Fact or Fiction - What's Involved in Whitening?
If you have been tuning into the grapevine for information on teeth whitening, you may have heard some helpful tips but probably also some myths and misguided information as well. In fact, there are quite many teeth whitening myths that deserve clarification lest patients get the wrong idea on what the cosmetic treatment is about.
In this article, we will be debunking some of these urban legends and help set the record straight for those of you who are considering getting your teeth professionally whitened.
Myth 1: Uncomfortable Procedure
Before dispelling this myth, here’s a disclaimer: Some patients do experience a certain degree of teeth sensitivity or discomfort during a teeth whitening session. However, the teeth sensitivity issues usually affect patients with pre-existing dental conditions – such as allergies or cavities – but it must be said that they remain the exception rather than the norm. Also, it should be clearly explained that teeth sensitivity tends to occur with the use of an over-the-counter (OTC) whitening product.
Unlike OTC whitening products that are self-administered, professional laser whitening is administered by a trained dental professional. The dentist will not only evaluate your suitability before carrying out the whitening process, but also utilise a host of safety measures and protective wear – to minimise the gums coming into direct contact with the bleaching agent, hence reducing any risks of soft tissue burns, that can also cause discomfort.
In most cases, professional teeth whitening treatments are safe and minimally invasive for the bulk of patients.
Myth 2: Dentist-Dispensed Whitening Kits Same Effectiveness As OTC Kits
In terms of home-administered whitening kits, you can choose between that which is dispensed by a dentist or those available off the shelf. While over-the-counter (OTC) kits come with generic whitening trays, dentist-administered ones actually customise the tray according to your actual teeth structure and size. This ensures a better fit hence more even spread of the bleaching gel on your teeth and a better outcome. The gel used in the dentist-prescribed kit generally contains a higher concentrated bleaching solution, hence is usually more effective and fast-acting.
Myth 3: Harmful To Your Teeth
Some people have wrongly claimed that the Hydrogen Peroxide content in your bleaching agent can strip away the natural enamel layer of your teeth. Some would even go further to say that whitening solutions are no different from household cleaning products, which is totally untrue. Unlike your typical household bleaching process, teeth whitening treatments are non-acidic. Tested safe for use on teeth, the whitening process converts the balanced pH formulated solutions into safe and harmless water and oxygen compounds. This way, the chemical process effectively removes the staining particles that have hardened on your teeth over time.
Myth 4: Teeth Whitening Results Take A Long Time
While it may be true that some teeth whitening methods require more time to achieve visible results, the laser whitening treatment option can offer dramatic shade reduction within a single appointment. The Zoom! Chairside Whitening Treatment is an example of a system that is known to produce up to eight shades brighter in a one-hour session.
To find out more about our range of teeth whitening solutions, book a consultation with one of our friendly dentists at Face Value Dental, call (07 3221 0677 today.