Most everyone would love to have a white, sparkling smile. Over time, teeth become more porous, allowing stains to become more prolific. While most people know they can see their dentist for teeth whitening treatments, there are a lot of misconceptions regarding these treatments. Being able to separate facts from fiction is vital for making an informed choice.
Teeth Whitening Has Been Used for Thousands of Years
Seeking Family Dentistry for teeth whitening treatments is more common than ever before. Most people think teeth whitening is a modern treatment, but ancient history suggests otherwise. Four thousand years ago, people used vinegar and a mixture of herbs to create a paste to whiten their teeth since white teeth was a sign of wealth.
3 Myths About Teeth Whitening
There are many myths still being perpetuated about teeth whitening treatments and it is important you know these are not true. The following are three of the most-believed myths regarding teeth whitening treatments.
- At-home treatments are the same as dental whitening treatments. Dental whitening treatments have a much stronger level of the active whitening ingredient so they can produce faster and more desirable results.
- Crowns and veneers can be whitened at the dentist. This is not a true statement. Whitening treatments are made for natural teeth only. If a person’s teeth are whitened, their crowns and veneers may look darker. To fix this issue, the crown or veneer would need to be replaced.
- Teeth stay white forever. Again, this is an untrue myth. The results of teeth whitening will slowly fade over time. Touchups are required to keep the teeth a bright white.
3 Facts About Teeth Whitening
Now that the myths are out of the way, it is important to understand the facts. If you are considering having your teeth whitened by the dentist, allow the following facts to help you make a decision.
- Teeth whitening does not cause damage to your teeth. When carried out by a dentist, teeth whitening treatments are incredibly safe. The treatment temporarily opens your tooth pores, and after the treatment, these close and the teeth naturally remineralize.
- Tooth sensitivity after treatment is normal. Around 60% of patients experience some mild sensitivity after their teeth have been whitened. This typically disappears within two days or less. Many dentists treat their patients with a nourishing fluoride treatment after their whitening procedure.
- Not everyone receives the same whitening results. The natural color of your teeth cannot be changed. All a whitening treatment can do is to remove the stains that have accumulated over the years. Therefore, the results vary. Most people can have their teeth whitened up to seven shades lighter, but this entirely depends on the natural color of their teeth.
Conclusion
If your teeth have become dull and yellow, teeth whitening treatments can make them a beautiful white again. Now that you have the facts, it will be easier to decide if teeth whitening is right for you.
Teeth whitening treatments have come a long way over the last four-thousand years and they are now more effective and affordable than ever before. To find out if you are a good candidate for these treatments, schedule a consultation appointment with the dentist right away. With whitening treatments, your smile will look more beautiful than you ever imagined was possible.
