Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because it can bring significant improvements to your smile. At The Village Dental & Implant Practice, we use the at-home 360 Whitening system to gently and effectively brighten your smile with minimal discomfort.  

There's a lot of misinformation about teeth whitening, especially online and on social media. This is why it’s crucial to understand the facts about it so you can make informed choices. Let’s now discuss some of the most common myths about teeth whitening, and the truth behind each one. 

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment designed to lighten the shade of your teeth. Professional teeth whitening is done under a dentist’s supervision, using bleaching agents that go deep into the tooth to break down stains. You can whiten your teeth in-office, or at home with custom-made trays and a bleaching solution provided by your dentist.

At The Village Dental & Implant Practice in Southport, we offer at-home teeth whitening using the 360 Whitening system. The formula gently lightens the tooth shade to deliver long-lasting results with minimal sensitivity. You will use this bleaching solution with a custom-made bleaching tray designed to protect your gums, so you will have a safe, comfortable treatment that really brightens your smile. 

What causes tooth stains?

• Staining food and beverages (such as coffee, red wine, soda, berries, and curries)

• Smoking

• Certain medications (such as tetracycline antibiotics and liquid iron supplements)

• Ageing

• Trauma

Truths & myths about teeth whitening

Myth #1: Tooth whitening damages your teeth

Truths: 

• Professional teeth whitening will not damage the tooth enamel if the solution and procedures are used as directed. 

• It’s important to have teeth whitening under your dentist’s supervision to ensure a safe experience.

• Sensitivity is common after treatment, but it is usually temporary and does not mean your teeth are damaged.

Myth #2: Whitening toothpaste can give the same results as professional tooth whitening

Truths:

• Typically, a whitening toothpaste only works on surface stains on your teeth. 

• It does not change the natural shade of the tooth because it cannot penetrate the enamel.

• If you want to lighten the shade of your teeth, professional teeth whitening is a better option. 

Myth #3: Whitening works on crowns, veneers, and fillings

Truths:

• Teeth whitening solutions do not work on dental restorations such as crowns, fillings, or veneers.

• If you also need dental restorations, it’s best to have professional teeth whitening first.

• This sequence makes it easier to match the restorations’ shade to your brightened teeth, so the result looks perfectly natural. 

Myth #4: Over-the-counter whitening products are always safe

Truths:

• The quality of over-the-counter products varies, so their safety and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed easily. 

• Without a dentist’s supervision, there is a risk of using OTC products incorrectly.

• Professional teeth whitening offers a safer option with more predictable results to brighten your teeth.

Myth #5: Teeth whitening is permanent

Truths:

• Teeth whitening results are not permanent and gradually fade over time.

• Lifestyle habits, such as smoking or heavy consumption of staining food and drinks, can affect the longevity of the treatment’s results. 

• Regular top-ups as recommended by your dentist help preserve the effects of teeth whitening. 

Myth #6: Home remedies like baking soda or lemon juice are safe for whitening the teeth

Truths:

• These abrasive (with baking soda) and acidic (lemon juice) DIY whitening methods can harm the tooth enamel. 

• Without a dentist’s supervision, these home remedies can strip off the enamel instead of lightening the tooth shade. 

• Dentist-supervised teeth whitening offers a safer, more predictable option for brightening your smile.

Want to have teeth whitening but worried about the risks? At The Village Dental & Implant Practice in Ainsdale, we brighten your smile safely and comfortably with 360 Whitening. Contact us now to book your consultation.   

Conclusion

It can be difficult to distinguish the myths from the truths about teeth whitening, especially with incorrect information spreading online and on social media. Tooth whitening myths and hacks might seem easier and more affordable, but they are also riskier and usually don’t deliver actual, long-lasting results. Dentist-supervised teeth whitening treatments, such as 360 Whitening that we offer at The Village Dental & Implant Practice, brighten your teeth with minimal risks. They gently lighten the tooth shade so you’ll be more comfortable during the treatment, so you can brighten your smile with confidence.