Teeth whitening myths and facts

When it comes to teeth whitening, there’s a lot of information out there. Everyone wants a sparkling white smile, but there is rampant debate about the whether or not you need to see a dentist for professional teeth whitening.
To help us straighten out fact from fiction, we spoke to Dr Rouel Vergara DMD, principal dentist at New Leaf Dentists, who helped us dispel a few myths about teeth whitening.
MYTH: Teeth whitening kiosks are the same as dentists
You might have seen some teeth whitening salons and kiosks in your local shopping centre. But it’s important to note that while they do offer teeth whitening treatments, those treatments are not required to be administered by a certified dentist.
The teeth whitening industry isn’t heavily regulated, which could mean that the person who is providing your treatment might not be qualified to check for things that can affect your treatment, such as cavities. “I highly discourage treatments that are done in kiosks by non-dental providers,” says Dr Vergara. “It’s important to put your safety first, and the best person for the job is still your dentist.”
FACT: You should see a dentist to whiten your teeth
As we’ve established, professional teeth whitening is best done by your dentist. There are a number of factors that can affect your teeth, especially considering the sensitive nature of teeth whitening.
“There are so many risks that teeth whitening procedures carry,” agrees Dr Vergara. “Sensitivity, gum irritation or even nerve damage are some of the common side effects of teeth whitening procedures. Having it done by a professional dental health provider minimises those risks.”
MYTH: Lasers and lights are the most effective way to whiten your teeth
“Clinical studies have proven that using lights does not make any difference with the overall results of the procedure,” says Dr Vergara. “The Council of European Dentists (CED) recently issued an advice to the public that lights have no proven benefit and may result in many adverse effects...When it comes to teeth whitening, it is all about chemistry and efficiency of the material being used.”
So if you’re wanting a gleaming smile minus the lasers and lights, it’s best to go for an in-office teeth whitening treatment. At 40 percent hydrogen peroxide, Opalescence Boost is the strongest chemically activated in-office product on the market and doesn’t require a light. The product is mixed by your dentist just before application to ensure fresh chemistry and good results.
To find your local Opalescence supplier, simply enter your postcode at Opalescence.com.au and get ready to flash those pearly whites.
FACT: Chemically-activated teeth whiteners can last longer than others
We’ve established that using lights and lasers to whiten your teeth isn’t always the way to go. When it comes to long-lasting results, Dr Vergara recommends a chemically-activated teeth whitening treatment.
“Chemically-activated or self-activated teeth whiteners are peroxide-based materials that actively break down stain molecules found on teeth, without the need to use an external source like lights or lasers,” explains Dr Vergara. “Because you don’t use light or any external source to activate the material, teeth are kept hydrated during the procedure and provides patients with a realistic, longer lasting whiter shade.”
To find out just how effective chemically-activate teeth whitening is, we sent bh’s Grace to try the Opalescence Boost for herself.
“I’ve always wanted to get my teeth whitened but I’d heard that it made your teeth sensitive so I was a bit hesitant. Dr Vergara and the New Leaf Dentists team were so lovely and made me feel so comfortable going into the appointment. After establishing the results I was after, Dr Vergara used a shade chart to find out what shade my teeth currently were. I then lay back and relaxed while Dr Rouel applied the Opalescence Boost formula over my teeth, which he then proceeded to top up every five minutes for 20 minutes. I was surprised because I felt no pain and sensitivity whatsoever! After 20 minutes we removed the formula and repeated the process again and it was pretty much just as comfortable as the last time. During the last five minutes I did feel a slight ‘zing’ in one of my bottom teeth, but because we were almost done, Dr Vergara decided to just remove all the formula so it wouldn’t get any worse... and it didn't! Once the procedure was over, I rinsed my mouth and Dr Vergara brought up the shade guide to compare my teeth. I couldn't believe it – my teeth actually were a whole five shades whiter! After the appointment, I used a two-week take-home kit that Dr Vergara created for me, which I have now completed. I honestly could not be happier with the results! I now feel so much more confident smiling and would recommend this treatment to everyone as the results really are so visible.”
Are you surprised by these myths and fact about teeth whitening? What do you think of Grace’s results?
69 Member Comments
Her results were incredible! I personally love a yearly deep treatment with crest whitening strips, I maintain it daily with colgate optic white toothpaste.
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I use the whitening strips and find they're very effective. I'll use them for a week or so and continue with whitening toothpaste. I often get compliments on how white my teeth are, so they're definitely working!
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I'll just stick to the toothpaste. Too white teeth tend to look very stark and artificial.
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I don't know if I'm an ideal candidate for teeth whitening, even by a dentist (possible weakened enamel from teeth grinding, a strong gag reflex, tooth sensitivity etc).
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An encore article.
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Very hesitant to use anything for whitening as my teeth are sensitive as it is (with grinding them at night time...).
I just use a charcoal toothpaste and they are pretty white on their own.
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Oh I must try a charcoal toothpaste, they look so good
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FACT: You should see a dentist to whiten your teeth Yes!!! My dentist deals with a lot of clients who damage their teeth through damaging practices. And if you are going to whiten I strongly suggest you get onto tooth mousse to strengthen the enamel
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I'd be scared it would lessen the life of my teeth
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Does it damage the enamel of the teeth??
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It does look great, good for all those coffee stains
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I found a DIY recipe for whitening. . Peroxide, baking soda and toothpaste. It works well use it once a month.
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I wouldn’t use peroxide in my mouth. It’s bad enough using it in my hair. Could you imagine the damage it’s doing to not only your teeth but your insides?
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There has to be a good whitening toothpaste that will do the trick. Maybe it'll take longer, but it might be cheaper and more pleasant...
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Hm...I think I've commented on this already....
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A whitening toothpaste would be all I'd try
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I use a whitening mouthwash and toothpaste.
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I've recently commented on this article so nothing more to add
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I think I've already commented on this..
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Quite impressive, do love a good whitening toothpaste though
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The before and after looked much the same to me
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Most toothpastes you find on supermarket shelves contain SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulphate) which is the same thing they use for grease engine cleaners so imagine how abrasive that is on your teeth, even without you knowing or noticing.
I have used the teeth whitening kits prescribed by my dentist and it did get my teeth a shade or two whiter but unfortunately did not last long. My teeth are very sensitive and my Dentist thought this Kit would be better for me as the teeth whitening done in the surgery would be extremely painful for my sensitive teeth and gums.
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I take care of my teeth, so they're fairly white. I use whitening toothpaste regularly. I think they make a difference.
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I have been thinking about getting my teeth whitened by the dentist for a while. This is helpful, but I'm still not sure if I want to get it done.
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