Don't Let These 3 Teeth Whitening Myths Hold You Back From a Beautiful Smile

Dentist Blog

Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective procedure that allows people to enjoy whiter, brighter smiles. However, many people avoid teeth whitening because of myths that exist about the procedure. Have you been fooled by any of these three common misconceptions about teeth whitening? Read on to separate the facts from the myths.

1. Myth: Teeth Whitening is Bad for Enamel

Many people worry that having their teeth whitened too often will wear away the protective enamel that coats healthy teeth. However, there is no need to worry. Cosmetic dentists use a chemical called hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from teeth in a procedure that has been designed to preserve tooth enamel.

However, if you're thinking of skipping the dentist's office and doing your own at-home whitening treatment, you may need to watch out. Some natural teeth whitening methods rely on acids, such as citric acid, to remove stains. These acids react with enamel and can leave it soft and vulnerable.

2. Myth: Filled Teeth Can't Be Whitened

Contrary to popular belief, teeth whitening doesn't damage dental fillings, crowns, bridges, or other types of dental work. The chemicals that dentists use for whitening don't react with metal or composite dental materials, so you won't put your dental work at risk by having your teeth whitened.

On the other hand, standard teeth whitening methods don't remove stains from crowns or other dental work. Therefore, you might end up with your natural teeth being a brighter shade of white than your crowns, which could look strange. You can avoid this situation by talking to your cosmetic dentist before the procedure. He or she can tailor the amount of whitening so your teeth don't end up looking much brighter than your crowns, or replace your existing dental work to get rid of stains.

3. Myth: Teeth Whitening Hurts

Professional teeth whitening should be a completely painless procedure. Some people experience mild sensitivity in their teeth after the procedure, but there are steps you can take to avoid even this small amount of discomfort.

If you're worried about tooth sensitivity, a good option is to ask the cosmetic dentist to use a densensitising chemical during the procedure. Desensitising chemicals are able to block openings in the enamel that can expose the root of the tooth to stimuli such as heat and cold. Using sensitivity relief toothpaste before and after the procedure may also help. 

For more information or advice, contact a cosmetic dentist.

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15 March 2017

Travel With An Australian Dentist:  The Best In The World

Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.