There are a lot of misconceptions about teeth whitening. Let’s delve into this topic, debunk some myths, and learn something new about this popular cosmetic procedure.
These are facts you should know before searching “teeth whitening near me.”
1. Your teeth absorb things like sponges
Your teeth, like your skin or a sponge, have pores. Anything with color that you put in your mouth will seep into those pores. Wine, coffee, dark berries, and smoking all have a high staining capacity. Because of these stains, the natural color of your teeth darkens over time. Unless you deliberately remove these stains, they will never go away. The teeth whitening gel that has been properly prepared works by seeping into your teeth and gently pushing stains out through the pores.
2. Teeth whitening is not harmful to your teeth
Abuse of any kind, like forceful tooth brushing, can be harmful. Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, is extremely safe when used as directed. Active chemicals are used in the whitening procedure to open pores in your teeth and lift stains temporarily. Your teeth naturally remineralize and rehydrate after each whitening treatment.
3. The delivery device is important for tooth whitening
To whiten, most whitening treatments on the market employ comparable active components. The mechanism used to hold the whitening substance on the tooth is what distinguishes them. A genuinely custom-fitted whitening tray ensures that every aspect of every tooth receives even and constant coverage (regardless of whether your teeth are straight or not). Fitted whitening trays, as opposed to boil and bite trays, whitening strips, and UV lights, remove the chance of inconsistency and allow you to keep your attractive smile.
4. Sensitivity is normal after teeth whitening
More than 60% of the population in the United States has naturally sensitive teeth. Genetics, poor enamel, or cracked/damaged teeth are the most common causes. It is perfectly natural for sensitivity to occur during the whitening procedure. The teeth become momentarily dry, reducing their ability to protect the nerve from temperature variations. Sensitivity will go away within 12-36 hours of whitening. Dentists and hygienists prescribe fluoride after whitening to nourish teeth and encourage rehydration.
5. Teeth whitening with a laser or UV light is temporary
UV light is a frequency of light that works by accelerating the whitening gel's action. This procedure is FDA-approved and only available under a dentist's supervision. Although it whitens teeth quickly, it is not suitable for persons who have sensitive teeth. Furthermore, the effects are only temporary and must be maintained (typically with custom-fitted whitening trays or further dental appointments). The procedure is both costly and time-consuming.
"Overnight teeth whitening companies" sell blue LED lights that do nothing. The light is merely blue in color and does not emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The gel does not react any faster in the presence of a blue LED light than it does in the absence of one.
6. Not everyone's teeth can be perfectly whitened
Regardless of stains, a person's teeth' inherent color (and genetic makeup) is fixed at birth. A whitening treatment can only erase all of the stains that have formed over time. Unfortunately, most dentists will not tell you this, and they will not refund you if it does not work. You'll never know how white your teeth can be unless you try to whiten them and see the realistic result. In any way, even several shades do make a difference.
The bottom line
Hopefully, you educated yourself a little from this article. Now you know what to expect from the teeth whitening procedure and won’t be disappointed due to unrealistic expectations.