Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using fluoride in dental treatments?

Fluoride is widely recognized for its benefits in dental treatments, particularly due to its role in promoting enamel strength, reducing dental caries, and enhancing remineralization. The primary function of fluoride is to aid in the incorporation of minerals into the dental structure, which strengthens enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and food. This is particularly important for preventing cavities and facilitating the repair of early carious lesions.

The correct response in this context is the option that states "instant whitening of teeth." Unlike the other benefits associated with fluoride, which are grounded in its protective and reparative properties, the whitening of teeth involves different mechanisms and agents that typically use bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These agents act by penetrating the enamel and breaking down stains, rather than contributing to enamel health or prevention of decay as fluoride does.

Therefore, while fluoride plays a critical role in oral health through its preventive qualities, it does not provide an immediate whitening effect on teeth, distinguishing it from other treatments aimed at enhancing tooth appearance.