Have you ever considered whitening your teeth, but couldn’t decide what type of whitening is the most appropriate and reasonably priced? There are numerous myths surrounding teeth whitening that may have warded you away from making the decision. That’s why learning the truth about the most common teeth whitening myths is crucial to achieving a more confident and shiny smile.
Below are the top six teeth whitening myths you should avoid when considering revitalizing your smile.
1. Whitening is only for celebrities
That is simply not true. Wanting to feel comfortable while rocking a shiny smile is completely normal, whether you’re famous or not. There’s no need to be a celeb or a social media star as a reason to get your smile whitened. Hence, don’t be shy to consult a reputable cosmetic dentist to achieve the results that you desire.
2. Teeth whitening doesn’t provide results
Have you ever wondered how that random smiling bypasser on the street has got a bright and shiny smile? Most likely, such smiles don’t come from DIY whitening products. An eye-catching shiny smile can only be achieved by undergoing a professional teeth whitening treatment. While OTC teeth whitening solutions can lighten your teeth a shade or two, they can’t remove those deep stains and severe discoloration.
3. Whitening is bad for gums
Whitening treatment is absolutely harmless if performed by a dental specialist. However, in some cases, it may lead to mild gum sensitivity. This whitening side effect typically occurs after using ill-fitting whitening trays or strips that allow bleaching products to contact your gums. A dental specialist will ensure that your gum line stays protected from abrasive elements in the bleaching solution. Also, before the treatment, inform your specialist that you have sensitive gums or teeth. This way, they will avoid using whitening products that require a long application time.
4. Whitening weakens enamel
Many DIY whitening methods can result in irreversible damage to your enamel. In-office whitening treatment is performed by a licensed specialist who takes precautionary measures to minimize the risk. However, even professional whitening can lead to short-term tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will recommend ways you can alleviate the discomfort.
5. Professional whitening is expensive
DIY teeth whitening gels, trays, and strips may seem cheaper than in-office treatment. However, they’ll most likely fail to provide the desired results. This makes professional whitening worth the cost of a picture-perfect smile. Because teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it’s not covered by most insurance companies. However, you can consult a dental specialist regarding other payment forms that may work better for you.
6. Whitening is permanent
Unfortunately, it’s not. Even after getting your teeth professionally whitened, you’re still susceptible to staining elements from coffee, tea, alcohol, and different foods. Besides, bad habits like smoking, neglecting proper dental hygiene, and using your teeth as tools can compromise the results of whitening treatment. In-office teeth whitening typically lasts about 2 to 3 years. During that period, it’s important to floss, brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste, and rinse your mouth with a dentist-approved mouthwash. After that period, consider visiting your dentist for regular touch-ups to extend the results of your whitening treatment.
The bottom line
Avoid adhering to the aforementioned myths when planning to whiten your teeth. Remember that professional teeth whitening is proven to provide better results with fewer risks. If you decide to use DIY whitening methods, always consider a dental specialist beforehand. They will help you determine the least harmful method that will provide relatively satisfying teeth whitening results.