Having bright white teeth can make you feel good about your smile. Your teeth will naturally become discolored over time from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and food. Age, medication, and oral hygiene can also cause your teeth to lose their bright whites. The good news is that there are many ways to whiten teeth and brighten your smile.
If you are searching for a Greektown dental office, near me and want to learn more about teeth whitening, you may wonder which option is right for you. Reviewing the different methods of teeth whitening and the pros and cons of each can help you determine what you need for a whiter smile.
Reasons Your Teeth Become Discolored
There are two main types of tooth discoloration and several factors that can lead to staining.
Extrinsic stains
Occurred on the outside layer of your tooth’s enamel. Caused by coffee, drinks, food, and smoking.
Intrinsic stains
Occurred within your teeth. Can happen as you age or from trauma, medication, or too much fluoride as a child.
Professional whitening kits are going to work quicker and better than other methods because they can target both kinds of discoloration.
Professional Teeth Whitening at our Greektown dental clinic
Getting your teeth whitened by a dentist is the quickest way to see results.
Pros
• See results in one visit
• Higher strength whitening agents
• Dentist supervises treatment
• Uniform and predictable
• Works best for set-in stains
Cons
• More expensive than DIY methods
• Teeth sensitivity can occur after treatment
• Maintenance may be required after a few years
Professional teeth whitening in Greektown is a popular choice because you can see instant results.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Your dentist can provide you with a take-home whitening kit that includes a custom tray and professional whitening gel.
Pros
• Higher strength than most store bought kits
• Custom tray provides even coverage
• Less expensive than in-office treatment
• Results are gradual and natural looking
Cons
• Results aren’t instant and can take weeks
• Must use consistently for best results
• Some patients may experience sensitivity
Take-home teeth whitening trays are a popular choice for patients who want professional strength results.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
Drug stores carry many types of over-the-counter whitening products. Common OTC treatments are strips, gels, pens, and whitening toothpaste.
Pros
• Inexpensive and convenient
• Easy to use at home
• Works for minor surface stains
Cons
• Not as strong as professional whitening
• Only provides subtle and temporary results
• Trays aren’t custom fit to your teeth
• Can cause sensitivity or gum damage if overused
DIY whitening treatments are not very effective for professional whitening.
Natural or DIY Whitening Options
You may have seen natural whitening options like baking soda, charcoal, or oil pulling.
Pros
• Cheap
Cons
• Lack of scientific research
• Can damage your tooth’s enamel
• Do not provide significant results
Remember that your dentist does not recommend natural or DIY options because they can damage your teeth.
Maintaining Your Smile After Whitening
It doesn’t matter which whitening method you choose. You can prolong the life of your teeth whitening by practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding staining habits.
• Brush and floss twice a day
• Avoid foods and drinks that stain
• Rinse with water after wine or coffee
• Visit your dentist for regular cleanings
• Stay away from tobacco
Your dentist may also recommend touch-up treatments to keep your smile white.
Choosing Teeth Whitening Options
Now that you have read about all the teeth whitening methods you can decide which option is right for you. The severity of your stains and your dental health will help you determine what you need. You should always talk to your dentist before getting your teeth whitened. They can make sure that you’re picking a safe method and it is appropriate for your teeth.
When searching for teeth whitening in Greektown, your dentist will take the time to examine your teeth. Your dentist will let you know what is causing the issue and recommend the best teeth whitening method to brighten your smile.
A confident smile will leave a positive impression on everyone you meet. You can have white teeth and a bright smile with proper dental care and teeth whitening.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.