We have all done it. Looked in the mirror and thought…”ugh my teeth are not as white as they used to be.” Trust me you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from teeth discoloration to varying degrees. Even when brushing, flossing, and regular visits to dentist take place you may find that food, environmental factors, as well as time will eventually take their toll on the natural white color your teeth once held.
Choices, choices, choices. What’s a tooth to do? How do you know what is the logical, effective, choice for your smile? The upside is that there have been major developments in the area of whitening that whitening has become a possibility for anyone at all income levels. That’s right there is something for everyone…even you! Yes you with those sensitive teeth, porcelain veneers, or bridgework. You can whiten too. Some over the counter choices are toothpastes, gels, rinses, pre-made whitening trays, and strips all made by your favorite drug store brands. Most experts and consumers agree that whitening strips are the most effective form of do-it-yourself whitening.
Dentist-prescribed whitening offers more significantly noticeable results than those over-the counter products. The in office procedures are still quite affordable, making it an excellent investment in your smile.
There are differences between whitening teeth at home and having them done in a dentist’s office, including: customized mouthpiece trays, professionally supervised process, strength of bleaching agents, additional protective measures, as well as office only treatments such as laser teeth whitening. If you choose in office procedures power tooth whitening is by far the most effective and of course costly, whitening procedure. You can also opt for the FDA registered, light-activated whitening system. Light-activated systems are the power whitening methods of choice. These are the only methods that can safely whiten teeth, up to seven shades. Power whitening not only whitens element stained teeth, but also intrinsic stains caused by root canals, iron deposits, and even certain stains caused by antibiotics like tetracycline. After a power whitening treatment, your dentist will recommend you avoid tooth-staining foods like coffee, tea, red wine, etc. for a period of 72 hours. Introducing these foods during this critical period may negate your whitening results. Also, power-whitening results are not permanent. Without proper maintenance, over time the whitening results will begin to regress naturally due to the consumption of darkly colored foods, beverages or tobacco. This procedure may need to be repeated twice a year to maintain an optimal white smile. With so many teeth whitening options currently available you have no excuse for a lack luster smile. So go ahead get your white on. And don’t forget to smile often… its doctor recommended.
