Discolored teeth can impact the appearance of your teeth and negatively affect your confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, you can whiten your teeth with the available teeth whitening treatments. But, the question remains, how can you achieve a better smile safely?
Teeth whitening removes stains from the teeth using at-home whitening kits or professional teeth whitening. The process of whitening your teeth can be safe if you take the necessary steps to ensure that your teeth are protected.
The teeth can get discolored due to several factors, chief among them being poor oral hygiene. Your diet can also play a significant role in staining your teeth. Consuming foods and beverages like coffee, wine, cocoa, and soy sauce can lead to staining forming on the teeth. Age is also another factor that can cause your teeth to appear brown. The enamel thins as we age, exposing the dentin, which is yellow or brown.
Misaligned teeth can also affect the shade of your teeth. This is because they make it hard for you to brush the hard-to-reach teeth, causing plaques to form. On the other hand, braces have also been shown to cause discoloration at the point of contact. It is important to seek orthodontics in 77070 to know the best ways to straighten your teeth without affecting your teeth’ color.
Whitening your teeth is more than a cosmetic treatment but can also improve your confidence. However, if done incorrectly, it could harm your enamel and worsen the situation. It is important to know the best way to remove the stains, and here are a few tips:
You can bleach the teeth using at-home whitening kits or professionally. The two options offer a similar result, but the effectiveness is different. Cosmetic whitening products are readily available, but they are not as effective. This is because some of them contain either too much or too little whitening agent, which can render them ineffective. Furthermore, they can damage the enamel and cause gum irritation.
The most recommended option is getting professional teeth whitening in Houston, TX. The dentist will take the necessary steps to protect the teeth and gums during the treatment process.
You can whiten the teeth at home with D.I.Y products that are safe. Baking soda is one of the common options because they are readily available. The baking soda is abrasive and can remove the stains from the teeth. However, it will take longer for you to see the results. Also, it is not advisable to overuse baking soda because it can affect the thickness of the enamel.
Whitening toothpaste can also remove mild stains as it contains low levels of hydrogen peroxide. You can also use activated charcoal to reduce stains caused by wine and coffee. But, keep in mind that the charcoal is abrasive, and it can affect the enamel if used for extended periods.
A dentist near you will begin the whitening treatment with a comprehensive assessment of your teeth and gums. He will apply a protective gel on the gums to protect them from bruising and irritation. The dentist will apply the whitening agent on the teeth and leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing. Laser light can, at times, be used to activate the whitening agent and hasten the process. The whitening procedure can be repeated two to three times based on the severity of the discoloration.
After the procedure, you may experience tooth sensitivity that lasts for a couple of hours. Medication is not necessary, but you can use tooth-sensitive toothpaste to ease the discomfort.
Teeth whitening results can last for a few months to about a year, depending on how well you can for your teeth. It is crucial to avoid taking or overconsuming staining foods like coffee, tea, and wine. If you do consume them, ensure you brush the teeth right after to prevent the teeth from absorbing the staining compounds.
Visit OASIS Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics for more information about teeth whitening and what you can expect.
