Everyone desires a beautiful and healthy-looking smile. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure, and its advancement in cosmetic dentistry has made it safer and more affordable for practically anyone who wants a brighter smile! However, there are many misconceptions about teeth whitening out there, particularly on the internet, which prevents people from going through with the procedure.

Don’t Believe These Myths

Keep reading as we demystify some common myths surrounding teeth whitening procedures:

Over-the-counter whitening gels are as good as professional whitening gel

This is a huge myth! Like other treatments, over-the-counter options will never produce expert results. Although all whitening gels include varying amounts of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, the main component that whitens your teeth, the peroxide used in over-the-counter treatments is not as reliable or effective as that provided by a dentist.

Professional procedures provide better and longer-lasting results. They also ensure that the whitening gel is applied safely, with no risk of being consumed or excess gel causing painful gum irritation.

Whitening toothpaste and strips are enough to whiten your teeth

Not entirely true! Because toothpaste is used daily and contains stain-fighting chemicals, some people feel it is better than or equal to whitening treatments. The truth is that most individuals don’t notice any difference when they use whitening toothpaste since it’s not in contact with teeth long enough.

While whitening toothpaste, strips, chewing gums, and other items include whitening agents, they cannot produce the same results as professional whitening. The active components needed to whiten your teeth typically take twenty to thirty minutes to work, which cannot be achieved with regular brushing.

Teeth whitening ruins your enamel

This is not the case! Teeth whitening procedures are very safe and do not damage the enamel unless the proportions are used incorrectly throughout the process. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is the active ingredient in professional tooth whitening treatments.

The bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide, is converted to water during the chemical process, and an oxygen molecule is released. Water and oxygen are two essential elements of our everyday lives that are natural and safe. A qualified specialist will ensure that this process is carried out effectively with the right ratio so you don’t have to worry about harming your enamel. This is another important reason not to whiten at home.

Teeth whitening causes tooth sensitivity

For a few individuals who have a history of sensitive teeth, the teeth may become sensitive briefly after the whitening procedure. On the other hand, dentists use several gels to avoid sensitivity before and after treatment to protect your gums and teeth. Everyone reacts differently to professional whitening gels, so it is wise to let your dentist know if you already have very sensitive teeth. This is even more reason to avoid using over-the-counter whitening strips or gels that a dentist does not supervise.

Crowns, veneers, and fillings can be whitened

False! Whitening treatment will not work on crowns, veneers, or false teeth. As a result, going many shades whiter may result in uneven coloring. Hydrogen peroxide can also damage the bonds of some of these artificial materials or attack the metal components. If you plan to get caps, crowns, or veneers, it is advisable to whiten your natural teeth first. Doing this allows your dentist to match the color of the artificial teeth with your newly whiter natural teeth, giving you a brighter smile.

One teeth whitening can last a lifetime

Although the color change is permanent, the aging process continues, and coffee, wine, and tobacco products can discolor your teeth again after whitening. Professional teeth whitening lasts around two years. Touch-ups are required to keep the whitening effect but it lasts far longer than at home treatments.

Dental Group of Simi Valley Will Improve Your Smile!

A great smile can brighten a room and entirely improve your self-esteem. It affects every aspect of your life when you don’t feel confident about your teeth. Fortunately, you can seek professional help with the Dental Group of Simi Valley! Our experts will help you with your teeth whitening procedure while offering the best dental care with your comfort in mind.

At Dental Group of Simi Valley, we have been helping Simi Valley residents achieve a healthy, pain-free smile since 1963. We offer a full range of dental services, including oral diagnostics, treatment planning, preventative care, composite fillings, root canal therapy, and periodontal care. Call us today!