There’s something undeniably dazzling about a smile that can light up a room. And in the quest for pearly whites, teeth whitening has become a go-to for many. But before you dive headfirst into the dazzling world of “before and afters,” let’s shed some light on some common whitening myths that might be clouding your judgment.
Myth #1: Whiter than white is the ultimate goal.
Sure, whiter teeth can boost your confidence, but chasing an unrealistic shade can actually backfire. Over-whitening can make your teeth look unnatural, translucent, and even highlight imperfections you didn’t notice before. Plus, it can lead to increased sensitivity. And should the color of your teeth really resemble a toilet? Remember, a subtle improvement that complements your natural look is always the winning formula.
Myth #2: Strawberries and baking soda are your DIY whitening BFFs.
While the internet might be buzzing about these “natural” remedies, let’s be real: strawberries are acidic (not enamel-friendly) and baking soda, while mildly abrasive, is really no match for stubborn stains. These methods might do more harm than good, causing irritation and even erosion of your precious tooth enamel. Trust me, a dentist-approved whitening kit is a much safer bet for a happy, healthy smile.
Myth #3: Sensitivity is a sign you’re weak.
Even the bravest smiles can experience a little zing during whitening. It’s normal! The bleaching agents do their thing by opening up tiny channels in the enamel, and sometimes, those channels can get a little overstimulated by hot or cold. Fortunately, this sensitivity usually fades away after a few days. And if you feel the process is getting too uncomfortable, there are sensitivity-reducing options available, so don’t hesitate to chat with your dentist!
Myth #4: One size fits all.
Whitening isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Underlying dental issues, the type of stains you have, and even your natural tooth shade all play a role in what works best for you. Going rogue with a generic whitening kit can be ineffective at best (and a potential waste of money) and damaging at worst. Consulting your dentist ensures you get the right treatment for your unique smile, maximizing results while minimizing risks.
The Truth About Sparkling Smiles:
Teeth whitening can be a fantastic way to boost your confidence and flaunt a healthy smile. But remember, it’s not a magic spell. Choose wisely, prioritize oral health, and don’t be afraid to seek professional guidance. After all, your smile is an investment, and with the right approach, it can radiate brightness for years to come!
So, ditch the myths, embrace the facts, and let your smile shine with confidence!
P.S. Don’t forget the power of regular brushing, flossing, a tooth-friendly diet, and dental checkups. A healthy foundation is key to any whitening journey, and your dentist is your partner in achieving that dazzling smile.
If you require that a cosmetic dental crown be placed, it is a good idea to evaluate how you feel about the color of your existing teeth before the process is initiated. If you like the color of your teeth, the dentist will then find a crown shade that matches them.
On the other hand, if you feel that you would like your teeth to be lighter, bleaching may be an option for you. If you know you would like to whiten or lighten the shade of your teeth, it is a good idea to communicate this to the doctor beforehand. Once the final crown or cosmetic restorations are made, it will not be possible to change their color without re-doing them.
While bleaching is generally predictable, the results do not last forever. You may have to touch them up every one to three years. Teeth will re-darken. (This tends to occur more slowly with Power Bleaching.) The rate at which it happens, though, depends upon your habits. The good news is that your teeth can be brightened once again. Just remember, crowns and fillings do not change their color with bleaching — only your natural teeth will lighten.
“Doc, I think I have a cavity. Every time I drink some soda, my tooth hurts.”
Experience tells me it’s certainly possible, so I’ll naturally take a look – but quite often, I already know that what is causing the discomfort is an entirely different issue. Patients are often surprised when I explain that while I understand this area hurts, it’s not a cavity.
Hot, cold, air, or sweets – the triggers can be different for different people – but the effect is the same: dental pain. For some, it can be mild or tingly. For still others, it can be excruciating and intense. And yet, this can occur without decay.
So what’s going on? Often, it has to do with changes to the tooth enamel. This protective outer layer of your tooth is both the hardest substance in your body and it acts as an insulator to the inner and more sensitive dentin layer, as well as the pulp. Hard as it is, enamel is still subject to changes that can have consequences for your comfort and tooth function.
So what causes enamel to become damaged or thinned?
