten your teeth in-office, you can reduce the severity of these effects. If you do have temporary sensitivity, ibuprofen can frequently alleviate the symptoms.
6. All teeth can be bleached
Although most teeth may be whitened, the results may not be as striking as you would want especially if your teeth are significantly damaged or dead. If this is the case, you have several additional options, like porcelain veneers or crowns, which can be fitted to give you the whiter smile you’ve always wanted. You should also be aware that tooth fillings, crowns, and other types of dental restorations can’t be bleached.
