Did you know your smile is one of the first things people notice when they see you?
You should never feel like you can’t smile because you’re embarrassed about your yellowing teeth. If you’re considering investing in professional teeth whitening, you’ve come to the right place. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about the best teeth whitening methods.
Reasons to Whiten Your Teeth
There are a few reasons why people want to get their teeth whitened. If you’ve just had braces taken off, you may want to complete your look. Many people invest in having their teeth whitened to build their confidence and look younger.
In-Office
Going in-office is the best option if you’re looking for a smile makeover. The controlled environment will help reduce the risks that we will go over later.
You’ll save a lot of energy by coming to the office a few times instead of trying to do it at home. In between your sessions, your dentist may give you some products to use that will prolong the whitening.
At Home Through Your Dentist
If you’re set on doing the process at home, it’s important that you talk to your dentist first. They will be able to give you the best product recommendations.
They may be able to fit the whitening tray specifically for you, so the risks will be reduced. If you opt for this option, you’ll need to have regular visits to your dentist and you’ll also want to follow their instructions exactly.
Better Results
If you’ve tried teeth whitening at home, you probably haven’t received the results you wanted. At-home options aren’t always reliable or consistent. You may see that the whitening products didn’t apply evenly and now you have spots on your teeth.
Longer Results
Your teeth come in contact with a lot of foods and liquids that stain them. That can make it hard to keep them white.
However, going to a dentist’s office for professional teeth whitening will help ensure the results last longer. They will also be able to advise you on the best ways to ensure your teeth stay white for as long as possible.
Safer
It can be easy to make teeth whitening mistakes at home and you don’t want to run the risk of ruining your teeth. Your dentist will check your teeth to be sure they are strong and healthy before going through the whitening process. If this step is ignored you may experience some side effects that can’t be reversed.
Translucent Side Effects
One irreversible mistake is using peroxide-based whitening products too much and too often. These products can cause your teeth to look translucent. A professional will know the right amount to use on your teeth.
Gum Irritation
Gum irritation is a common result of misusing whitening products. You may not have misused the product but many whitening strips that are sold at the store are one-size-fits-all. If the gel or peroxide substance sits on your gums, it will cause redness, swelling, and sensitivity.
This may make it uncomfortable to eat and drink. If the product gets in other places of your mouth and throat, you may experience irritation. An easy way this happens is when a whitening tray isn’t fitted for your mouth properly and overuse of the product.
Damage to Enamel
The enamel on your teeth protects them from cavities and decay. Using at-home teeth whitening methods too often can damage it leaving your teeth vulnerable.
Sensitivity
You may experience tooth sensitivity after your at-home teeth whitening process. This will likely subside after a few days, but it can be difficult to eat and drink cold and hot foods.
How to Protect Your Teeth
It’s normal for our teeth to become more yellow as we age. This is due to the enamel getting thinner. There are a few ways you can slow down the yellowing process before and after you have professional teeth whitening done.
Sugary drinks, wine, coffee, and tea can contribute to your teeth changing colors. Foods such as berries and tomato sauce will also reduce the time your teeth stay white after treatment.
However, we know it’s not possible to avoid these items a hundred percent of the time. After you eat or drink substances with a lot of colors, brush your teeth as soon as you can.
The longer the particles sit, the faster your teeth will yellow. Avoiding smoking is also advised. You may be surprised to learn that braces can also make sure teeth look less white. The best thing to do is to follow the instructions of your orthodontist.
Whitening Myths
You may have heard of some whitening methods that you can do at home to save money. Some people have tried rubbing citrus fruits on their teeth to whiten them. This, however, isn’t effective and can cause a lot of damage.
Another myth is that using coconut oil as a toothpaste or mouthwash will decrease yellowing. It’s best not to try home remedies without consulting your dentist first.
Professional Teeth Whitening
It’s important that you invest in yourself and professional teeth whitening may be just what you need to boost your confidence. If you have a big event coming up or if you simply don’t like your smile, it’s time to make a change.
We have helped many people achieve their desired smile and we can help you too. Click here and we’ll answer all your questions.