In a word – life. But here are a few practices or habits that tend to accelerate changes:
— Dietary factors such as acidic drinks (sodas, fruit juices, wine) and foods — Teeth clenching and grinding — Dehydration of teeth caused by a dry mouth condition (medications or insufficient water intake) — Digestive problems such as acid reflux — Damaging habits (using your teeth in ways you shouldn’t, such as opening things with them) — Improper brushing (overly aggressive or excessively abrasive)
The result of thinned enamel – also referred to as enamel erosion – is sensitivity. Gum recession can also produce a similar result because this exposes the root surface, which is not covered by enamel. Nevertheless, the result is comparable. The teeth hurt.
Yet another popular activity – tooth whitening – can lead to sensitivity due to the cleansing activity of peroxides that are used to remove stain and debris within and between the complexes of enamel rods (the basic unit of tooth enamel). It also removes something called smear plugs (debris in the dentin tubules), and this increases the conductivity of fluid that exists in the tooth’s inner layer, the dentin. When the fluid backs up – once again, you experience pain.
In many cases, desensitizing toothpastes can help. The active ingredient is typically potassium nitrate. It usually takes several weeks of continued use to experience relief. If this does not resolve your symptoms, your dentist may be able to administer a desensitizer that provides instant relief. Any persistent pain should be evaluated by a dental professional in order to prevent more serious and expensive problems.
Bad teeth may not only have negative consequences for your health, they can cost you a job.
Many people with visibly unattractive teeth go through life avoiding eye contact with strangers for fear of having to smile back or even to make small talk. Not infrequently, when such people do talk or feel compelled to smile, they cover their mouths with their hand.
Unfortunately, in a job interview, this will not go over well. Yet, for the person with dental problems, to smile or talk would compel them to reveal something they are deeply embarrassed about – their teeth. There is an old saying that you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. And first impressions are typically based upon appearance. Your teeth, or even your breath, can either enhance or completely destroy your chances of landing that new position.
Teeth that are blackened by decay, are crooked, discolored, or even missing may not just be embarrassing – they may turn off prospective employers. Also, hiding your smile during an interview can be one of the worst things you do. A smile and a confident response project self-assurance and make a person appear likeable.
This is just one of many subtleties employers may take into account when interviewing a prospect. Teeth that are stained by coffee, tea or cigarettes may distract the interviewer from what is really important – you and your qualifications.
Likewise, coffee and cigarettes leave a smell that can be easily detected. Apart from not showing visible stains, a prospective job-seeker should also avoid certain other foods shortly before their interview. The most obvious offenders are garlic, onions, anchovies or tuna. But it is also prudent to steer clear of such lunch meats such as salami, pepperoni or pastrami before your interview. Strong cheeses, such as Roquefort, Camembert, or Bleu cheese also leave persisting odors and, similarly, should be avoided.
Women are cautioned to avoid getting lipstick on their teeth. Softer shades or lip gloss are preferable to bright red. Lipstick on your teeth can give you the appearance of being careless or hurried – which may also sink your prospects the moment you open your mouth to speak.
In today’s economy, competition for work is fierce. Applicants need every advantage they can get to land the job. Applicants’ teeth need to be as good looking as the way they dress, comb their hair, or even shine their shoes, because employers can afford to be selective with so many qualified people looking for work.
Recent research conducted in the U.S. estimates that those prospects with well-maintained teeth experience as much as a 58% higher chance of finding a job than those whose teeth are perceived as unattractive. It also seems that potential employees who have invested in dental treatment with cosmetic dentistry are regarded as more professional, congenial, and trustworthy.
Individuals seeking employment can increase their chances of getting work by taking several steps before their interview. These include getting a dental examination, completing unfinished restorative work and possibly even having cosmetic dentistry. The number of job seekers getting their teeth whitened and getting porcelain veneers placed (as a way to increase their chances of hiring success) is increasing for these very reasons. So what do you do if you can’t afford a Hollywood smile? Don’t worry, there are affordable answers.
If you need a lot of work and it is out of your reach, temporary cosmetic solutions such as a Snap-On Smile® can make a dramatic change in your appearance – very often at less than one quarter the cost of a more permanent solution. This is on the order of a functional, but temporary, smile design that snaps over your natural teeth. Once you land the job and start making an income, you can consider something more permanent!
Welcome!
Dr. Richard Walicki is a dentist practicing general and cosmetic dentistry. While we hope you find the information contained herein interesting and useful, this blog is for informational purposes and is not intended to diagnose any oral disease. Dental conditions should be evaluated by your dental health professional or a qualified specialist.
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