What tooth whitening can and can't fix

It's sometimes disturbing to read some of the misconceptions many of you have when it comes to teeth whitening and the sort of dental problems it can and can't fix. Where the source of such misinformation lies is beyond us, however, you should know that it is very important to verify what you consider to be "fact." It's anything but pleasant to watch someone undergo teeth whitening to find that the results were anything but what they had envisioned. To prevent such a scenario from presenting itself to any of our readers, we have compiled this post.

First, let it be known that teeth whitening will not affect the color of your composite fillings or tooth bonding work. Teeth whitening may diminish the appearance of such dental work (as you are lightening your teeth), however, it will in no way shape or form affect the color of such work. If anyone tells you otherwise, please send them our way to show them otherwise.

Second, teeth whitening is not permanent. You may be maintain the color of your teeth for a specified period, but your teeth will eventually begin to darken to their original shade. No amount effort on your part will completely prevent this from occurring. If you want to maintain your newly whitened smile, you must revisit your cosmetic dentist for a follow-up procedure. Using an at-home kit following your in-office procedure may also help maintain the look of your teeth.

And finally, those of you trying to draw comparisons between at-home kits and in-office procedures need to stop. No at-home kit is as effective in whitening a patient's teeth as an in-office procedure. You need to realize that cosmetic dentists have access to much higher concentrations of carbamide peroxide that those available in over-the-counter products. We are not trying to say that over-the-counter products are ineffective, but rather that they are not as effective as professional treatments. If you want quick and significant results, stop pouring money into at-home kits and begin saving for a professional treatment. Simple as that.

We hope this has gone a long way in doing away with some of the misconceptions many of you share. It is very easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding tooth whitening, and along the way you naturally pick up bits of misinformation. We are trying to set the record straight, and will continue to make such postings as necessary. We are trying to represent this procedure in a purer light.