Who doesn’t want a smile that’s sparkling and radiant? A smile showcasing flawless white teeth not only attracts a great impression from people but also radiates self-confidence and enhances self-image.
However, despite the universal love for a bright and flawless smile, not everyone is blessed with white teeth. But does that mean one should stop striving for white teeth in their lifetime? Of course not; especially when dental science has so many brilliant teeth whitening techniques, it is a pity if one still feels having white teeth is a matter of luck.
Coming to the dental teeth whitening techniques, although they are considered pretty safe, there remain numerous myths surrounding the methods which debar many people from trying out the same. Some people even vouch for futile DIYs ahead of the clinically proven and safe teeth whitening procedures.
Today’s article seeks to debunk all the myths surrounding teeth whitening. If you have wanted to get your teeth chemically whitened, but specific queries have been stopping you, this article will be immensely helpful:l
Myth 1: Teeth Whitening Procedures Ruins Tooth Enamel
This is one of the most commonly believed myths. Modern teeth whitening procedures done from credible dentists will never harm your tooth enamel.
The majority of dentists nowadays use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide for tooth whitening procedures. Hydrogen peroxide is a great bleaching agent, which on chemical reactions, release water and oxygen. Both these substances are harmless to our bodies and do not have any adverse effects on the tooth enamel.
Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide (HO), unlike ammonia, is not harmful to the body when ingested. So, even if you ingest a bit of HO during the chemical treatment, your body won’t mind it.
Myth 2: Over-The-Counter And DIY Techniques Gives Same Results As Clinical Teeth Whitening
As told previously, hydrogen peroxide is one of the prime compounds used in teeth whitening procedures by dentists across the globe. However, scientific studies have hardly traced the same compound in over-the-counter teeth-whitening products. Instead, traces of sodium chlorite is found in the OTC teeth whitening products, which in the presence of any acid, is known to cause teeth abrasions in the future.
Coming to DIY techniques, not many professional medical caregivers and dentists vouch for at home teeth whitening. This is because the consumers, being not so proficient in handling various compounds, sometimes tend to products above the prescribed limits, which in turn results in enamel decay and damage to the soft mouth tissues.
Myth 3: You Cannot Have Wine Or Tea Ever After The Procedure
If you have been resisting teeth whitening procedures for fear of being unable to consume wine and tea ever after, please go and get the procedure done!
Patients are indeed asked to stay away from consuming certain foods, including tea and red wine. However, you just have to abstain from drinking red wine and tea for a few days after getting the procedure done. You can go back to drinking your favorites as soon as the waiting period is over – that’s it!
According to dentists, it takes a few days for the pores of the teeth to close after the procedure, with the chemicals still being active in your teeth. Hence, consuming certain food items within this time frame may stain your teeth permanently.
Myth 4: You Need To Take An Entire Day Off For The Procedure
The modern-day does not see any busy person wasting an entire day for minimally invasive procedures. Teeth-whitening is no different.
Earlier, there was a time when teeth-whitening procedures would consume about one to two hours of a person’s time. However, with the modern Diode laser-activated bleaching technique and the Biolase E-Zlase teeth-whitening system, the time taken for teeth-bleaching has effectively reduced to just 20 minutes!
So, if time was stopping you from getting that radiant and flawless smile, remember you can get it done even within your office lunch break!
Myth 5: Teeth Whitening Procedures Are Extremely Painful
Many people shrug off the idea of getting their teeth whitened for fear of the procedure is extremely painful. However, reality paints a different story.
A good teeth whitening dentist will make sure that you have minimal discomfort and do not face a high level of pain. However, there might be a bit of discomfort around the gum area if the bleaching agent penetrates the gums. But nowadays, even that bit is taken care of by the dentists, who apply a gel called gingival barrier that prevents the bleaching agent from reaching the gums.
In extreme cases, however, a patient might sense minor toothache in the first 10 to 12 hours proceeding the treatment. But it is nothing that an over-the-counter pain-relief medicine cannot take care of.
Myth 6: Teeth Whitening Treatment Causes Cancer
Teeth whitening is a clinical procedure done by dentists using chemical compounds that are safe for our body and health. There is no proven statistics whatsoever that showcase teeth whitening treatments, causing cancer.
However, what remains proven is that the effect of teeth whitening will last lesser in heavy drinkers, smokers, and drug-addicts.
Myth 7: Teeth Whitening Will Give You A Radiant Smile
Teeth whitening procedures are no magic treatment that can get you the whitest teeth. Rather, the efficiency of the treatment is dependent on a variety of clauses, including the age of the patient, the extent of stain, the enamel’s thickness, and the overall structure of teeth.
Hence, it is always recommended you talk to your dentist first and gain an idea of what to expect after the procedure. A dentist will paint a realistic picture of the overall procedure and the expectations so that you can be at ease during and after the treatment.
Wrapping Up
Teeth whitening is a widespread procedure that is safe and painless. It is the best procedure to whiten the teeth and get the radiant smile you’ve always dreamt of.
While the effect does not last for more than a year, you can go for periodic whitening procedures to let that smile stay radiant forever.