Schedule Appointment

What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

It’s no secret that a brighter, whiter smile gives you confidence. Sadly, your teeth can lose their natural whiteness for several reasons. Coffee, for instance, is one of the worst beverages for teeth staining. 

Teeth Whitening Options

Fortunately, there are several options available to help you achieve your ideal smile, including over-the-counter (OTC) whitening strips. They are available in different concentrations, making it particularly important to follow the instructions. Store-bought kits may even damage teeth if used too frequently, causing teeth and/or gum sensitivity. Studies have also shown that OTC teeth whitening agents may reduce the teeth’s firmness.

There are a number of do-it-yourself remedies, many of which avoid chemicals. Current research shows that natural ingredients, like strawberries, coconut oil, and charcoal, remove surface stains but do not change the tooth’s color. 

For a professional approach, an in-office treatment with immediate results is ZOOM! After covering the lips and gums to reduce irritation, the dentist applies the whitening gel to the teeth. The whitening agent is activated with a special light. Noticeable results are achieved within an hour. 

It’s no surprise that professional teeth whitening services are often more effective than OTC options. Still, it’s important to note that some tooth stains cannot be treated with professional whitening agents. There are other professional solutions to correct the appearance of discolored teeth though, including dental bonding or porcelain veneers. Tooth bonding involves adding a resin to the surface of your teeth, while dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain, placed directed on the front of the teeth to mask cosmetic issues.

Regardless of what teeth whitening option you pursue, you should avoid drinks like coffee and dark-colored sodas and sports drinks immediately after treatment. Highly-acidic foods, like oranges and other citrus fruits, should be avoided too. Additionally, you should use teeth whitening toothpaste and mouthwash to extend your results. While your teeth shouldn’t return to their previous discoloration, it’s normal to need touch-ups. 

Professional Teeth Whitening at Maitland Ave. Smile Co.

When it comes to your smile, something as simple as whitening your teeth can have a lasting impact. At Maitland Ave. Smile Co., we can work with you to determine the right option to help you achieve your ideal smile. Before beginning any treatment, we will discuss your goals, oral health, and budget. 

Our take-home teeth whitening treatment is often a good fit for busy patients who want to achieve whiter teeth on their own time. To start, we will make impressions of your teeth and create custom trays for you. We will carefully review the instructions with you, and you should notice a brighter smile in 14 days. 

 

Schedule an appointment at Maitland Ave. Smile Co. today!

Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like pediatric dentistry, dental anxiety, and the impact of stress on oral health.