Here are some interesting facts about teeth whitening. For more information contact us at United Dentists; we are always here to help!
1. Your teeth are like sponges…they absorb.
Your teeth have pores just like your skin or a sponge. Anything you put in your mouth that has color will absorb into those pores. Wine, coffee, dark berries, and smoking are extremely active in staining teeth. Over time, the natural color of your teeth becomes darker due to these stains. These stains will never go away unless you actively remove them. Properly formulated teeth whitening gel works by absorbing into your teeth and gently pushing stains out through the pores.
2. Teeth whitening does not damage your teeth.
Just like aggressive brushing of your teeth, abuse of any kind can be damaging. However, if used as instructed, professional teeth whitening is incredibly safe. The whitening process uses active ingredients to temporarily open pores in your teeth and lift stains. After each whitening session, your teeth naturally remineralize and rehydrate.
3. The key to teeth whitening is the delivery device.
Most teeth whitening products on the market use similar active ingredients to whiten. The difference is the device that is used to hold the whitening agent on the tooth. A truly custom-fitted whitening tray ensures that every angle of every tooth (regardless of whether your teeth are straight or not) receives even and consistent coverage. Unlike boil & bit trays, whitening strips, and UV lights, fitted whitening trays eliminate the possibility of inconsistencies and allow you to maintain your beautiful smile.
4. Sensitivity after teeth whitening is normal.
More than 60% of Americans have naturally sensitive teeth. This is most often caused by genetics, thin enamel, or crack/damaged teeth. During the whitening process, it is completely normal for sensitivity to occur. The teeth become temporarily dehydrated which reduces their ability to insulate the nerve from changes in temperature. Sensitivity will disappear 12-36 hours after whitening. Dentists and hygienists recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment to nourish the teeth and promote rehydration. Your doctor may also recommend using sensitive toothpaste a week before whitening and then continue use after whitening to help out with the potential for sensitivity.
5. Laser or UV light teeth whitening is temporary.
Ultra-violet (UV) light is a frequency of light that works by accelerating the whitening gel to act faster. This process is FDA regulated and only offered under dentist supervision. Although it does whiten very quickly, it is not an option for people with sensitive teeth. Further, the results are temporary and must still be maintained (often with custom-fitted whitening trays or repeat dental visits). The process is incredibly expensive and time consuming.
Blue LED lights sold by “overnight teeth whitening companies” do nothing. The light is simply a blue color but does not create ultra-violet (UV) light frequency. Gel does not act any faster with a blue LED light than it does by itself.
6. Stains on teeth cannot be removed overnight.
No product on the market can whiten in a few minutes or a day. Chemically, it is impossible for any whitening agent to safely penetrate deep enough into the teeth at that speed. If this were possible, dentists would not be paid well to create custom-fitted whitening trays. The truth is that the whitening process can take as few as 4 days and up to several months. Customers with severe stains must be patient with the process and know that each whitening session removes years of stains. Once those stains are gone, it is incredibly easy to maintain.
7. Caps and veneers cannot be whitened
When artificial caps and veneers are installed, they are created to match the color of your surrounding teeth. The material is created a darker (or lighter) color and can never be changed. Caps and veneers will neither whiten nor stain. Teeth whitening will not damage dental work.
8. The best time to whiten your teeth is just before bed
Immediately after whitening (regardless of the product you use), your teeth are more susceptible to restaining. The pores in your teeth are slightly more open and can more easily allow stains in. dentist professionals recommend whitening before bed as it reduces the opportunity for staining and gives your teeth the night to begin rehydrating and remineralizing.
9. Not everyone’s teeth can be perfectly white
Regardless of your stains, the natural color (and genetic makeup) of an individual’s teeth are set at birth. The only thing a whitening product can do is remove all the stains that have accumulated over time. You’ll never know just how white your teeth can be until you try.
