The Best Process for Whitening Your Stained, Graying Teeth
REMOVING STAINS FOR SPARKLING TEETH
Enjoying sodas or certain other stain-producing beverages throughout the day can help keep you awake, but it definitely isn't brightening your teeth. A lifetime of stains from dark-colored foods and beverages can cause dingy smiles. Even routinely brushing and flossing twice a day may not be enough to give you the bright smile you want. Following are some familiar tooth bleaching options at a range of prices, both medical-grade and over-the-counter kits, to help you achieve a whiter smile that will light up Garland, TX.
YOUR WHITEST SMILE STARTS WITH PROPER BRUSHING
Routinely brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash is a good place to begin. In addition, it's a great idea to put a mini-sized oral hygiene kit in your tote or briefcase to have at work or school. Any time you use the bathroom or stop for a break, give your mouth a convenient once over. Beyond taking care of your overall oral health, you'll also be helping maintain the appearance of your smile.
DO-IT-YOURSELF TEETH BLEACHING CHOICES
If you opt for a store-bought option to lighten your teeth, you may see small changes in color by just applying these products on top of your daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash regimen. At many department stores and pharmacies in Garland, TX, you can buy a variety of kinds of tooth lightening products to try at home, including whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, and bleaching gels. Always make sure to pay careful attention to the instructions on the packaging.
- WHITENING SYSTEMS THAT USE LIGHTS
To boost the outcomes from some teeth whitening solutions or strips, you can purchase a particular type of light. LED mouthpieces are positioned around the teeth after you have put on your whitening solution or strips. LED trays have a set wear time and must be used only as stated in the directions. - TEETH BLEACHING STRIPS OR PENS
Many stores and pharmacies have numerous kinds of whitening strips and pens. The bleaching strips can be easily placed on your teeth and can be pretty hard to detect. A bleaching pen allows you to strategically apply a hydrogen peroxide solution to your teeth when they are clean and dry. Once you have carefully applied the strip or solution to your teeth, it's important to leave them on for the time indicated on the package. - ORAL TRAYS WITH WHITENING GEL
Generalized teeth bleaching products that use dental trays can be bought in retail stores, and a lot of them have the same look as the professional tray systems provided at a dental practice. One of the main differences between consumer and professional teeth whitening kits is the individualized fit. The mouth trays in an over-the-counter whitening kit may feel uncomfortable or could cause uneven results. Further, the hydrogen peroxide gels in retail kits aren't customized for your specific discoloration, so you may develop tooth sensitivity or other issues.
SINCE DRUGSTORE OPTIONS WORK, WHY SHOULD I HAVE A PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT?
It's important to know that nonprofessional teeth bleaching options can't offer the same level of results as teeth whitening treatments from your dental professional. Store-bought systems are lesser strength, so based on your stains and whether you have any restorations, etc., your outcome could be visibly uneven. Plus, the use of these products could lead to inflamed gums and sensitive teeth. Talk to your dentist about nonprofessional teeth whitening kits, how they perform compared to treatments they have at their practice, and whether they might suggest any of them to eliminate your particular discoloration.
PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING OPTIONS
Biannual oral exams and professional cleanings not only make sure that your whole mouth stays healthy, but they can also enhance the look of your smile. Scraping away the built-up tartar and plaque from your enamel is an excellent way to spruce up your smile. If you want more dramatic results, speak to your dentist about the in-office teeth whitening options they provide. Your dentist may offer prescription-strength teeth whitening treatments, professional DIY whitening systems, and porcelain veneers for a complete smile upgrade.
- MEDICAL-GRADE DIY WHITENING SYSTEMS
For those who would prefer to whiten in the privacy of home, some dental practices provide professional home whitening kits. With customized mouth trays and a special whitening gel selected for your types of discoloration, a do-it-yourself whitening system from your dentist offers a much closer fit and consistent results. Professional kits are simply a better choice compared to generic kits. Once you've applied the whitening solution to both trays, you put them in your mouth for a certain amount of time, as instructed by your dental practitioner. When you're ready, you can remove the trays, wash them thoroughly, and store them for the next use. During your next cleaning, you can ask for more of your whitening gel. Do not use over-the-counter whitening products with your custom systems, since they can cause damage to the trays. You may use a home whitening kit as your only treatment or to extend your results after an in-office treatment. - DENTIST-PERFORMED LASER TEETH BLEACHING
For a professional laser whitening procedure, your dentist will first brush a high-strength whitening gel onto your teeth and then go a step further with a laser light. The energy emitted by the light boosts the whitening product to create more dramatic results. This technique is a good choice if you want quick results for an important event or for those who have dental restorations. Certain in-office teeth whitening procedures can also improve internal discoloration, which over-the-counter options can't do. - DENTAL VENEERS
For a complete smile makeover to easily make your teeth brighter and cover other visible flaws (such as chips, gaps, excessive staining, and worn-down teeth), ceramic veneers could be a great option. Veneers are specially designed to look like real enamel and fit seamlessly right onto the teeth. Your dental practitioner will need to carefully shave off a minimal amount of your enamel in order to make room for the veneers. As soon as they're fitted to the teeth, you'll have a new, gorgeous smile.
GET READY TO ENJOY YOUR WHITEST, MOST STUNNING SMILE
Having minimal results or tooth sensitivity from drugstore whitening products can be extremely frustrating. At MINT dentistry in Garland, we offer custom home whitening kits, in-office treatments, and ceramic veneers. Each of these treatments will be personalized to achieve your aesthetic goals, so you see amazing results without compromising your oral health. Reach out to plan an appointment at our practice in Garland, TX to learn about all of our professional and at-home whitening options so you can have a bright, attractive smile.