Easy Ways to Whiten Your Smile
Teeth Whitening | Having a bright, white smile has always been associated with youth and beauty. If your teeth have darkened somewhat over the years, this is not unusual. Fortunately, there are several different ways that you can effectively whiten your smile to enhance your appearance. Think of it as a form of self care. Let’s take a look at a few of them and what they entail, as well as understanding why teeth can become discolored in the first place.
Teeth Discoloration
By the time most of us have reached our thirties or forties, some degree of staining or discoloration has probably occurred. One reason why people can get discolored teeth is that their outer, white enamel has worn away, revealing the dentin layer underneath, which is of a darker color.
Some other reasons why your teeth may have become discolored include:
- Smoking tobacco products
- Taking certain medications
- Drinking beverages like coffee and tea
Home Whitening Techniques
There are quite a few different types of whitening methods that you can try at home to achieve the look that you are after. People have reported mixed results when using various types of trays, gels, toothpastes and strips.
Home Whitening Pros
The main advantage of undergoing home whitening is the lack of expense. These are inexpensive products that are freely available over-the-counter in places like pharmacies and grocery stores.
Another benefit of home whitening is that you will not need to schedule an appointment or spend time in a waiting room. Convenience is often cited as the main reason why many people choose home whitening.
Home Whitening Cons
One of the main disadvantages to whitening your teeth at home is that it is simply not as effective as a professional treatment. The main reason for that is that the whitening agent is not as strong as a professional one. Still, many people try at-home products anyway because of the advertising dollars and promotion.
Another drawback to home whitening is that there is no professional supervision. So you can easily cause extreme sensitivity to your teeth and gums with some of these products.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening usually involves the application of a whitening gel containing some form of peroxide. After the gel remains in contact with your teeth for a certain amount of time, together with the use of a special lamp to improve its effects, it will be rinsed away. There are also at-home kits that your dentist can provide you that are superior to over-the-counter whitening products.
Professional Teeth Whitening Pros
The main advantage of undergoing a professional teeth whitening treatment is that you will achieve superior results when compared to over-the-counter products. You can whiten your teeth almost as many shades as you desire.
Professional Teeth Whitening Cons
In life, you usually get what you pay for. Since professional teeth whitening provides superior results, it is more expensive than at-home whitening products; however, the superior results are worth it to most people.
Contact Us
If you would like to see for yourself why professional teeth whitening is superior to over-the-counter whitening products, please contact us. Schedule your teeth whitening service with us!