Many people aspire to have a beautiful smile with milk-white and star-shiny teeth. Because of this, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular aesthetic dental treatments. Not only do most dental practices offer professional whitening, but many stores now sell what they call 'At-Home teeth whitening kits'.
Because of such marketing gimmicks, it is important to study keenly before deciding on a teeth whitening treatment. There are a lot of tips and advice regarding different ways to whiten your teeth out there on the internet; however, at the same time, there are also a lot of myths!
Our team has listed down the most common myths that generally people hold to while considering treatment options around Teeth whitening.
Myth 1: 'Professional whitening kits and at-home whitening kits are the same.'
Now, that's a Hoax! Professionals employ whitening gels that generally tend to be more robust due to the large number of active ingredients used for whitening the teeth. They also tend to be more expensive as Dentists, and Dental Assistants are trained on these products and know what will be right for you and your teeth. Whitening gels contain strong bleach, and your Dentist or Assistant will be able to measure and decide the right amount to use for each individual's set of teeth. Keep in mind that while using at-home kits, you are running the risk of selecting an inferior product, overusing a product, or misusing it.
Myth 2: 'Teeth can be whitened by using whitening toothpaste and whitening gum.'
While it may be true that these products contain whitening ingredients, the concentration is much too low to have an actual visible effect. These products are widely available and can be super inexpensive. However, you must know that it is unlikely that these options will give you that dazzling white smile you were hoping for.
Myth 3: 'The strongest whitening gel is the best to use."
Not necessarily… A firmer whitening gel might speed up the process. However, the whitening effect might not last as long as you want. Using a product with more concentrated ingredients or a higher dosage of these ingredients may cause more pain and sensitivity to your teeth. It is also important to note that an individual's teeth will respond to bleaching at different rates than others, so there is no guarantee your teeth will get whiter quicker with stronger gel.
Myth 4: 'Crowns and veneers can be whitened along with your natural teeth."
Hoax, again! Whitening gels are designed for natural teeth only… Crowns and veneers are made of porcelain. The ingredients in these types of whitening gels work by eroding the stains on your teeth, so this oxidizing treatment will not work for anything but your natural, everyday teeth. HOWEVER, this does not mean you cannot get these teeth to match the rest of your smile! The alternative would be to replace the crown or veneer to color-match any newly whitened set of teeth.
Myth 5: 'After whitening teeth once, they will remain white forever."
As good as this sounds, it is not true. The color change is long-lasting, but your teeth's aging process continues. This means that your teeth will most likely change color over time, which is normal! If you want to maintain the level of whiteness, you will need regular touch-ups, whether this is with your dentist or using an at-home kit. To keep your smile white as long as possible, try diminishing any use of tobacco and stain-causing food or drinks.
Remember that teeth whitening isn't for everyone… Make sure to keep your teeth healthy by researching and consulting your dentist before using any at-home teeth whitening options!
Dr. Kumaraswamy's PerioFamily offers professional teeth whitening solutions, and we are more than happy to evaluate your smile and provide you with effective procedures! You can Give us a call at +91 99200 66551 for more information.