Everyone dreams of having a white, bright Hollywood smile. But is this something you can easily achieve yourself with over-the-counter solutions, or do you need help from a professional dentist? Does tooth whitening harm your teeth in any way? We debunk the most popular myths about teeth whitening.
Myth 1: Over the Counter Treatments are Just as Effective
It is true that tooth whitening products you can buy in- store have come a long way in recent year. Many of them will help to remove some surface staining, making your teeth look a little whiter. However, the levels of active ingredients in store- bought kits are notoriously low for safety reasons. This means they can never achieve the same results as treatments prescribed or administered by an experienced cosmetic dentist.
Myth 2: Whitening is Bad for Your Teeth
There is a popular myth online that tooth whitening products harm your teeth by stripping away the enamel. This is categorically not true. While some store bought whitening products can be overly abrasive, anything prescribed or treated by your dentist is formulated to be safe and healthy for your teeth.
Myth 3: It Takes a Long Time to Whiten your Teeth
Tooth whitening can actually be extremely quick and simple. If you choose an option like Phillips Zoom Whitening, this procedure can be completed in just one hour in the dentist chair. You can sit and relax while the laser does all the work, all while being supervised by your qualified and experienced dentist. At the end of the hour you will instantly see results, and you can also do more sessions, depending on how white you would like them to be.
Myth 4: Teeth Whitening is Painful
For the vast majority of people, tooth whitening does not hurt at all. Some patients may experience a slightly increased sensitivity following the treatment, but this usually goes away quickly, especially if you use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. If you have a pre- existing dental condition such as cavities, you will be more likely to experience sensitivity after tooth whitening, but no more than you would with a store- bought solution.
Myth 5: All Teeth Can Be Whitened
It is true that most teeth can be whitened, however if your teeth are severely damaged or dead, the results might not be as impressive as you would like. If this is the case, there are many other options available to you such as porcelain veneers or crowns can be fitted to give you the whiter smile you have been dreaming of.
Find Out More About Teeth Whitening
Now that these myths have been debunked, you can take the next step towards getting whiter teeth. For more information or to book an appointment, please call us at (03) 8845 5400 or fill out our contact form. Our experienced team are always happy to help you.
