White teeth makes you look youthful and also signifies good oral health. But, if you over consume coffee, tea, wine, and other such teeth staining foods, then it can cause stains on your teeth. Cosmetic dentistry procedure, like teeth whitening, is one of the most popular dental procedures used these days to remove teeth stains and achieve a beautiful white smile. In spite of this popularity, there are several misconceptions associated with the process of teeth whitening. This stops a number of people from going for the procedure to overcome dental issues and improve the aesthetics of their smile. In this article, we’ll bust these myths to help you make an informed decision.

Teeth Whitening Harms Your Enamel

There’s a common disbelief that teeth whitening is done by removing the tooth enamel. But, the whitening procedure involves no damage to the protective layer of your teeth – tooth enamel. Even a standard Google search will sufficiently answer this question for you. That being said, we’ll be the first to admit that a common side-effect of teeth whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity. Teeth whitening, for all intents and purposes, causes no harm to your enamel – which is, by the way, the strongest tissue in the human body.

Teeth Whitening Results are Permanent

It is a common myth that once teeth whitening procedure is done, your teeth will stay white throughout your life. While whitening results last for around three years and longer, it may fail to last if you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene. Smoking, over consumption of staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries can ruin the results you get from professional whitening. Smoking turns your teeth yellow. Even aging makes your teeth color pale. So, in order to have long lasting results of teeth whitening procedure, take care of your teeth health and reduce consumption of teeth-staining foods.

Teeth Whitening is Painful

People generally think that teeth whitening procedure is painful. But, this is one of the biggest misconceptions about teeth whitening. Teeth whitening procedure doesn’t cause any pain. Yes, the laser whitening and the light whitening methods are known to be painful. But that’s not what we practice here at Edmonton Smiles. Plus, for those suffering from dental issues like teeth sensitivity also need not worry. The dentist will assess your dental health and accordingly recommend and carry out necessary treatment.

All Teeth Whitening Procedures are Same

One can whiten their teeth at home using over the counter whitening products or opt for an in office whitening treatment. Many people believe that both provide the same results. In reality, whitening products are a one size fits all, and may and may not suit you. Plus, they do not work well on stringent stains. They may also cause harm in case you’re already suffering from a dental condition. In office whitening is done under the supervision of the dentist and is safe and quick. Thus, there is clearly a difference between both whitening methods.

Instead of relying on these common myths that are associated with teeth whitening, it is prudent to consult a dentist who can help you make an informed choice. And, even if you’re not able to get whitening done, there are various other cosmetic dentistry procedures to help you achieve a pearly white smile.

Posted in Dental News