Our teeth go through a lot over the years, and while the best solution for healthy teeth is maintaining good oral hygiene, we can still develop yellowing and stains. White teeth are often seen as a sure sign that our teeth are healthy and you certainly aren’t alone if you’re seeking a brighter smile. Everything we eat and drink can affect the colour of our teeth, particularly tea, coffee and food with strong colouring, but teeth whitening can help to remove and reduce most stains and colouring built up over time. However, there are a number of myths floating about the industry that just aren’t true. From rumours about sensitive teeth, to whether professional whitening is better than over-the-counter alternatives, we’re debunking some of the most common, below.
#1 You can’t get your teeth whitened if you have sensitive teeth
A common misconception about teeth whitening revolves around sensitive teeth. The myth claims that those with sensitive teeth cannot have teeth whitening without pain or damage, or that the sensitivity can be made worse over time. The truth is, however, that those with sensitive teeth can still have them whitened and without pain. When you have your teeth cleaned professionally, you will always be assessed to determine the best treatments for the sensitivity of your teeth.
#2 Teeth whitening weakens your teeth
Tooth whitening has been accused of weakening teeth, but the truth is the opposite – when done professionally and by a trained clinician, teeth whitening is a painless, damage-free process that will simply brighten your smile without harm. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, on the other hand, may cause some damage to the enamel on your teeth, so it’s vital that you book in with a trained professional. We have partnered with ToothFairy in order to provide professional tooth whitening services using specialised gels that won’t affect the health or strength of your teeth or gums, giving you a painless and safe way to brighten your smile.
#3 Teeth will stay white forever after treatment
Tooth whitening is a long-lasting solution to brighter teeth, however it isn’t a permanent solution. Your teeth will continue to age naturally over the years and as a result, may develop further stains or change colour naturally. You can help to tackle these changes by getting touch-ups regularly in order to maintain the health and whiteness of your teeth following treatment.
#4 Over-the-counter teeth whitening is as good as professional whitening
While some over-the-counter whitening kits may offer the same result as professional whitening, you run the risk of damaging your teeth or using the wrong product for you and your particular requirements. Professional dentists and clinicians are well-trained in the user of whitening gels and can assess which one will be best for your teeth and their current condition. They approach each client as an individual, while at-home whitening kits tend to offer one solution to the masses that may not be appropriate for everyone. Professional treatment is always best – doing it yourself could lead to overuse or incorrect use, damage or inferior results.
#5 You can whiten crowns, fillings and veneers
Professional whitening gels use a type of oxidisation that is designed specifically for use on natural teeth and for this reason, you can’t use the same solution for crowns, fillings or veneers. Crowns and veneers are typically made of porcelain, which the gel cannot oxidise in order to remove any stains. If you want your veneers and crowns to match the rest of your teeth following treatment, you could have them replaced with a shade-match.
#6 Fruit can whiten your smile naturally
Natural remedies for certain ailments can be great but when it comes to teeth whitening, it’s best to avoid the acidic fruits alternate. It’s an old wives’ tale that rubbing lemons, oranges or other acidic fruits on your teeth can help to reduce and remove dark stains and yellowing, but this can actually be harmful to your teeth. Prolonged contact with the acids in the fruits can damage your teeth by eating at your tooth enamel. Fruits can also have a lot of sugar, which can increase your risk of cavities and increase tooth sensitivity.
For more information about tooth whitening or to find out about our brand new partnership with ToothFairy and to book your appointment, get in touch with a member of our friendly team, today.