The Most Powerful Treatment for Whitening Your Dingy, Graying Teeth
ERASING STAINS FOR SPARKLING TEETH
Sipping on tea and certain other dark-colored beverages throughout the day can put a pep in your step, but it definitely isn't helping your teeth. Years of stains from foods and drinks can lead to dull-looking smiles. Even routinely brushing and flossing morning and night may not effectively create the Hollywood smile you'd like. Below, we've listed some popular tooth bleaching systems at varying prices, both medical-grade and over-the-counter products, to help you obtain a brighter smile that will be the envy of Houston, TX.
YOUR WHITEST SMILE BEGINS WITH REGULAR BRUSHING
Consistently brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash is a smart place to start. Also, it's a great idea to pack a mini-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash in your bag or briefcase to use at the office or school. Whenever you go to the restroom or stop for a coffee break, give your teeth a quick brush and rinse. Beyond improving your overall dental health, you'll also be caring for the look of your smile.
STORE-BOUGHT TEETH BLEACHING CHOICES
When you opt for an over-the-counter option to whiten your smile, you will often see slightly noticeable changes in color by just applying these products on top of your daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash regimen. At local retailers and drugstores in Houston, TX, you can find a variety of types of tooth lightening products to try at home, including whitening mouthwash, activated charcoal, and gels containing hydrogen peroxide. It is always important to follow the instructions on the packaging.
- MOUTH TRAYS WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE GEL
Non–medical-grade teeth whitening systems with dental trays are available in retail stores, and many have a similar look as the dental trays provided at a dental practice. One of the primary differences between drugstore and professional whitening systems is the individualized fit. The mouth trays in a consumer whitening system might hurt to wear or could result in spotty results. Also, the hydrogen peroxide gels in store-bought kits aren't formulated for your specific discoloration, so you may end up with sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks or other issues. - WHITENING KITS WITH LIGHTS
To enhance the outcomes from some tooth bleaching gels or strips, you can use a particular kind of light. LED mouthpieces should be inserted in the mouth after you have applied your brightening solution or strips. LED mouthpieces have a set application time and should be used exactly as stated in the directions. - TEETH WHITENING STRIPS OR PENS
A lot of retailers and drug stores offer a large selection of different types of bleaching pens and strips. The strips are easily placed on your teeth and are relatively discreet. The whitening pen allows you to carefully apply a hydrogen peroxide solution to your teeth after they are clean and dry. Once you have correctly applied the strip or gel to your teeth, you should not disturb them for as long as instructed on the box.
IF DIY OPTIONS WORK, WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR A PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT?
It's important to be aware that nonprofessional teeth bleaching products can't offer the same quality of results as teeth bleaching treatments performed by your dental practitioner. Store-bought options are very low in strength, so depending on your discoloration and if you have any restorations, etc., your outcome could be uneven. Plus, the use of these products can cause inflamed gums and sensitive teeth. Talk to your dental practitioner about store-bought teeth whitening systems, how they compare to treatments they have at their practice, and if they would suggest any of them to eliminate your specific stains.
MEDICAL-GRADE TEETH WHITENING CHOICES
Twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings not only ensure that your whole mouth stays healthy, but they can also enhance the look of your smile. Scraping away the built-up debris and bacteria from your teeth is an easy way to whiten your smile. If you want more impressive results, speak to your dental professional about the in-office teeth whitening treatments they offer. Many dentists offer laser whitening sessions, professional at-home whitening systems, and ceramic veneers for a complete smile makeover.
- PORCELAIN VENEERS
For a complete smile makeover to easily make your teeth more brilliant and mask other aesthetic imperfections (like cracks, extra spacing, excessive staining, and short teeth), porcelain veneers can be a good choice. Veneers are customized to look like real enamel and fit comfortably right onto the teeth. Your dentist will have to carefully shave off a minimal amount of your natural enamel before placing the veneers. When they're fitted to the teeth, you'll have a new, gorgeous smile. - CUSTOM DIY WHITENING PRODUCTS
For patients who would prefer to whiten in the comfort of home, some dentists provide professional DIY whitening systems. With customized tooth trays and a special whitening solution selected for your needs, a do-it-yourself whitening kit from your dentist will give you a much closer fit and even results. Systems from your dentist are just a better option than generic products. After applying the whitening product to the upper and lower trays, you place them in your mouth for a certain amount of time, as directed by your dentist. Then, you can take the trays out, rinse them off, and put them away for the next use. During your next appointment, you can ask for more of the whitening gel. Do not use over-the-counter whitening products with your professional kits, since they can cause damage to the trays. You may use a home whitening kit as a stand-alone process or to extend your results after laser whitening. - PROFESSIONAL LASER TEETH WHITENING
In a professional laser whitening treatment, your dentist will first apply a high-strength whitening gel onto your teeth and then implement a laser light. The heat from the light boosts the whitening gel to create more dramatic results. In-office laser whitening is a good choice if you want quick results to prepare for an important event or if you have crowns, bridges, inlays, etc. Certain laser teeth whitening systems can also improve internal discoloration, which over-the-counter options can't do.
GET YOUR BRIGHTEST, BEST SMILE
Having minimal results or sensitive teeth from retail whitening products can be extremely disappointing. At MINT dentistry in Houston Greenway, out team offers laser teeth whitening, home whitening kits, and dental veneers. Each of these choices will be personalized to match your cosmetic goals, so you see beautiful results without harming your teeth. Call us to set up a consultation at our practice in Houston, TX to ask about all of our professional and at-home whitening options to get a glowing, sexy smile.