10 Essential Teeth Whitening Facts | Smile Stories

Teeth Bleaching: 10 Quick Facts

Teeth bleaching is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile. However, there are many myths and misconceptions about teeth bleaching out there. Here are 10 quick facts about teeth bleaching that will help you decide whether this procedure is right for you.

1. Tooth Whitening Toothpastes Aren’t Effective

There are many myths surrounding teeth whitening, and one of the most common is that toothpaste can effectively whiten teeth. Unfortunately, this is simply not true. Some brands of toothpaste might be ok for removing gentle stains, but they don’t spend enough time soaking into your teeth to be truly effective.

What’s worse is that many teeth whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that can cause more harm to your teeth than good. The same is true for mouthwashes and teeth-whitening chewing gums — they’re simply not effective teeth-whitening products.

2. It Takes Time to Remove Teeth Stains

Some people believe teeth whitening is a one-time process that will immediately give you perfect teeth. However, the reality is that teeth whitening takes time and effort to achieve the desired results. 

Depending on the severity of the stains, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to see noticeable results. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits after teeth whitening to keep your teeth looking their best. 

3. Charcoal Isn’t Helpful or Healthy

One of the most popular teeth whitening myths is that charcoal is a good way to achieve whiter teeth. People think that because it is a natural product, it must be good for you. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Charcoal is very abrasive, and if you’re using a firm toothbrush, you can damage your teeth more by using that toothbrush along with charcoal-based oral hygiene products. The abrasive nature of charcoal can damage tooth enamel, and over time, this can lead to tooth sensitivity and even cavities.

4. Increased Tooth Sensitivity Is Normal after Bleaching

You’re not alone if you experience teeth sensitivity after teeth whitening. In fact, it’s pretty normal. There are a few things that can cause teeth sensitivity when bleaching teeth, such as using high-concentration bleaching agents, not using enough fluoride, or eating acidic foods.

The good news is that tooth sensitivity is usually temporary and will go away once the teeth have had time to adjust to the bleaching agent. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do after teeth whitening to help reduce sensitivity and discomfort, such as using toothpaste for sensitive teeth or rinsing with a glass of milk after teeth whitening. 

5. Your Teeth Might Not Be Brilliant White after Treatment

The fact is that not everyone has brilliant white teeth, even after teeth bleaching treatments. Teeth whitening will only ever remove stains from your teeth. It can’t make your teeth whiter than they naturally are. Don’t look at celebrities and assume that you’re going to get those perfect white chompers — most celebs have caps or veneers for that “perfect” look.

You may have seen teeth whitening products advertised that claim to be able to make your teeth incredibly white, even if they’re not naturally that colour. It’s important to realise that teeth bleaching can only ever make your teeth the whitest shade they can naturally be.

The teeth bleaching process cannot change the underlying colour of your teeth. Nevertheless, teeth whitening can still be an effective way to remove stains and make your teeth look brighter and whiter. Just don’t expect miracles.

6. You Can’t Whiten Veneers and Caps

Many teeth whitening products on the market claim to give you a brighter, whiter smile, but teeth whitening is only effective on natural teeth. It will not change the colour of caps, veneers, dentures, or fillings. 

​​You may find that your dentist recommends having replacement fillings or caps before your teeth whitening treatment begins. This is because teeth whitening treatments only work on natural teeth, and composites or other materials used in dental work will not whiten.

If you have staining around old dental work, your dentist can sometimes give you a specific whitening treatment to remove the staining. In other cases, they may recommend replacing the old dental work before beginning teeth whitening treatment.

7. Teeth Bleaching Doesn’t Harm Your Teeth

Teeth bleaching is one of the most popular teeth whitening methods available today. But there are still many teeth bleaching myths circulating among the public. One of the most persistent myths is that bleaching will damage your teeth. It’s easy to see where this myth comes from: we’re trained early on to be wary of bleach!

However, teeth bleaching is a safe and effective way to remove stains and achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Professional teeth whitening is performed by trained dental professionals using safe, gentle bleaching agents. So if you’re looking for a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter smile, teeth bleaching is a great option.

However, you should be aware that at-home teeth bleaching can lead to tooth damage if you don’t follow the instructions very, very carefully. Simple mistakes like leaving whitening strips on for too long can lead to cavities, irritated gums, and serious tooth sensitivity.

That’s why it’s so important to read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter — otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good. If you’re unsure how to use a particular product, it’s always best to consult your dentist first. They can help you determine whether at-home teeth bleaching is suitable for you and, if so, how to use the products safely and effectively.

8. Teeth Bleaching Is Less Expensive than You Think

Contrary to what you might think, professional teeth whitening is more affordable than you might have assumed. At our teeth whitening clinic in Bournemouth, we offer a variety of teeth whitening treatments. We’ve even created “Whitening Wednesdays”, a special offer that halves the price of professional teeth whitening compared to most other clinics in Bournemouth, Poole, and Dorset.

So if you’ve been putting off teeth bleaching because you’re worried about the cost, don’t panic. If you’re looking for an affordable way to achieve a brighter smile, Whitening Wednesdays can be a game-changer.

9. It Usually Takes More than One Teeth Bleaching Session

One common tooth whitening myth is that you can get rid of all your teeth stains in just one session with the dentist. However, tooth whitening doesn’t work like that — it can take a few months of treatment before you start seeing results.

And the older you are, the longer it may take. That’s because your teeth become less porous as you age, making it harder for the bleaching to have an effect. So if you’re looking for long-lasting results, be patient and prepared to commit to regular teeth whitening treatments. You’ll be glad you did when you finally see those pearly whites!

10. Teeth Whitening Can Last Years

One thing is for sure amongst all those myths: teeth whitening can leave your teeth looking whiter for a very long time. So how long does teeth whitening last? Well, you can do a few simple things to ensure your teeth stay healthy and white for as long as possible. Firstly, avoid anything that can stain your teeth, such as smoking or drinking red wine. Secondly, brush and floss regularly to remove any plaque or tartar build-up. Finally, see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the benefits of teeth whitening for many years to come.

Is Teeth Bleaching Right for You?

If you are considering teeth bleaching, talk to a dentist first. They will be able to help you assess if teeth bleaching is the right solution for you and can provide guidance on how to achieve the best results.

Claim Your Whitening Wednesday Slot!

With our limited appointments, you’ll have a chance to receive the most comprehensive teeth whitener treatment in Bournemouth and Poole. You will also get your choice of half price on professional service or stain removal when claiming an appointment with us now.

Simply click the link below, fill out the form, and our client care coordinator will reserve one of the limited spaces for you.

CLAIM APPOINTMENT

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AUTHOR

Dr Gareth Edwards BDS (Hons) MFDS RCPS (Glasg) qualified from dental school with honours. Practising from Bournemouth and Poole, he has a keen interest in orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry and is a certified Invisalign provider. Smile Stories provide teeth whitening Bournemouth.

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