Facts and Myths About Teeth Whitening
Everyone wants a beautiful, brilliantly white smile. However, due to certain myths, most people hold back on getting a teeth whitening treatment. These myths bring up questions about the safety and efficacy of cosmetic procedures. Read on to debunk the myths and consider teeth whitening in Whitby, ON.
What Causes Teeth Staining and Discoloration?
There are two types of teeth discoloration; extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration affects the exterior or surface of the teeth. Teeth discolor extrinsically due to lifestyle habits like tobacco use, drinking tea, red wine, or coffee. Taking pigmented foods or neglecting oral hygiene can also lead to extrinsic stains. Fortunately, these stains are easy to treat.
Intrinsic discoloration occurs from inside the tooth. It can be caused by medication, infection, childhood illness, dental trauma, or aging. Only professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile when you have intrinsic discoloration.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
It is a cosmetic treatment to lighten the color of your teeth. Teeth bleaching can be performed at home using store-bought whitening kits, at whitening salons, or the dentist. Although whitening your teeth at home or the salon brings results, it may do more harm than good. The products or techniques used can lead to tooth enamel or gum damage.
A teeth whitening treatment at the dentist is known as professional teeth whitening. The dentist has the products, techniques, and expertise to remove intrinsic and extrinsic stains. As a result, they can brighten the color of your teeth up to eight times whiter, giving you an amazing smile. In addition, their treatments are safe and have longer-lasting results.
Myths on Teeth Whitening
False information can hold you back from receiving a teeth-bleaching treatment. So let us shed some light on a few myths about this cosmetic treatment.
- Teeth whitening abrades the tooth enamel
The method used to whiten your teeth will determine if your tooth enamel gets damaged. For example, if you use products with low-quality abrasives or acids, you will harm the enamel. However, professional teeth whitening does not damage the tooth enamel.
- All teeth can be whitened
Not all teeth can benefit from a teeth whitening treatment. Most intrinsic stains can only be made brighter but not completely eliminated. Fortunately, the dentist can whiten your smile using dental veneers or bonding. They use tooth-colored materials to cover the permanent stains giving your teeth a whiter appearance.
- The teeth-whitening effect is permanent
The effects of this cosmetic treatment are not permanent. Your teeth can lose their new whiter color and become yellowish or brownish. This occurs due to consuming highly pigmented foods and beverages, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. However, you can maintain the whitening effect for a long time. Proper dental care and touch-ups after teeth whitening in Whitby, ON, help.
- Home remedies whiten teeth
Some people believe using charcoal, lemon, banana peels, baking soda, and vinegar can whiten teeth. This is a myth since these are not teeth-whitening products and can damage teeth. For example, charcoal is abrasive and can damage tooth enamel. Products containing acids can also affect the enamel and gums.
Facts on Teeth Whitening
- Smokers can have whiter teeth
People who smoke or use tobacco have yellow or brown stains on their teeth. Although these stains look tough, they can be eliminated. The dentist will use prophylaxis and laser teeth whitening methods to give you a brighter smile. In addition, they will provide you with tips to maintain the results after teeth bleaching.
- There are contraindications for teeth whitening
Not everyone can have their teeth whitened. For instance, the treatment is unsuitable if you are under 18 years pregnant or lactating. The dentist advises patients with caries, severe decay, and allergy to bleaching agents to avoid teeth whitening. Therefore, you should consult your dentist before teeth bleaching.
- Veneers, crowns, and fillings cannot be whitened
Although teeth restorations are made with tooth-colored materials, they cannot be whitened. So, you will not have a whiter smile if you have stained dental bridges, veneers, bonding, or fillings.
Have you been putting off getting a brighter smile due to false information? Then, visit us at Brooklin Village Dental Care and talk to our dental team. We will answer all your questions about teeth whitening and debunk the myths. Afterwards, we will provide perfect teeth whitening treatments for you.