Everyone dreams of having a mouth full of beautiful, pearly whites. Unfortunately, though, there are lots of things that can lead to discoloured teeth. Whether it involves consumption of coffee, pop or tea, what you eat or drink may take the whiteness and brightness out of your teeth.
But there are a variety of tips and tricks to help to whiten your teeth and fend off discolouration or dullness. That said, some work better than others.
What follows, therefore, is a rundown of some of the products you can choose to regain your killer smile.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Before looking at specific ways you can whiten your teeth, it makes sense to consider how the process works in the first place. When it comes to discolouration, there are two kinds, namely extrinsic and intrinsic. If you regularly brush your teeth with toothpaste containing a whitening agent, you will get rid of extrinsic, or surface level, stains.
On the other hand, intrinsic discolouration, which occurs under the enamel, results after years of enjoying foods and drinks that cause discolouration, such as coffee. That type of stain is definitely more difficult to remove than extrinsic surface stains.
When you go in for treatment, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and go about making your bleach splints. You will also receive a bleaching agent that you’ll need to add to the splints. After getting the materials, you’ll need to follow your dentist’s orders in order to get optimal results.
Whitening Options
Professional-Grade Take-Home Trays: If you want the best option, consider a take-home tray provided by your dentist. While more costly than other options, it also offers superior results. In the event that you have a lot of discolouration, this professional-grade option is your best bet.
White Strips: A cheaper option than professional-grade take-home trays, white strips can help you to brighten your teeth a few shades. It has drawbacks, however, since it’s not as effective as the professional-grade option and it’s not effective at whitening between the teeth and around the teeth.
Bleaching in Dentist’s Office: Though this treatment won’t take long, it’s not a long-term fix. It can be costly and can present sensitivity issues.
As you can see there are numerous ways you can whiten your teeth and get that beautiful smile that will light up a room. Talk to your dentist and get his or her opinion as to what option you should go with.