{"id":3550,"date":"2024-04-20T18:07:16","date_gmt":"2024-04-20T15:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enlightensmiles.ro\/?p=3550"},"modified":"2024-04-20T18:13:19","modified_gmt":"2024-04-20T15:13:19","slug":"realitate-si-fictiune-albirea-dintilor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enlightensmiles.ro\/en\/2024\/04\/20\/realitate-si-fictiune-albirea-dintilor\/","title":{"rendered":"Fact and Fiction: Teeth Whitening"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr. Arti Patel debunks the myths about teeth whitening so you can better understand the best way to whiten your teeth, if you want to do so.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the midst of contemporary culture, beauty standards have evolved beyond a pretty face and a statuesque frame, we are now increasingly concerned with the particularities of our appearance, and amidst this growing trend we have seen a growing desire to imitate the smiles we see on TV. Having a whiter, brighter smile is known to improve self-confidence, so it is no wonder that more and more people are turning to teeth whitening. And where popularity reigns, so does folklore. Below are some of the most common expressions heard when it comes to teeth whitening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhite teeth are in fashion\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Absolutely! I mean, almost no one would actually choose to have a darker shade of teeth if they had the choice, and most people would definitely opt for a brighter, whiter smile. Ladies, it's like wearing red lipstick with yellow teeth compared to the impact with white teeth<\/strong>or even the reason why so many brides whiten their teeth to match their white wedding dress on the big day. And for you gentlemen, it's similar to having white teeth alongside your bright white shirt, as opposed to the contrast of yellow teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So, to a certain extent, yes, \u201cWhite teeth are in fashion.\u201d However, I don\u2019t think this concept will gradually disappear, just like fashion trends. Over time that having white teeth seems to be an attractive, confident and more "Hollywood" smile\u201c<\/strong>, this is actually not a new phenomenon and has been done using various techniques for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart from a cosmetic improvement, a visible darkening of the teeth can be considered a physical handicap on self-confidence, physical attractiveness, as well as employability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cTeeth whitening damages teeth\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FALSE \u274c \u201cTeeth whitening removes a layer of your tooth\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FALSE \u274c \u201cTeeth whitening destroys your teeth\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FALSE \u274c \u201cTeeth whitening damages enamel (the outer layer of the tooth)\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main concerns my patients seem to have about teeth whitening is whether the procedure will be harmful to their dental health. I completely understand why this can be a concern and a barrier, however, let me assure you that the long-term safety of tooth whitening has been repeatedly established;<\/strong> Research shows no significant long-term effects associated with professional home whitening treatments containing 10%, 16% carbamide peroxide, or 6% hydrogen peroxide.2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional teeth whitening does not work by stripping any aspect of the tooth or damaging the enamel.<\/strong> Instead, the ingredients penetrate the layers of the tooth (enamel and dentin) and, in turn, illuminate the tooth from the inside and out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As dentists, it is our duty and professional obligation to ensure that you have healthy teeth, suitable for teeth whitening, and that the procedure is performed safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOver-the-counter kits work just as well\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be careful!<\/strong> Taking the dentist out of the equation when it comes to teeth whitening removes the safety net. The ingredients in some over-the-counter methods can include acids and abrasives that can cause damage to your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The legal limit of hydrogen peroxide (the agent used for teeth whitening) that dentists can prescribe in the UK is 6%<\/strong>. Regulations vary from country to country, but kits available in Europe contain a maximum of 0.11% hydrogen peroxide, which is a much lower percentage by comparison. So in the short term, they may do the job temporarily, but prescription whitening penetrates deeper layers of the tooth, and therefore the results are longer-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some social media influencers are endorsed to advertise various systems, most of which are not always prescribed by a dental professional; systems such as whitening strips, dye whitening systems, and UV light systems are considerably cheaper options, but their safety risk is not determined<\/strong> and, in turn, the safety and effectiveness of dental whitening is lower than that of professional whitening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can no longer drink tea\/coffee\/red wine\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The teeth whitening effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke or if you eat or drink products that can stain your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the above causes extrinsic staining (surface stains), which reduces the shine of the teeth, but that doesn't mean you can't drink them. For maximum effect, I generally advise patients to avoid such foods\/drinks that stain only DURING the whitening course, unless I use Enlighten, where diet is irrelevant. <\/strong>With good maintenance, regular visits to the hygienist to remove any stains, and following the whitening advice provided by your dentist, you should be able to continue to maintain your diet as normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhitening toothpastes will do the job\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Well, it might to some extent. Personally, I advise most patients to use a standard fluoride toothpaste (like Oral B Pro-expert or Colgate Total), as many whitening toothpastes are abrasive to the teeth \u2013 Evo White is not, but that\u2019s kind of the exception \u2013 and once you wear down your tooth, the lost tooth tissue will never grow back<\/strong> \u2013 scary, right?! Toothpaste can still help remove surface stains from your teeth and, in doing so, brighten their appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSensitive teeth\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you already suffer from sensitive teeth, teeth whitening may exacerbate sensitivity during treatment. Just because you have sensitive teeth doesn't mean you can't whiten your teeth.<\/strong> Your dentist will look for areas at risk of increased sensitivity before starting treatment on you and will care for you accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don't normally suffer from sensitivity, you may experience some form of it during the whitening process. This is completely normal, so don't be alarmed if you experience some sensitivity; simply skip a day and let your teeth recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, sensitivity is only short-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behold some tips<\/strong> to help you overcome sensitivity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n