Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile. There are various ways to whiten your teeth, but the two most common are in-office treatments and the do-it-yourself approach, with over-the-counter products. It’s important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration and involve bleaching agents that, if not used correctly, can damage the enamel of your teeth. Learn the do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening to ensure you have success with whitening your smile.

All About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure meant to enhance the look of your teeth. Over time, the teeth can become discolored, especially if you drink liquids such as coffee and tea. Smoking and chewing tobacco can also lead to discolored teeth. Whitening the teeth is one of the easiest and most economical ways to enhance your smile and bring your teeth back to that white shade you want. The outer layer of the teeth is called the enamel. This is the part of the tooth that whitening products enhance.

Some teeth whitening treatments use bleaching chemicals to get the teeth white. Other treatments use light therapy with whitening gel. Combining the two triggers a chemical reaction that whitens the teeth. There are also many over-the-counter treatments that can make your teeth whiter. Many toothpastes have whitening agents in them, but don’t necessarily whiten the teeth so much as they remove stains, which makes the teeth appear whiter.

Toothpastes

There are many ways to get your teeth whiter, and not all the ways work the same. Over-the-counter treatments are not always guaranteed to work, especially if you are using a whitening toothpaste. Many studies show that whitening toothpastes have a minimal amount of whitening agents in them. All teeth-whitening agents contain hydrogen peroxide to whiten. Toothpastes only have 1-1.5% of this agent, which isn’t enough to whiten the teeth. They can remove surface stains, but so can regular brushing. Your best option for whitening is to look for a product that works stronger than a toothpaste.

At-Home Treatments

Many people use over-the-counter gels or strips to get their smile brighter. These contain about 6-10% of hydrogen peroxide to whiten. They can be effective at removing surface stains and can make the teeth white for a time. They don’t work as well as an in-office treatment, but can be effective at creating a whiter smile for you. You will have to do the treatments yourself, so always make sure to read directions and follow them exactly.

In-Office Treatments

This is the best option when it comes to teeth whitening. It’s also the fastest. When you receive a professional whitening, you can be sure that you have an experienced dentist working on your teeth. The dentist has performed the whitening countless times for many patients and knows what they’re doing. Many in-office treatments take an hour or less from start to finish and can be done in just one appointment.

Your teeth are more likely to come out evenly white with in-office treatments than with other methods or at-home treatments from the store. The dentist also can use much more powerful whitening gels than can be purchased over-the-counter. They also have equipment such as special lighting tools that can speed up the process immensely. When it comes to whitening the teeth, this is your best option for a even, white smile that is sure to dazzle.

After Your Whitening

There are some tips you should consider after you’ve had your teeth whitened. The point of whitening your teeth is to keep them bright. However, foods, drinks and substances can stain teeth once more. Consider avoiding foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, tomato sauce and even some sports drinks and hard candies. Not all of these will stain every person’s teeth, but they are all known to cause stains. If you do drink some of these, make sure to use a straw to limit contact with the teeth.

Tobacco is also a major culprit when it comes to teeth discoloration. Smoking is one of the quickest ways to diminish teeth whiteness, so eliminate it from your lifestyle if you truly wish to have a better smile. Eliminating tobacco will also significantly diminish your risk for oral cancer.

Other Factors

You may have discolored teeth that have nothing to do with food. Not taking care of your teeth can lead to tooth discoloration as well as unhealthy teeth. The tooth enamel naturally becomes thinner as you age. The dentin (part of what makes up your teeth) becomes thinner with age as well. This can make your teeth appear more yellow.

One of the best ways to keep your teeth brighter and healthier is to brush and floss them often. This can help you avoid problems such as gum disease and tooth decay that cause discolored teeth. Brushing and flossing everyday can also remove surface stains on a daily basis, which instantly leads to a better smile. Some tips you should consider:

• Avoid acidic and sugary foods that can erode tooth enamel.
• Don’t consume foods and drinks that stain the teeth.
• Practice good oral hygiene before and after teeth whitening to keep your smile white.
• Don’t buy generic products and always check labels to know what’s in a whitening product.
• The more professional your teeth whitening treatment is, the longer it will last.

Your Consultation

In-office whitening only takes one appointment! Many people wish their smiles were brighter and whiter and they can be. For a teeth whitening treatment that’s quicker and lasts longer than all the other methods out there, all you have to do is contact our office. For your free consultation, call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998. A brighter, whiter smile can be yours today!