Teeth whitening has a lot of hype surrounding it, and knowing fiction form reality can be hard. With this being such a sought after cosmetic procedure the possibilities are almost endless, but so are they myths. Let’s see if we can resolve some of those myths for you here today.
Whitening Myths Debunked
Myth 1: You have to have the baddest out there so you want to get the best results so that means you have to get the most expensive stuff. Well. The truth is you do not have to buy the most expensive stuff to get the best results.
Myth 2: Teeth are all the same. The truth is that not only are whitening products not all the same, but neither are all teeth. Different products will whiten each individual’s teeth differently. For example, yellow teeth will whiten better than gray.
Myth 3: Gels are all the same. Whitening products are not all the same, and the same rule applies to gels. One of the main differences is the strengths. You can choose a strong gel for maximum whitening or one a bit weaker for upkeep or gradual whitening. While stronger gels are prescription strength the lesser can be purchased over the counter.
Myth 4: Whitening toothpastes actually bleach your teeth. No, whitening toothpastes do not bleach your teeth, but they polish them. For whitening you will need the rinses and trays. For polishing and upkeep you use the whitening toothpaste.
Myth 5: You have to wait weeks to get results. The results you get will depend on the products you use and how frequently. If you are using a whitening toothpaste alone then sure, it could take weeks. If you go get a kit you can see results after the first use and maximum whitening after 3 or 4 uses. If you are using the pre-rinse, toothpaste and mouthwash those results may even be faster. Some products even offer you extreme results in less than one hour.
Myth 6: Veneers, crowns and tooth colored fillings will whiten. Nope again. If you have dental work, including braces, whitening may not be for you. It is important to consult with your dentist to see what alternatives are available for you.
Myth 7: Gum irritability and sensitivity to the teeth is not a side effect of bleaching. Well, that is not so either. As a matter of fact those are two of the most common side effects reported with teeth whitening. People under 16 should never use whitening products, because they are more susceptible to these due to tooth development.
Myth 8: Insurance covers whitening procedures. Whitening is a cosmetic procedure, and 99.9% of insurance companies simply won’t cover it.
Myth 9: Whitening strips are better than gels. Look at it like this, when you use a gel and a tray then all of the teeth on all surfaces are being touched by the whitening concoction, but with a strip only the parts are being whitened that it touches. The nooks and crannies and well as between teeth may not brighten where as other areas will sometimes causing spot whitening.
Myth 10: After bleaching your teeth will stay white. That is certainly up to you. If you avoid staining habits and dietary substances sure it’ll stay white longer, but even age can yellow teeth. You can maintain your new bright, white smile. However, bleaching alone is not a onetime ticket to red carpet pearly whites.
Teeth whitening is actually the leading cosmetic dental procedure to date. Whether you are planning in in office or at home whitening regimen you should see your dentist before you start the process. This will give you the green light to move ahead with the whitening, plus your dentist removing surface stains will enhance whitening.
