5 Myths About Teeth Whitening Debunked

There's no simpler way to improve the look of your smile and revitalize your appearance than whitening your teeth. A whiter, brighter smile takes years off of your appearance, improves confidence and first impressions, and gives you a dazzling, refreshed look. Despite the simplicity, power, and popularity of professional teeth whitening, there are a lot of misconceptions about how it works and the best ways to whiten your teeth.

We're here to set the record straight by debunking the most common myths and answering some of the most common questions about teeth whitening.  

5 Common Teeth Whitening Myths Debunked

1. Teeth Whitening Damages Tooth Enemal

Professional teeth whitening is performed under the direction and supervision of a highly trained medical professional. We use whitening agents that are safe for teeth and post-whitening treatments designed to strengthen the tooth enamel. The whitening treatments you receive in the dental office will never damage your teeth. Additionally, as long as you carefully follow the instructions provided with professional at-home whitening kits provided by our dental office, you won't harm your teeth.

Teeth can come into harm when people try to use whitening concoctions that they have made themselves at home or over-the-counter whitening products that have not been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

2. Teeth Whitening Causes Extreme Sensitivity

Yes, professional teeth whitening can result in some sensitivity, but it is usually only minor. Additionally, professional whitening treatments are often administered in conjunction with treatments designed to prevent and mitigate sensitivity while strengthening the patient's tooth enamel. You should never have any extreme pain or tooth sensitivity that arises as a result of professional teeth whitening treatments.

3. Any Tooth Can Be Whitened

Some types of stains and discoloration are permanent and cannot be removed with teeth whitening treatments. We can, however, offer alternative cosmetic treatment options such as dental veneers, dental bonding, or dental crowns to address permanent discoloration and create an evenly colored smile.

4. It's Okay to Use Home Remedies to Whiten Your Teeth

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products that have been approved by the American Dental Association are safe to use at home, as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Whitening products that have not been approved by the ADA are not always safe and could put your tooth enamel and oral health at risk.

Many over-the-counter products that are not ADA-approved are far too acidic or overly abrasive to be safe for tooth enamel. As a result, these products can either dissolve away or wear down tooth enamel, leading to permanent damage.

Additionally, home whitening remedies using ingredients such as lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide are too harsh to be safe for your teeth. Attempting to whiten your teeth at home with homemade whitening concoctions can break down your tooth enamel, causing permanent damage.

5. Dental Prosthetics Can Be Whitened

Dental prosthetics such as dental crowns, dental veneers, and dental bonding cannot be whitened either with at-home whitening products or professional whitening treatments. Any dental work that becomes discolored or no longer matches the neighboring teeth can be corrected with a new restoration that is designed to better match your natural teeth.

How to Whiten Teeth: The Best Method

The safest, most effective, and fastest way to whiten your teeth is with professional teeth whitening treatments administered in the dentist's office. These treatments use medical-grade whitening agents and are administered under professional supervision. As a result, you can achieve the results you desire in much less time than at-home products can achieve.

We recommend maintaining your newly whitened smile with whitening toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA. Prevent new stains from forming by avoiding highly pigmented foods and drinks such as chocolate, wine, tea, coffee, and dark-colored sodas. Additionally, it's best to avoid tobacco use of all kinds, as this will rapidly stain and yellow tooth enamel.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of professional teeth whitening treatments can vary from patient to patient. The total cost depends on the number of treatments required to achieve your desired results and whether or not you opt for in-office or at-home whitening treatments.

Professional, in-office teeth whitening can range anywhere from $100 to $500 per whitening session. Kits for professional whitening at home cost an average of $200 to $600 in total.

During a consultation, our dentist can talk with you about anticipated costs and the type of teeth whitening treatment that is best for you.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Fairhope, AL

If your smile has seen better days and you're ready to revitalize your appearance with professional teeth whitening, then our team at Lagniappe Dental is here for you! Our cosmetic dentist is highly experienced and offers a variety of options in professional teeth whitening and cosmetic treatments designed to help patients create the smiles of their dreams.

To learn more about having your teeth whitened professionally in our office or to request a smile makeover consultation, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Fairhope today.

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