Debunking Myths About Teeth Whitening | Sarasota, FL

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures requested by patients these days. After all, who doesn't want a brighter and whiter smile? Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths floating around about teeth whitening. One cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, FL has taken the time to dispel some of these myths for us. This way, you can make a better informed decision regarding tooth whitening.

Myth 1: Store-Bought Whitening Kits Are the Best

There are so many store-bought tooth whitening kits and products available these days, so why would you bother going to your dentist's office to have whitening done? Well, contrary to popular belief, the kits you can buy in stores simply aren't of the same quality as the whitening solution used in a cosmetic dentist's office.

Yes, they do contain many of the same ingredients, but they simply don't tend to be as effective. Furthermore, when you whiten your own teeth, you're more likely to run into problems. For example, if you're using whitening strips, allowing them to come into contact with the gums can actually burn your sensitive gum tissue. When you trust a cosmetic dentist with your tooth whitening, you can rest assured that you're in good hands.

Myth 2: Whitening Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity

Some people shy away from the idea of whitening their teeth because they've heard in the past that tooth whitening can lead to sensitivity. In reality, the ingredients found in tooth whitening agents are completely safe on the teeth and enamel alike. In most cases, sensitivity is reported when people use store-bought whitening products and the gel or product comes into contact with the gums (as explained above). When this occurs, a stinging or burning pain is often reported throughout the teeth and gums, and future sensitivity can also occur. Again, the best way to avoid sensitivity caused by tooth whitening is simply to have the whitening done properly by an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Myth 3: If You Have Crowns/Implants, You Can't Whiten

Perhaps you've been hesitant to have your teeth whitened in the past because you have dental implants or even crowns that cannot be whitened by store-bought products. While it's true that artificial materials, such as porcelain (which is commonly found in dental implants) cannot be whitened by traditional agents, your cosmetic dentist can help you in achieving the same, uniform whitened appearance on all of your teeth. This can be done through professional teeth whitening combined with the placement of a new crown or dental implants to match.

Myth 4: The Effects of Whitening Will Last Forever

Finally, understand that the effects of tooth whitening cannot last forever; this remains true regardless of the specific tooth whitening method you use. Therefore, it's in your best interest to speak with your cosmetic dentist about how long you can expect your results to last before you may need another whitening treatment. At the same time, you don't want to overdo it.

There are certainly steps you can take to prolong the life of your whitening treatment. For instance, you can cut back on foods and beverages that are known to stain the teeth (such as coffee and red wine). Furthermore, you can use a whitening toothpaste; your dentist should be able to recommend one for you.

Sadly, there's a lot of misinformation out there about teeth whitening. Hopefully, you now have a better idea about the truth behind tooth whitening. For more information or to schedule a consultation for your own whitening procedure, be sure to contact us today. We'd be happy to assist you in achieving your whitest and brightest smile.