8 Facts You Definitely Have to Know about Teeth Whitening

Here are the eight teeth whitening facts:

1. Teeth are similar to your skin

You might rightly believe that teeth are rock-hard and thus impenetrable, but this is incorrect. Your teeth are porous, with hundreds of microscopic holes similar to those found on your skin. As a result, your teeth will absorb anything you eat or drink via these minuscule pores. Teeth whitening therapy works by causing a chemical reaction, which then breaks apart and lifts any stains up and out through the same pores.

2. Teeth whitening doesn’t damage your teeth

Contrary to widespread misconception, proper teeth whitening does not destroy teeth. Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, uses chemicals that remineralize and hydrate the teeth. Problems can arise when people misuse store-bought products, so always read and obey the instructions.

3. The key to great teeth whitening is the method of delivery

Most whitening treatments include the same active chemicals (give or take), but the primary difference between an effective teeth whitening treatment and a bad one is the mode of delivery.

For example, several over-the-counter whitening solutions employ a one-size-fits-all tray that rests over the teeth. This tray contains the whitening gel. However, every tooth is different, so buyers will frequently encounter inadequate or uneven whitening.

In contrast, a tray specially designed to fit your teeth (similar to those seen in professional whitening kits) has a better chance of producing a more equal whitening result.

4. Custom-fitted trays and kits are considerably more expensive

This is totally true and understandable. Let me ask you this. What other form of teeth whitening procedure is specifically designed to fit your mouth and improve your smile? It's simple to make hundreds of one-size-fits-all trays, but it takes more time and effort when each teeth whitening tray is custom-made for the individual in question.

5. Sensitivity after teeth whitening is absolutely normal

You've heard stories of friends who went through tooth whitening treatments just to find out that it hurts like hell! The difficulty is that many people have sensitive teeth (about 60% of the population at last count). This could be due to heredity, cracked/damaged teeth, or weakening enamel. However, many people do not realize this at the moment. So they go out and get the next best over-the-counter remedy, then begin to whiten their teeth. It hurts!

Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, always requires a consultation with your dentist at a dentistry center. They'll know from experience if you'll be sensitive to teeth whitening treatment and may even recommend addressing the issue before beginning treatment. This ensures that when you eventually get professional tooth whitening, it is a comfortable procedure.

6. Professional teeth whitening is ever only temporary

There is no single whitening technique that will permanently whiten teeth! We've already discussed how teeth are porous and collect stains from colored foods, beverages, and smoking. Unless you live solely on water (and presumably lettuce), any teeth-whitening therapy is only temporary. Of course, how long it lasts depends on the foods you eat, but on average, you should return for another whitening treatment every six months to two years.

7. Stains cannot be removed overnight

Even the most modern laser whitening procedures cannot remove spots overnight. Just as teeth discoloration occurs gradually, so does the removal of those stains. Of course, some teeth whitening treatments are more effective and faster-acting than others—laser teeth whitening is one example—and in some cases, changes are noticeable after the first treatment, but in general, an effective teeth whitening process can take anywhere from 4 days to a few months to complete.

8. Crowns and veneers cannot be whitened

There is a reason why many people who receive treatments such as porcelain veneers and dental implants have their teeth whitened before treatment: no amount of whitening is likely to modify the color of dental crowns or veneers.

Remember that no matter how convincing they are, veneers and crowns cannot mimic the physical qualities or properties of natural teeth. However, while porcelain is a stain-resistant material and can withstand discoloration, it cannot be whitened in the same way that genuine teeth can.