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An excellent solution for anyone who wants a brighter, more confident smile is teeth whitening.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misleading information about teeth whitening on the internet. These inaccuracies can cause fear and worries for patients who want to receive quality dental care.

Let’s break down some things involving teeth whitening that may help you on your journey to getting a brighter, whiter smile.

Your Teeth Act Like A Sponge

Unknown to most people, our teeth have pores. Due to its porous surface, your teeth act a little bit like a sponge. They absorb color from anything you put into your mouth. That’s why drinking and eating certain foods and beverages can cause your teeth to stain.

As you age, the natural color of your teeth will be concealed by these active stains. To combat discoloration, you can undergo teeth whitening. This treatment uses a type of bleach to remove stains from the surface of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Is Safe

Many people worry about their teeth being damaged by the whitening process. However, teeth whitening is completely safe. With supervision from your dentist, there is little to no chance of the procedure causing harm.

During the treatment, the bleach-based product used by your dentist will temporarily dehydrate your teeth. This effect is temporary, though. Your teeth will soon rehydrate themselves naturally.

Sensitivity Is Normal After Teeth Whitening

The most common culprit of teeth sensitivity is genetics. You could inherit thin enamel from your parents, which in turn leads to sensitive teeth. Even if you don’t have enamel hypoplasia, experiencing sensitivity is normal after undergoing a teeth whitening procedure.

As previously explained, teeth whitening can cause dehydration in your teeth. As a result, their ability to insulate your nerves becomes reduced. However, this effect is short-term. Expect the sensitivity to subside between 12 to 36 hours after the treatment.

You Cannot Whiten Your Dental Caps And Veneers

Most people believe that when you undergo whitening, all of your teeth will be bleached. Your dental caps and veneers are exceptions. They are made of materials such as porcelain and resin, which cannot absorb the whitening gel.

However, chances are, your porcelain caps and veneers will maintain their color from when they were first installed. It takes a very long time for porcelain veneers to become discolored.

Teeth Whitening Using UV Light Works

The high frequency of UV light stimulates the ingredients of the whitening gel to act faster. It also increases the effectiveness of the product.

The FDA regulates the use of ultraviolet light for teeth whitening. Take note that only dentists can execute this treatment. Furthermore, the method is not recommended for clients who have sensitive teeth.

Teeth Whitening Can Take Some Time to Become Effective

Some people expect to have whitened teeth right after their dentist applies the whitening gel. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work this way. Some stains will be impossible to remove during your first session. The number of appointments you need also depends on how much lighter you want your teeth to be.

However, with Dr. Ernie Soto’s Zoom! Whitening, you can have lighter-colored teeth in just 45 minutes.

Some People Have Naturally Whiter Teeth

Not everyone can have the same perfectly white teeth. No matter how many teeth whitening sessions you attend, it may not be possible for your teeth to get any whiter. That’s because of your genetic make-up. Some people tend to have a more yellowish color naturally. Teeth whitening can only remove the stains you accumulated over time.

The reality is, not all dental offices will tell you this information. However, at the Dental Office of Dr. Ernie Soto, we value patient education. We believe that it’s your right to know these facts to help you make informed decisions.

Teeth Whitening in Plantation, FL

We hope this article has cleared up some of your misconceptions about teeth whitening and helped you make a more empowered choice. Teeth whitening is incredibly safe and effective. While there may be some risks, these are temporary and can be mitigated with the supervision of a dentist.

For expert dental care in Florida, visit the Dental Office of Dr. Ernie Soto. We offer Zoom! Whitening, a trademarked bleaching process that lightens the discoloration in enamel and dentin. Our whitening gel’s active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which is light-activated using the Zoom! lamp. This device increases the effectiveness of the gel by up to 26 percent.

If you’re ready to get a dazzling smile, call our office in Plantation, Florida, at (954) 368-6264 or request an appointment online.