Teeth whitening treatments are a fairly safe procedure that can give most patients the bright, white smile they've always wanted. Recently, teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular industry, with more companies offering at-home teeth whitening kits. With more and more patients interested in this cosmetic procedure, we want to take this time to address some common myths about teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening myths busted
One of the most common misconceptions about teeth whitening is that it destroys the protective enamel and leaves you with sensitive, damaged teeth. This may be true if you choose to purchase an unlicensed and unregulated whitening product. However, if you invest in professional teeth whitening services with a trained and qualified dentist, you can rest assured that your teeth and gums will be safe.
You have the option of completing the procedure in the dentist’s chair or opt for a take-home whitening kit providing by your dentist. In both cases, the procedure is customized to your individualized treatment plan with guidelines for safe and effective results. When done professionally, your teeth will remain healthy and beautiful!
While professional teeth whitening services are available for most patients, there are certain cases where a patient's teeth may not get to the shade they want. This is because there are types of staining or yellowing that can't be completely lifted with a bleaching gel. If you have teeth that won't whiten as you hoped, your dentist can recommend other cosmetic dental treatments.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits can certainly lift stains and effectively whiten your teeth; however, legal regulations limit the product to no more than 6% hydrogen peroxide. This means that the process can take a bit longer, or you won't achieve as bright a smile as you would with professional teeth whitening.
Additionally, an advantage that professional teeth whitening has over at-home drugstore kits is that your dentist can ensure your teeth whitens evenly. They can identify intrinsic stains or any reasons certain teeth may not whiten as well as surrounding teeth so that you are not left with uneven results. With a customized treatment plan, you can be confident that you'll get reliable, beautiful results.
