Dispelling 3 Common Teeth Whitening Myths
Misconceptions about are everywhere, thanks to the rise of social media. While not all teeth whitening myths are harmful, it’s still best to clear them up so you have the facts you deserve. Our Ann Arbor, MI, cosmetic dentists can then help you get started with either at-home trays or an in-office procedure if you’re interested.
Here are 3 widespread ideas about teeth whitening that aren’t true.
Despite Online Claims, Teeth Whitening Won’t:
1. Irreparably Damage Tooth Enamel
This is the biggest false belief about teeth whitening treatments because as numerous studies have shown, the process of teeth whitening does not cause any damage to your natural tooth enamel.
The only situation in which this myth might be true is if you received teeth whitening supplies from an untrusted source online or had the procedure performed outside of a dental office. In both scenarios, the whitening products may not be properly regulated, could contain illegal levels of bleach, and can put your teeth at risk.
When teeth whitening gel is applied, you don’t have to worry about the protective outer layer of enamel being stripped away. It is merely being stained a brighter shade of white. Our dentists will be sure to explain every step of the at-home and in-office teeth whitening procedure so you’re well-briefed on what to expect.
2. Always Translate Well if the Remedy Is “Natural”
We’ve all heard of the pure and natural that are designed to lighten up your smile in no time. Some solutions are more far-fetched than others and very few have been shown to have a positive effect on the color of your teeth.
In general, it’s best to second guess the following:
- Rubbing acidic fruits or fruit peels (lemons, oranges, etc.) on your teeth to remove dark stains
- Practicing oil pulling and swishing coconut oil around in your mouth to lift
- Brushing your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and water
- Using any oral care product involving charcoal as a main ingredient
Whereas professional teeth whitening in our Ann Arbor dental office is safe for your enamel, natural remedies can often cause damage to that part of your tooth. For instance, if acidic fruits or fruit peels are used deliberately, the enamel will soften and can wear away.
Our cosmetic dentists instead use safe, but powerful whitening gel to brighten your smile. The gel is also dental-grade and has been proven to efficiently whiten discolored teeth. For patients with severe or highly stubborn stains, however, we may recommend porcelain veneers instead.
3. Automatically Cause Teeth to Appear Abnormally White
Teeth whitening procedures are not one shade fits all. What one patient wants will be much too bright for another. The nice thing about most treatments is that they are progressive, meaning you can choose to go brighter if you wish.
In the case of our treatments, you are given control over how white you want your teeth to end up. Before getting started, our dentists will ask you how light you’d like to go and what is realistically attainable for your smile.
It is important to know that the result of whitening is often predetermined by the original shade of your teeth. If you only have mild discoloration, the final look will not be extreme.
Get Your Shine On
Our cosmetic dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, encourage you to not get wrapped up in misleading claims about teeth whitening. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about both options we offer and discuss what would look most natural for your smile. Call Excel Dental today at (734) 929-9999 to request an appointment.