If you want to get a whiter and brighter smile, in-office teeth whitening may be your answer. Perhaps you are among those people who feel bad about the yellowish, dull appearance of your teeth. Don’t panic. The truth is that as we age, teeth tend to darken and get an unhealthy look. But there’s good news. In-office teeth whitening systems and take-home treatments are quite safe and simple. And there are also a couple oral care habits you can keep to enjoy a whiter and brighter smile.
Why Are my Teeth Getting Yellow?
There are several causes of tooth discoloration. The food we eat and some beverages – such as tea, coffee, and red wine – stain your teeth over time and contribute to the existing stains. Tobacco is also a major cause of tooth discoloration. Sometimes the overuse of some medicines or antibiotics also contributes to getting stained or yellowish teeth. Luckily there are a number of ways in which you can whiten your smile.
How Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Work?
The fastest and most effective whitening treatment is an in-office teeth whitening treatment. When you opt for the in-office whitening treatment, after a couple of hours in the dental office, you will leave with teeth that are a few of shades lighter. The in-office whitening is usually considered the best dental whitening process and it just takes a few steps:
- Your dentist gently applies the whitening gel on your tooth surface.
- The gel is chemically activated and acts on your tooth enamel to whiten your teeth.
- The total treatment takes about an hour and a half, with three applications of 15 minutes at a time.
- While you wait for the gel to process you can relax, read or listen to some music.
- Finally, your dentist will compare the color of your teeth to the initial color.
- Optional: You can also be sent home with custom-fitted bleaching trays in order to maintain that bright smile in between checkups.
The in-office whitening treatment will give you excellent and more long-lasting results.
At-Home Teeth Whitening vs. In-Office Teeth Whitening
If a lengthy in-office process is out of the question, you can choose the take-home system. This whitening treatment is quite affordable but it takes a bit longer. The whitening kits generally include the whitening trays and the gel, usually to be used in about 10 applications. You will have to wear the trays for about a week (20 minutes a day) to get similar results. However, bear in mind that an in-office whitening treatment will allow you to whiten your smile faster and more effectively.
Teeth Whitening Requires You to Keep Good Oral Care Habits
If you are consuming coffee, tea, or red wine regularly, you will need to pause these habits to avoid staining your teeth. You can use whitening toothpaste, and there are a number of rinses that work very well to help maintain a brighter, whiter smile. It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth out with water after consuming anything that may tint your teeth to help minimize the potential staining. Or you may even want to try making your own teeth whitening paste by combining baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
Getting whiter teeth is not a big issue. There are a couple of safe and affordable teeth whitening systems you can try, either at the dental office or at home. Also, keeping good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle will help you maintain a fresh and ever white smile.
