A bright and confident smile never goes out of style in any part of the world. Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments today. But with popularity comes plenty of misinformation, not everything we come across in the internet about teeth whitening is true.
To help you separate fact from fiction, we’re breaking down the top 5 teeth whitening Canberra myths and revealing the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Whitening Damages Your Enamel
Truth: Professional teeth whitening will never damage your enamel when performed under proper guidance.
The most common fear people have is that teeth whitening will “strip” or “wear down” their enamel. The reality is, modern teeth whitening treatments use approved and scientifically tested ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to remove the stains from the surface of your teeth. These agents will penetrate the enamel gently, thereby breaking down the molecules that cause discoloration.
Improper use of at-home kits or DIY whitening hacks like baking soda, lemon juice, or charcoal can cause serious enamel damages. These abrasive or acidic substances then leads to sensitivity or cavities.
The safest approach is to follow your dentist’s recommendations and choose professional treatments. Are you residing in Canberra? Consult an expert dentist Canberra to get your teeth whitened without any enamel damage.
Myth 2: Whitening Toothpaste Works Just as Well as Professional Treatments
Truth: Whitening toothpaste will help you maintain brightness, but it cannot replace professional whitening procedures.
Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives and polishing agents that will only remove surface stains from food and drinks you consume. They don’t actually change the internal color of your teeth. On the other hand, professional teeth whitening treatments, use concentrated bleaching agents that penetrate deeper into the teeth, breaking up stains for noticeably whiter results.
Whitening toothpaste can be used as a maintenance tool, ideal to keep your teeth look fresh after professional whitening procedure, but do not expect more results than that.
Myth 3: Whitening Works the Same for Everyone
Truth: Results of teeth whitening for each individual vary depending on the tooth color, enamel condition, and most importantly lifestyle habits.
The extend of results in whitening also depends upon on other factors such as age, genetics, type of stains, and oral hygiene. All these dictates how well your teeth respond to whitening sessions.
For example, extrinsic stains caused by coffee, tobacco, or food pigments can be removed easily, while intrinsic stains due to aging, medications, or trauma may require repeated sessions or advanced procedures like veneers.
People with naturally thinner enamel or grayish tooth tones might not get positive results as someone with yellowish stains. When you consult a dentist, they can determine the most effective approach for you, based on these factors.
Myth 4: Over-the-Counter Kits Are Just as Safe as In-Office Whitening
Truth: Not always. Some OTC teeth whitening products are safe, but some may lead to irritation or uneven results.
Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening kits, strips, and gels appear as the first choice to many due to their affordability and availability. However, these products may end up in danger for you. Many of the OTC products have lower concentrations of bleaching agents which may deliver slower, less noticeable results. However, some products might contain unregulated or harsh ingredients that can harm your gums or enamel when used without proper guidance.
Professional whitening procedures are monitored by dental professionals and done after a proper evaluation. Dentists use protective barriers that will shield your gums and control the concentration of whitening agents. This ensures safety of your teeth and gums without the risk of burns, sensitivity, or patchy coloring.
If you are looking for an at-home option for teeth whitening Canberra, it’s best to ask your dentist to recommend a professional-grade home kit.
Myth 5: Whitening Results Last Forever
Truth: Teeth whitening is long-lasting, but not permanent.
The reality is that teeth whitening can brighten your smile, but the effects of the sessions will gradually fade over time. The results will easily vanish if you consume staining foods and drinks or smoke. Typically, teeth whitening results last from six months to two years, depending on your oral hygiene and maintenance measures.
Let’s discuss some tips to keep the whitening results last for longer:
- Avoid dark-colored beverages like coffee, red wine, and tea, that can cause stains. If you consume such drinks, it is advisable to sip them through a straw.
- Brushing and flossing regularly can prevent new stains from forming.
- You have to schedule touch-up treatments every 6–12 months as recommended by your dentist.
- Always rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic or staining foods.
It is important to discriminate facts from myths before diving into any teeth whitening routine. Professional whitening treatments are always safe, effective, and customized for your needs, while DIY and internet hacks can harm your teeth, if not done with expert guidance.
The first step is to consult your dentist and know about the most suitable whitening method for your teeth, ensuring that you have a safe and successful whitening journey.
