4 Misconceptions Dentists Hear About Teeth Whitening Techniques

Patients of Minneapolis dentists often shy away from teeth whitening procedures because of the fears and misconceptions surrounding the techniques. Some of these concerns have been proven to be completely false. Other worries should only be a concern for patients who do not go to certified professionals. There have been various studies performed on whitening methods and nothing has been found except for minor, temporary side effects.

Whitening Agents Can Cause Oral Cancer

Clients often refrain from teeth whitening procedures because of the chemicals used by their cosmetic dentist. Minneapolis dental professionals may use a variety of techniques, but there is no known risk of cancer regardless of the chemicals used. Most bleaching and whitening products use hydrogen peroxide or carbomide peroxide to remove stains from your teeth. Experts closely examined several studies that included more than 4 000 patients and found no evidence to support the idea that these chemicals could cause cancer. Most of the research indicated that the saliva present in the patient's mouths would equalize with these peroxides to dilute and eliminate any possibility of danger.

Teeth Whitening Systems Can Damage Tooth Pulp And Nerves

Minneapolis dentists often hear concerns about the lasting effects of teeth whitening on the inside of the teeth. In some countries, there are no regulations in place concerning the potency of hydrogen or carbomide peroxide allowed in teeth whitening products. This leads to extremely high concentrations of chemicals that can literally burn the nerve endings and pulp inside the tooth. When these procedures are performed by a licensed professional, there is no way this can happen. Knowledgeable professionals will take all of the precautions necessary to ensure that there will be no negative effects on your teeth or gums.

Teeth Whitening Cannot Be Performed On Dental Work

Although this is true with certain procedures, there are other options available to those who cannot benefit from professional whitening. Caps, special fillings, crowns, and bonding does not respond to teeth whitening techniques and the adhesive of these procedures may also be affected. As an alternative, patients can have veneers, bonding, or replace their existing work for the best results. Other dental work such as standard fillings or root canals is not affected negatively by whitening techniques, and respond well to the techniques. By discussing the options with a cosmetic dentist, Minneapolis dental patients can learn about the various whitening procedures available so they can decide which method is the best choice.

Tooth Enamel Is Negatively Affected By Whitening Agents

Early whitening products are at the root of this misconception. These compounds used an abrasive material that would scratch off the stain as well as the surface layers of enamel. New techniques focus on dissolving the stains in the tooth rather than acting like a scratch pad to rub it off. How? Discoloration enters your teeth through tiny, tube-like structures called enamel rods. If these stains remain untreated, the coloring will eventually make its way into the interior structures of the tooth. When performed by a professional cosmetic dentist, Minneapolis patients receive modern whitening treatments that enter into the enamel rods to neutralize the foreign coloring. Then, the chemical leaves the tooth taking the coloring with it.

Minneapolis Dentists hear about these misconceptions often and can confidently argue against them. Teeth whitening products to not cause cancer or change the physical make up of your teeth in anyway. In fact, the only valid worry associated with these procedures is the temporary sensitivity that can occur with a treatment. This means that it is perfectly acceptable and safe to receive a treatment every six months in order to keep your pearly whites in the best shape possible.