teeth whitening-- is it bad for the enamel?

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#1 Post by **almost50** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 2:47 pm

I got my braces off 10 days ago. My teeth look soo different and I am really happy with the results.

I was planning on getting my teeth whitened right away. I was surprised how much whiter they looked just having the braces removed. But still a little yellow and I'd really like to show off my new smile in style.

My mother--not the most informed source--was lecturing me on how bad whitening teeth is on the enamel of teeth.

My dentist said it wouldn't harm my teeth, although he's older and doesn't have very white teeth so I was confused but didn't have the nerve to bring this to his attention.

I did a google search with several sights speaking to enamel wear.

What is the truth to this? Any insight? I'm not 20, so the health of my enamel might be more important than having that bright smile, however the bright white smile would sure be nice. And I do drink coffee.

#2 Post by **wearetheborg** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 5:21 pm

TBH, teeth color IS supposed be a bit yellowish, not like those whites of actors.
I actually have met a couple people who had "white" teeth --- it looked SO unnatural in real life.

Another factor you should consider is that even if you get them whitened, they will again turn yellow soon due to the food; and so whitening will have to be a lifelong habit....

#3 Post by **drrick** » Mon Sep 27, 2010 6:42 am

Whitening is not harmful to the enamel (they would never let us do it if it was)

All whitening does is produce bubbles that pushes the stained material out of the pores of the teeth. Kind of like a gaseous pipe cleaner.