If your smile is no longer as white and bright as you'd like, you may have considered tooth whitening. While this is an incredibly common procedure, many people still believe information that isn't true. If you would like to know more, check out these four myths about teeth whitening.
1. Teeth Whitening Is Too Expensive
Teeth whitening is actually one of the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures. On average, for an in-office visit, you'll pay about $500 to $1000 for the whole treatment. However, veneers, another tooth-whitening option, can cost up to $2,500 per tooth. Crowns can cost up to $3000 per tooth.
Plus, your only option isn't in-office treatment. Many providers offer kits that you can take home. These kits are often just as effective as in-office treatments but cost significantly less. As technology grows, these at-home kids continue to evolve. Some even allow you to use your smartphone, making it easy to control.
2. Teeth Whitening Is Painful
Although many associate the dentist with pain, you shouldn't be in pain at the dentist. However, some procedures can cause discomfort. For example, after a root canal treatment, your tooth may feel tender and sensitive to pressure. Similarly, during teeth whitening, your teeth may feel a little more sensitive than normal.
Immediately after the treatment, you may be slightly more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages, but the discomfort passes quickly. You can avoid much of this sensitivity by monitoring what you consume. You can also talk to your dentist about lower doses of the peroxide whitening solution. Over-the-counter pain medications can often help reduce or eliminate the mild discomfort.
3, Teeth Whitening Ruins Enamel
Your tooth's enamel is incredibly important. It's the hardest substance in the body so it can protect teeth from decay. Eating a lot of sugar or acidic foods can weaken enamel, leading to decay. However, teeth whitening doesn't ruin your enamel. In fact, it slips past your enamel via the enamel tubules to reach the dentin.
The dentin is the second layer of your teeth, and it is where stains are. The dentin changes color when you consume stain-causing foods and beverages, and the dentin whitens during teeth whitening. Tooth whitening could cause a temporary reduction of saliva flow, and reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of decay, but as long as you drink plenty of water and brush, your teeth should be fine.
4. Teeth Whitening Isn't That Effective
This myth can be true in some cases. Over-the-counter whitening products are often not very effective. Whitening toothpastes, in particular, are often ineffective since they are usually just more abrasive forms of regular toothpaste, and they often take weeks before you can see results.
More expensive over-the-counter products may work a little better, but they don't usually perfectly fit your teeth. This means they may not get every bit of discoloration. These products also take a few weeks to start showing results.
In-office whitening and at-home kits, however, are usually incredibly effective at whitening teeth. In many cases, you can reach the desired shade in just one treatment. If you continue to eat and drink stain-causing foods and beverages, however, the stains will eventually return. Avoiding these foods and beverages will allow your results to last much longer.
Teeth whitening can drastically improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence. While many options are available, the fastest and most effective results come from office visits and home kits. Regardless of your goals, however, a tooth-whitening solution is out there for you. If you would like to know more, contact us at The Whitening Gals to schedule your appointment.
