A healthier smile naturally makes people feel more confident leading to better relationships, jobs, and quality of life. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve your smile significantly. Teeth whitening can naturally transform a dull smile into a brighter, luminous, pearly white smile simply by removing difficult extrinsic stains. Yet, with the popularity of teeth whitening on social media, there are many myths that people sometimes come across that may not be beneficial for your oral health. Here we discuss the facts and common myths that surround teeth whitening, so you are prepared when you are ready to whiten.
Myth #1: Teeth whitening can deliver a “Hollywood smile.”
While teeth whitening can brighten most people’s teeth, it is not always effective for everyone. People tend to want a “Hollywood smile” but what many people don’t know is that many celebrities or people you see with perfectly shaped white teeth have dental veneers or crowns. Most people have some type of tooth discoloration that can be intrinsic and/or extrinsic. Extrinsic tooth discoloration is caused by external factors like foods and drinks like red wine, coffee, and tea, as well as tobacco products. Intrinsic tooth discoloration is caused by natural aging, certain medications like tetracycline, tooth injuries, certain diseases, or tooth defects. It’s important to differentiate because teeth whitening is effective on extrinsic stains, but not intrinsic stains.
For people with intrinsic staining, they are better off spending the time and money on dental veneers or crowns so they can achieve the smile they want.
Fact #1: Sensitivity after teeth whitening is common.
While teeth whitening is considered very safe and effective, it is also common to experience sensitivity after your treatment. The good news is that this tooth sensitivity is only temporary and typically resolves within a few days. The reason for sensitivity is that teeth whitening materials like peroxide can penetrate the tooth and be exposed to the dentin layer, which contains nerves of the tooth. Dentists typically recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment to promote rehydration and a toothpaste for sensitivity, like Sensodyne.
Myth #2: You can whiten crowns, veneers, and fillings.
It is unfortunate, but true that you cannot whiten dental restorations (fillings) or any type of crown or veneer. If you are in the process of getting your teeth repaired, speak with your dentist about whitening first, so they can shade-match your filling/crown/veneer to match your natural teeth. Otherwise, there may be some uneven discoloration if you whiten after you do dental treatment.
Fact #2: Your teeth are like sponges.
Teeth have pores just like a sponge, which means they can absorb color from food, beverages and smoking. If you prefer a whiter smile, but enjoy coffee or wine drinking, or you use tobacco products, whitening won’t be as effective or long-lasting because your teeth will become darker from these habits.
Whitening gel works by being absorbed into your teeth and pushing extrinsic stains out through the pores of the enamel. If you do a professional whitening treatment, it is recommended to wait 24-48 hours to consume staining colored foods or beverages, because your tooth is more porous and can discolor during the first 48 hours after whitening.
Myth #3: Over-the-counter options are just as effective as in-office treatment.
Over-the-counter treatment will likely be as effective as professional whitening. This is because dentists can safely order a higher concentration of peroxide materials that effectively whiten compared to over-the-counter concentrated peroxide. Over-the-counter products may work, but not as quickly or produce professional results. Also, it can’t be guaranteed that products purchased outside of your dental office will be safe or effective, so it is best to check with your dentist first before using them.
Fact #3: A UV or LED Light only temporarily helps whiten teeth
Many companies try to oversell LED lights and whitening products, claiming their products can help whiten faster and better than without the light. LED lights do not create an ultraviolet UV light frequency that is needed to accelerate whitening gel to work faster. LED lights create a blue light that has no real impact on whitening results. UV light can only be managed under a licensed dentist, and even then, whitening results would still need to be maintained with custom whitening trays and repeated professional treatments. A 2007 systematic review in the Journal Dental Materials found no added benefit from heat, light, or lasers and suggested these methods “may have an adverse effect on pulpal tissue.”
Myth #4: Charcoal whitening is safe and effective.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has found no evidence that charcoal toothpaste is effective or even safe. Many dentists claim that it may actually harm your gums and teeth. Activated charcoal is an abrasive substance, which is why it can remove surface stains from your teeth. But, because of its increased abrasiveness, it can also remove the outer layer of the tooth called the enamel. Chronic Continued use can erode your enamel and cause pain, discoloration, and sensitivity.
Fact #4: Not everyone’s teeth will whiten the same.
Every person’s natural tooth color is set at birth, and that means some people have naturally white teeth, while others have a darker hue. Lifestyle habits like drinking coffee or wine, smoking cigarettes, or chewing tobacco can influence tooth discoloration. Whitening products can only remove stains that have accumulated, but they can’t remove intrinsic stains that may cause a darker tooth color.
Everyone should have reasonable expectations when it comes to teeth whitening and understand that what works for one person may not work for another. Speaking with your dental professional about the best product for you is the best way to guarantee a safe and highly desired result. Contact Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West today and let us answer all your teeth whitening questions.