What are Some Teeth Whitening Methods?
Individuals who feel self-conscious about their smile due to unsightly stains may benefit from having a maple grove teeth whitening procedure performed. There are a range of methods for whitening teeth, such as over the counter whitening strips or trays, or specialized teeth whitening toothpastes or mouthwash. Another method for whitening teeth is making adjustments to lifestyle choices that can cause staining to occur, such as quitting smoking, avoiding sugary foods or beverages, practicing good oral hygiene habits, and scheduling regular dental exams.
If you have decided that you would like to learn more about teeth whitening methods, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will be able to provide you with invaluable information as to whether or not you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, what treatment option is best for you, and the benefits and drawbacks to the various types of options available.
Am I A Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Which teeth whitening option is best for you will be determined by a variety of factors. Bleaching is commonly suggested for patients whose teeth are yellow, but is not considered an optimal choice for patients whose teeth are gray or brown. People with sensitive teeth or advanced periodontal disease may be encouraged to avoid chemical techniques for whitening, as doing so can cause irritation. Patients who have bonding, caps, crowns, or fillings that are tooth-colored may also be encouraged to consider other options, such as bonding or veneers, as the bleach will not affect their color, which may create an uneven appearance.
Treatment Options
For patients who have good oral health and do not meet the aforementioned criteria, there are a wide range of treatment options available, including the following:
- Professional in-office cleaning to remove staining that is caused by tobacco use or because of certain foods or beverages
- In-office or at-home bleaching to address stains that are yellowed or not improved by a standard deep cleaning
- Laser teeth whitening procedure
- Using over-the-counter specialty whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, or strips
- For teeth that are damaged or irregular in addition to being stained, porcelain veneers or bonding may be your best option
How to Maintain Your Bright New Smile
Following your teeth whitening procedure, there are several things you can do to maintain the longevity of your new bright smile, including the following:
- Avoid foods and beverages that can cause staining of the teeth, such as wine, coffee, tea, candy, etc.
- When drinking beverages (especially sugary beverages), use a straw whenever possible, as doing so limits the amount of exposure to your teeth.
- If you are currently a smoker, strongly consider quitting. In addition to the many health benefits you will enjoy, stopping smoking will also help avoid future staining of your teeth.
Finally, the most important way to maintain healthy and bright white teeth is to practice good oral hygiene habits. Be sure you continue brushing and flossing twice daily and scheduling regular visits to your dentist. If you follow these best practices, you should enjoy a brighter and healthier smile for years to come!
More About Teeth Whitening : Laser Whitening versus Professional Whitening Trays