A perfect set of white teeth is an important part of any makeover and can change the look of any person. A white, flawless set of teeth flashed when you smile, makes a great impression not just socially, but also improves your self-confidence and image.
Dr Viraj Kakade, dentist, says, “While home remedies, toothpastes and other dental products promise to brighten smiles, the process can be tedious and time consuming. There are simple and safe procedures available today, which offer teeth whitening in quick time and are used frequently by well-groomed men and women and celebrities all around the world.”
People believe that teeth-whitening damages the enamel, but that is not entirely true say experts. Dental surgeon Dr Ather Wani says, “The bleaching material used these days is mild, so it does not cause any significant damage to the enamel.” While teeth whitening procedure is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the city, there are various myths surrounding it. Here are a few listed out by dental surgeons…
1. makes your teeth sensitive
The FACT:
During the process of bleaching, the teeth may become temporarily sensitive for a few patients who already have a history of sensitive teeth. However, dentists have different gels that prevent the sensitivity during and after the treatment.
Sometimes some amount of sensitivity can occur, but the magnitude of this varies from person to person. However, it just lasts for 24 to 48 hours. Also, the dentist will prescribe a desensitising gel or mouthwash which will take care of it.
After the procedure, you must follow the instructions that your dentist lists out for you. Do not take them for granted, because in the long run it may turn out to be detrimental to your dental health.
2. Harms the enamel
The FACT:
Teeth whitening treatments are absolutely safe and do not harm the tooth enamel unless the wrong proportions are used during the treatment.
Dr Kakade says, “Scientific studies have shown that using peroxide to whiten teeth is both very effective and safe. The dental industry has used it for over 20 years during which many advancements have taken place, making the bleaching gel absolutely safe in terms of change or damage to the structure of teeth; it merely makes teeth whiter and brighter.” Teeth whitening facilities these days use US FDA regulated gels which assure customers of complete safety as it goes through rigorous testing procedures.
3. It is painful
The FACT:
Teeth whitening treatments are safe and painless. However, the bleaching agent may cause discomfort if it touches the gums. To avoid this the dentist applies a gel between the gums and teeth called gingival barrier which will prevent the solution from touching the gums. In exceptional cases some customers may experience a minor ache in the first 10-12 hours following the treatment. Taking an over-the-counter pain medication can help resolve this discomfort.
4. To obtain satisfactory results, you have to visit a dentist
The FACT:
This was in the past. Today, one can obtain a teeth whitening treatment without too much of a hassle at a convenient local teeth whitening facility or dentist’s clinic. All the therapists are well trained and have thorough knowledge about the science of teeth whitening. The treatments offered in the city are quick and hassle free. Usual teeth whitening treatments offer customers teeth upto eight shades whiter in just 15 mins.
5. It could lead to mouth cancer
The FACT:
This is a myth. There is no scientific proof that teeth whiteners cause cancer.
The effect of whitening will last for lesser time in smokers, betelnut (paan) chewers and those who drink a lot of tea/coffee.
— Dr Ather Wani, Dental Surgeon
POINT TO PONDER
The effect of teeth whitening does not last forever. It will last for eight months up to a year and then the teeth will gradually come back to its original shade.
DID YOU KNOW?
If a person has caps (crowns) or laminates then those teeth will not get whitened.
