Teeth Whitening Myths Debunked
In this blog we are going to be debunking certain myths that surround teeth whitening. This discussion will save you a lot of money and prevent your teeth from getting damaged.
Misinformation About Teeth Whitening
I cannot tell you how much of misinformation there is on the web especially on Youtube with tutorials teaching you ‘how to whiten your teeth’ ‘naturally’ or at home recipes using baking soda, coconut oil or strawberries. There are also a lot of scams out there.
These are strongly discouraged by a dentist as this will erode your teeth in the long term and damage your gum tissue. A lot of patients have come running to our offices with eroded teeth and gums that are damaged due to these so called ‘natural procedures’.
Other Teeth Whitening Myths Debunked
• It is recommended that you whiten your teeth if you are 20 years or older. We don’t recommend teeth whitening for younger individuals as their enamel is still forming.
•The most effective teeth whitening procedure is getting it professionally done by a dentist. It is also the safest procedure. At home teeth whitening kits or alternatives such as baking soda, swishing your mouth in coconut oil, brushing with crushed strawberries are dangerous for your teeth and leads to erosion of your enamel. These methods can also damage your gums.
• Whilst teeth whitening toothpaste and whitening gum has some whitening chemicals in them they are far too weak to have an effect in the long term.
•Do NOT mouth rinse with hydrogen peroxide. This is extremely dangerous and can cause free radicals. The same radicals that age tissue.
•The strongest whitening gel is NOT the most effective method. If you whiten your teeth in one session you will increase the sensitivity and experience severe pain in your teeth. That is why we use lower doses of carbamide over a longer period of time. It is the most effective in the long term as it keeps your teeth white.
To main a healthy, brighter, clean smile in the long term it is important to get your teeth cleaned by an oral hygienist every 6 months.
Avoid Foods That Discolour Your Teeth
Even after whitening your teeth it is best to avoid foods that discolour your teeth such as curry, red wine and coffee. The best method is to drink cool drinks and other stain enhancing foods via a straw
Fillings, crowns and veneers cannot be whitened. Only your natural teeth can.
Once whitened, teeth will not stay white forever. The colour change is permanent but the aging process still continues that is why touch up’s are needed in order to maintain white teeth. That is another reason we use the custom tray method. It is the most effective method in the long term and the most affordable method.
You will not need to repeat the entire procedure again which will cost you more money in the long term. You just need the top up gels.
Medical aid will not pay for any teeth whitening procedure. It is seen as a cosmetic procedure.
Whitening Your Teeth Is Associated with Good Oral Hygiene
Many people are looking to whiten their teeth as white teeth is associated with good oral hygiene and research has shown that straight, white teeth can make you look years younger. Bright, white teeth are no longer only for Hollywood celebrities. It is now affordable for the average population.
They say first impressions last and whitening your teeth increases your confidence and can make you look amazing on your wedding day, increase your business sales and can even get you your dream job.
Teeth Whitening Procedures At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic
Professional Teeth whitening is a process to lighten the colour of your teeth from yellow or grey to a whiter and brighter shade. There are two types of teeth whitening procedures at our offices – Tray based teeth whitening and LED/Laser teeth whitening. We use a combination of tray and laser based in order to safely and effectively whiten your teeth.
You can lighten your teeth up to 9 shades whiter with our teeth whitening system called Polar Night.
Call us now or click here to learn more about our teeth whitening procedure.
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