Tooth whitening… is it worth it?

We’ve all had a moment like this. You’re standing in front of the mirror, likely being a little too critical of yourself, when you notice that your teeth aren’t quite as vibrant as they once were. Could it be the lighting? Is your toothpaste not doing its job? Has everyone else already noticed that yellow tinge to your smile?

Don’t panic! There are many reasons why your teeth could become discolored. Our lifestyle can contribute to the yellowing of our teeth. If we drink a lot of coffee, tea, red wine, or soda, it can contribute to faster discoloration. As if that isn’t enough, our teeth will naturally yellow as we age. When considering this, it’s not a big surprise that tooth whitening is one of the most common dental procedures in the United States, and that its popularity is on the rise. 

Sure, there are many different ways to get whiter teeth. There are over-the-counter options that can be used at home, in-office dental treatments you can get done over your lunch break, and even whitening toothpaste. All of these options are relatively simple and can be done either in-office or at home. Everyone dreams of that perfect, pearly-white smile, right? Why not do what you can to help it along?

As with everything, there are some common misconceptions when it comes to tooth whitening, its safety, and the effectiveness of it. But that’s where we come in, ready to give you the facts about tooth whitening! 

Myth #1: Professional tooth whitening is harmful to tooth enamel.

It’s a common misconception that tooth whitening can harm the enamel. When a tooth whitening is done by a professional, you can rest assured that no damage will be done to the natural tooth. Dentists are very careful with what kind, and how much, product they use on your teeth. Doing this minimizes any potential risks, so you can breathe easily and leave the office with a brighter smile. 

This is also where we offer a word of warning about DIY tooth whitening as many of the techniques you hear about on social media are dangerous for your tooth enamel. Products like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar contain acids that can erode your tooth enamel, and charcoal is abrasive and can scratch the surface of your tooth. Your dentist uses approved whitening products that safeguard the health of your teeth. 

Myth #2: All tooth whitening products provide the same results.

Many people believe that one tooth-whitening product is just like the other. Though it is true that some over-the-counter tooth whitening products can be just as effective as the in-office ones, that is not always the case. Other products, such as many tooth-whitening toothpastes are more effective in maintaining whitening, and have minimal visible results on their own. 

When tooth whitening is done in the office, the dentist is able to use stronger bleaching agents and custom trays. These two things will make more noticeable and long-lasting results when compared to the over-the-counter options.

Myth #3: Tooth whitening results are permanent.

Some people think that getting their teeth whitened means that they will stay that way forever. But our teeth naturally change over time. They can discolor from lifestyle choices or even age. After getting your teeth whitened, this essentially takes it back a few steps, but the process will continue as it did before—it’ll just take you a while to reach that point of discoloration again. How fast this process happens depends on your lifestyle habits. Consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks (think coffee, red wine, berries, pasta sauces) can affect the whiteness of your teeth. It is completely normal to eventually need to have it touched up again. 

Smile makeover time!

Smile makeovers don’t stop at tooth whitening. If you have missing, broken, or chipped teeth, there are options out there to help restore your smile to its former glory. Veneers help when your teeth are broken, chipped, discolored, or a combination of them all. Bridges help with any missing teeth that have left gaps in your smile, crowns help with cracked or otherwise damaged teeth. There are even options, like Invisalign to shift those teeth into an easier-to-manage line.

Now that we’ve put the myths about teeth whitening to rest, are you feeling ready for your own smile makeover? Whether you have a broken or chipped tooth that needs some TLC or want to get those teeth shining bright before a big event, there are many different options just for you! 

Don’t be afraid to book a consultation and discuss the available options! Your dentist will take the time to discuss your goals with you and help you choose exactly what options will fit you and your lifestyle the best. 

Here at Palmer Lane Family Dentistry, we have a whole range of options when it comes to smile makeovers, including veneers, orthodontics, crowns, whitening, and bridges. We would love to help you achieve the smile of your dreams! 
What are you waiting for? A consultation is just a few clicks away!