Teeth whitening is not only for the wealthy and famous. Many people look for ways to make their teeth look whiter and brighter these days. As a result, you may find teeth-whitening products on the shelves of any grocery or drugstore. Similarly, publications on DIY or "natural" teeth whitening procedures may be found in beauty magazines, blogs, and websites.

However, many of these solutions are either useless or hazardous. What makes this even sadder is that the best teeth whitening procedures are both simple and inexpensive. Here is a list of eight myths about teeth whitening that should be addressed ASAP.

1. Professional and at-home whitening gels are the same

Because a dentist will use higher quality supplies, professional teeth whitening will be more effective than at-home treatments. Their whitening gels include more peroxide, the key bleaching agent in the gel. Moreover, when whitening your smile in the dentist's clinic, they may use special UV lamps to accelerate the whitening procedure.

2. Teeth whitening can bleach any discolorations

The fact is that teeth whitening can't eliminate all stains and discoloration. Various factors influence this, including genetics, age, and stain level. Additionally, as we age, tooth enamel deteriorates, and older teeth might take on a yellowish tint due to the underlying dentin. In this case, teeth whitening will be more challenging.

3. Whitening toothpaste bleaches teeth

So-called whitening toothpaste is offered by several companies, sometimes at a greater cost than comparable items. But the truth is that the chemicals required to whiten teeth properly must remain in contact with the tooth for a prolonged period of time. Because most people brush and rinse their teeth in a matter of minutes, any whitening agent in toothpaste will simply not have the opportunity to begin functioning.

4. Crowns, veneers, and fillings can also be whitened

If you have crowns, fillings, or veneers and have undergone teeth whitening, you might expect unevenly colored teeth as a result. This is because crowns and other restorative materials are formed of inorganic material, which doesn't respond to tooth whitening in the same manner that natural teeth do. If you want to have fillings, veneers, or crowns placed, it is essential to whiten your teeth first.

5. You can use lemon and strawberry to whiten your teeth

Initially, rubbing an acidic fruit across your teeth will make them appear white. However, the acidic nature of the lemon or strawberry will damage your enamel (producing whiter demineralization) before it thins away. The yellower dentin layer becomes more evident when the enamel thins. Teeth will thus not only be weaker and thinner, but they will also seem more yellow.

6. Teeth whitening is permanent

Unfortunately, teeth whitening may not stay forever because teeth naturally stain over time. After whitening treatment, your smile should last a few years if properly cared for. However, after a few months, your teeth may begin to darken naturally. When you see the brightness fading, you can return to your dental office for another teeth whitening session.

7. Sensitive teeth shouldn’t be whitened

This is not true. It is still possible to have a snow-white smile even if you have sensitive teeth. A professional dentist will ensure that you are always comfortable, resulting in a pain-free process. You can always ask your dentist about available options to help reduce teeth sensitivity during the procedure.

8. Teeth whitening damages tooth enamel

Fair warning: if used excessively, several over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions might cause harm to your gums or enamel. However, if your dentist uses a high-strength whitening gel, your teeth and gums will be okay after teeth whitening. These gels are well-known to be both safe and effective.