When your teeth become discolored, it can be hard to focus on anything else when you open your mouth. After you brush your teeth, you used to feel so confident leaving the house with that fresh, minty feeling. Now when you smile at yourself in the mirror, all you feel is less than confident. Luckily, deJong & Plaisance Family Dentistry offers teeth whitening in New Orleans for patients that really want to brighten their smile. Professional teeth whitening can change your life for the better, and it’s important to understand that taking short cuts just won’t do the job like our professional products can. That’s why we’re here to debunk these whitening myths and help you avoid wasted time and money on generic bleaching results.
Myth #1: Toothpastes can brighten your smile.
When you visit the local drug store or even pass by different advertisements, there are a million products out there that promise to whiten your smile—especially when it comes to toothpastes. As a result, many whitening toothpastes and rinses catch the consumer’s eye. Since these products are made for the general public and not your specific needs, they will be way too weak to produce the results that you truly desire. Whitening toothpastes actually have to be on your teeth for about 20 minutes to really break up and begin to remove stains. If you rely on these products for a brighter smile and are only brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, you’ll be waiting a long time to see a difference.
Myth #2: Gels purchased online are just as good as professional products.
The quality of the gels used for whitening makes a significant difference in the outcome, that’s why our office invests in top-notch products. While all gels are created from a base of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, their formulations and handling aren’t always the same. Gels are highly sensitive to temperature and deteriorate if not stored or transported properly, and expiration dates come and go quicker than with many products. When these things are being shipped, there are too many unknown variables that could be affecting the quality of the product. Dentists use products from highly-reputable sources with excellent quality control protocols in place. Plus, the type and strength of gel used should be personalized for each patient for predictable, safe results.
Myth 3: Regular Gels work on discolored crowns and fillings.
Your smile should be evaluated for materials that won’t respond to whitening, including porcelain crowns and composite fillings. If these teeth don’t show when you grin, then there’s little concern—they’re created to blend within your smile. But if you have a porcelain crown that shows whenever you smile, it won’t whiten as easily as your natural teeth. So, if you’ve had prior dental work done, you should always turn to a professional in cosmetic dentistry in New Orleans to brighten all of your teeth, not just a few. Be sure to discuss the desired result with either Dr. Kerry T. Plaisance or Dr. W. Keith deJong and discover which areas will lighten…or not.
Myth #4: Your whitening results will last forever.
You accumulate stains on the surfaces of your teeth that are exposed to many different substances like foods, drinks, and chemicals. Coffee, tea, chocolate, wine and tobacco top the list of yellowing agents that deposit color onto the enamel along with tobacco products and alcohol use. While professional whitening agents break down the barrier, new deposits begin to form immediately. Your enhanced smile can usually hold nicely for 1-2 years and may stay indefinitely with excellent dental hygiene. But, the best way to ensure your smile stays bright for longer than a year or two is to maintain your regular dental cleanings and checkups.
The Truth About Teeth Whitening Lies in Our Office!
Teeth whitening can improve the quality of your life by boosting your confidence. Feel free to give us a call and discuss your options with our team to find a safe, effective method that fits you and your lifestyle. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a dramatically enhanced smile!
