With teeth whitening becoming more and more popular, there has been an equally concerning rise in the number of misconceptions. Some of them could even make you wonder how anyone who has had this procedure done could have any teeth left!
The best way to handle this is to find out the truth of the matter, so today, we are on a mission to find out just how true these misconceptions are.
Let’s see how teeth whitening actually works. This is a cosmetic dental procedure that is designed to lighten the shade of the teeth and make them look pretty!
This is usually done with the application of bleaching agents to remove stains and discolouration. Now, these stains can be caused by a bunch of different reasons – ageing, smoking, dietary habits, medication, etc.
The list is endless. So, it is no surprise that this procedure is quite popular.
Professional teeth whitening should only be performed in a dental office by trained professionals using equipment specially designed for this task. This is to ensure that your results are effective and that there is no harm done to your teeth in the process.
This is one of the most popular misconceptions that comes from the use of bleaching agents. A lot of people seem to think that this would weaken or erode the enamel and it is quite understandable.
So, is this untrue? Yes, it absolutely is!
Contrary to popular belief, professional whitening procedures are designed to be safe and gentle on enamel, considering how important it is to the teeth.
The whitening agents used in these treatments (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) work by penetrating the enamel and breaking down stains into smaller particles. It lightens your teeth without breaking them!
As long as you go to a clinic with a certified and qualified dentist in NZ, like Primecare Dental, this will never be an issue. Such dentists will make sure to use a strong, good-quality whitening gel.
They will also use protective barriers and be meticulous about the application so it goes smoothly.
Just as people expect teeth whitening to mess up their teeth, they also expect to pay a hefty amount for the process. The truth is that the cost of dental treatment varies depending on a lot of factors, like which clinic you go to, where the clinic is located, and what type of dental treatment you have chosen.
While it is normal for this procedure to cost more than most normal over-the-counter options, it is better since it will last longer and be of higher quality.
While it may seem like using an over-the-counter option is easier on the wallet, it needs to be clarified how it will turn out since you will be using it yourself.
It just makes more sense to go to a professional clinic and have it done right the first time. It is also a lot more cost-effective since you will not have to refresh it every now and then because of poor quality.
Now, this has to be the most common misconception about teeth whitening – that you will end up with unnaturally white teeth and look like an alien.
The fear that you will end up with extremely white or bleached-looking teeth is strong enough that it deters most people from seeking out this treatment.
However, most professional clinics offer a range of dental customisation options that ensure natural-looking results. Dentists can tailor the strength and duration of the whitening process to match the patient’s desired outcome and tooth shade.
Additionally, specialised techniques like gradient whitening, where different areas of the teeth receive varying levels of whitening, can further enhance the natural appearance of the smile.
This type of treatment can only be done by a trained dental professional, which is why you must go to a clinic.
Understandably, many people have concerns about pain or discomfort with this procedure.
The thought of having chemicals applied to your teeth, especially ones as strong as hydrogen peroxide, can make most folks a bit apprehensive. However, it is important to address these fears head-on and reassure them that modern whitening techniques have come a long way to ensure that the patients are comfortable during the process.
The whitening gels of the present are formulated to be gentler on the teeth and gums while still doing their job effectively. On top of that, innovative application methods and equipment help to reduce sensitivity and ensure even distribution of the whitening gels.
This, coupled with the fact that all dentists employ various pain management strategies during such sessions, ensures that the patients will be as comfortable as possible.
While teeth whitening helps with looks, making it seem like it only helps with looks negates all the other effects it has on the health of a person.
Many people think of these whitening treatments as purely superficial, oblivious to the other benefits they bring to a person. This has caused many people to deny themselves this care so that they don’t seem selfish and get misunderstood as vain people.
Professional whitening contributes to improved oral health by removing surface stains and discolouration that may harbour harmful bacteria.
By removing these stains, whitening treatments reduce the risk of dental issues like cavities and gum disease. There is the additional benefit of motivating people to take better care of their teeth.
Of course, there are many more misconceptions about this treatment, and we couldn’t possibly cover them all in one blog.
If you want to clear any more doubts you have, you can contact us and learn more about the procedure. If this blog has assuaged your worries about the treatment, you can also reach out to us, book an appointment, and have it done!
Visit Primecare Dental in our state-of-the-art clinics at three convenient locations: Mangere Bridge, Highland Park, and Papatoetoe. We also have a clinic in Palmerston North.
