Top Ten Myths About Teeth Whitening
Update May 2012
More and more people are able to get their teeth whitened as technology has made great advancements in product development. Prices have dropped and individuals can now have their teeth whitened in the privacy of their home without spending tons of money at the dentist. Over-the-counter (OTC) products are widely available to the public at a fraction of the price. Like anything, the more popular the product the more myths or misconceptions about that product are present in society. Below you will find the top 10 myths or misconceptions about teeth whitening.
#1 - Now that my teeth are white, I can do nothing & they will stay white forever.
Once you have had your teeth whitened, you will need to maintain them in order to keep them white by having periodic treatments. You will have to take care not to fall back into bad habits: not brushing your teeth, smoking, and eating/drinking the wrong foods are all sure ways to turn your teeth yellow. With the right maintenance, your white teeth will last a long time.
#2 - Persons of all ages can get their teeth whitened.
Not true, children should not have their teeth whitened as they are still developing.
#3 - It takes weeks to see results.
This is true if you use the OTC products, but if you go to the dentist you can see dramatic results within hours of the treatment.
#4 - The teeth whitening procedure hurts.
When individuals get their teeth whitened sensitivity may occur that is caused by the hydrogen peroxide. This increased sensitivity last for about 24 hours. You should also make sure to have your teeth checked for exposed roots, cavities, etc before beginning the whitening process.
#5 - The brightness disappears shortly after the treatment.
Not true -- in fact the whitening could last up to 18 months with the right maintenance. If you use the OTC products, then the whitening could last longer by having periodic treatments on a monthly basis.
#6 - All my veneers, filing, crowns, caps, etc will be whitened along with my teeth.
Not true, the ingredients of these tooth repairs will not whiten them as they do so for your teeth. If you have your teeth whitened you may notice that those repairs are a different shade. Try to have your repair work done before you have your teeth whitened, so that the dentist can match your shade of white to make them a uniform color.
#7 - I can just use toothpaste that has bleaching agents instead of having my teeth whitened.
Almost all toothpastes that are available today really don�t have bleaching agents that whiten your teeth. They contain abrasives, like baking soda, that help remove buildup and minor stains.
#8 - My dental insurance plan will cover the cost of teeth whitening.
The cost of teeth whitening is normally not reimbursable by your dental insurance company because the procedure is considered cosmetic.
#9 - All teeth whiten the same.
Not true -- teeth that are gray will not whiten the same as teeth that are yellow. People with yellow teeth will notice a several shade difference in whitening than people with gray teeth.
#10 - All the gels available are the same.
This is partially false -- while the composition of the gel is the same, the strength of each product varies greatly. Dentists are able to use a s