Teeth Whitening Myths

For the most part, the natural colour of teeth varies very slightly from light grey to light yellow shades. Over time, it is natural for teeth to become somewhat darker in appearance as surface stains accumulate, especially for individuals who drink coffee, smoke tobacco, or consume certain foods or drinks. Tooth colour can even be influenced by the skin tone and make-up of the individual; those with darker skin tones appear to have brighter teeth. Yet, most North Americans will tell you they would like brighter, whiter teeth which has led to the exponential growth of the teeth-whitening industry. And with the popularity of teeth whitening treatments, there also come a number of myths. So let's take some time to debunk common myths.

All Teeth Whitening Treatments are the Same

One of the most common myths about teeth whitening is that all treatments are equal. In fact, professional whitening services conducted by a dentist tend to be much more effective than typical over-the-counter gels and strips. In fact, even among commercially available treatments there are a wide range of strengths, so not all treatments will have the same whitening effect.

All Teeth Whiten Equally

From person-to-person and even tooth-to-tooth, you should expect to see some variability in teeth whitening. Yellow teeth tend to respond to whitening better than grey teeth. If your teeth are yellowed because of tobacco or coffee consumption, you should expect to experience more dramatic whitening effects.

More Expensive Equals More Whitening

Consumers make the mistake of believing that the strongest and most expensive whitening treatments are going to be the most effective, but this is not necessarily true. Whitening performed by your dentist will usually be the most effective, but over-the-counter gels and strips will perform differently. Speak to your dentist about which products will work best for you, and don't be afraid to try different products until you see the results you want.

Whitening Results Take Weeks

While it is certainly true that you may have to undergo weeks of whitening treatments to see your desired results, many patients notice whiter teeth sometimes within an hour of treatment. This is especially true when you undergo professional whitening treatments, but even some commercial whiteners will have immediate results.

Tooth whitening is an increasingly common treatment for restoring smiles, but it is important to remember that not all treatments are the same and there are limitations to the effectiveness of teeth whitening. If you want a brighter smile, be sure to talk to your dentist about the best approach to teeth whitening.