Teeth Whitening And Common Myths
A beautiful white smile represents health and success, so it comes as no surprise that cosmetic teeth whitening services are in high demand.
- Mall Kiosks advertise “Professional Whitening in just Minutes!”
- Online Ads read “Screaming White teeth in just 15 minutes!”
Teeth whitening specials are everywhere, promising much – but often delivering little.
And they’re not as safe or effective as professional teeth whitening from a dentist.
A legal loophole for kiosks
Most teeth whitening options will contain the same active ingredient, carbamide peroxide. But don’t be fooled! There are some major differences between Kiosk whitening and a true professional whitening from your dentist.
These “pop up” businesses have found a legal loophole that allows them to preform medical procedures, without any professional training.
This is how it works:
The kiosk operator never technically places the product in the client’s mouth. Instead, the client inserts the product into his or her own mouth, which makes the client (you!) liable if any damages occur.
At-home solutions can harm
Browse any grocery store, and you’ll find a multitude of options – ranging from whitening kits to toothpaste that promises a “whiter smile in just 7 days.”
You get what you pay for. And it’s often too damage.
Some use hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient, which damages enamel on your teeth. In essence, it creates a brighter tooth by stripping away some of its protective layer!
Others can use an incorrect amount of the active ingredient mentioned earlier, carbamide peroxide. Too much also damages your teeth – so while you may have a whiter smile for a bit, the long-term damage causes more problems (and cost).
Professional teeth whitening is safer
When you receive professional whitening, there are precautions put into place to insure your safety. These measures are absolutely necessary, and neglecting to do so can result in permanent damage to the teeth and gums.
These strong carbamide peroxide solutions should not be applied to compromised or weakened enamel.
To protect tissues from chemical burns, a customized resin protective barrier should be applied to the gum line.
Carbamide peroxide solutions come in different strengths ranging from 10 – 40 percent concentrations. The appropriate concentration for each patient is based on factors such as type of stain, depth of stain, tooth sensitivity and shade of existing restorations.
Steps To Take Before Whitening
You should be current with dental cleaning before whitening. Plaque, tarter and stain will interfere with the carbamide peroxide’s effectiveness, leaving you with discoloration spots.
People with tooth decay or chipped or cracked teeth aren’t good candidates.
Any person with areas of recession or sensitive teeth may need to use a lower concentration of carbamide peroxide, so taking your overall oral health into consideration is paramount.
If you have crowns, veneers or bonding on front teeth, and they are bleached incorrectly, your teeth will no longer match in shade.
Identify the cause of teeth stains. Did you know not all stains can be removed through teeth whitening?
Stains can come from outside (extrinsic) or inside (intrinsic) sources. There are different mechanisms for removing these, and they need to be diagnosed by a dental professional.
Following these guidelines will help you to safely keep the white and bright smile you desire. And of course, if you need a Cherry Creek dentist, it’s why we’re here!