The Best Process for Whitening Your Stained, Graying Teeth
REMOVING DISCOLORATION FOR BRIGHTER TEETH
Enjoying coffee and certain other dark-colored drinks during your day can give you energy, but it won't be brightening your smile. A lifetime of stains from foods and drinks can cause dull-looking smiles. Even routinely brushing and flossing morning and night may not be enough to create the dazzling smile you're aiming for. Following are some familiar tooth whitening treatments at a range of prices, both professional-grade and over-the-counter products, to help you get a whiter smile that will knock 'em dead in Conroe, TX.
THE BEST SMILE BEGINS WITH REGULAR BRUSHING
Just brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash is a great place to begin. Also, you can pack a mini-sized dental hygiene kit in your purse or briefcase to use at work or school. When you stop to go to the bathroom or take a break, give your teeth a convenient freshening up. In addition to enhancing your overall dental health, you'll also be caring for the look of your teeth.
DO-IT-YOURSELF TEETH WHITENING PRODUCTS
If you choose a do-it-yourself option to whiten your smile, you will often see small improvements by just applying these treatments on top of your daily hygiene routine. At most department stores and drugstores in Conroe, TX, you can find a variety of types of tooth brightening products to use at home, such as whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, and bleaching gels. Always make sure to pay careful attention to the instructions on the packaging.
- DENTAL TRAYS WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE GEL
Non–medical-grade teeth whitening kits with dental trays are available in retail stores, and a lot of them have a similar process as the dental trays provided by your dentist. One of the primary differences between over-the-counter and professional whitening kits is the customized fit. The mouth trays in a store-bought whitening kit may not fit appropriately or could create splotchy results. In addition, the whitening solutions in over-the-counter kits aren't designed for your exact goals, so you might develop temperature sensitivity in your teeth or other problems. - TEETH BLEACHING PENS AND STRIPS
Many retailers and pharmacies have numerous different kinds of bleaching pens and strips. The strips are easily placed over your teeth and can be fairly hard to detect. The whitening pen allows you to carefully apply a gel to your teeth after they have been brushed and are dry. After you have carefully applied the strip or gel to your teeth, make sure to leave them on for the time indicated on the product. - BLEACHING KITS THAT USE LIGHTS
To intensify the power of certain teeth whitening gels or strips, you can purchase a particular type of light. LED dental appliances should be inserted in the mouth after you have applied your whitening solution or strips. LED mouthpieces have a specific application time and must be used precisely as stated in the directions.
SINCE OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS WORK, WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR A PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT?
It's important to know that nonprofessional teeth whitening treatments aren't going to offer the same level of results compared to teeth bleaching sessions given by a dental professional. Nonprofessional kits have limited strength, so depending on your discoloration and whether you have any bridges or crowns, etc., your outcome will likely be uneven. Further, these products could lead to inflamed gums and sensitive teeth. Ask your dental practitioner about store-bought teeth whitening products, how they perform compared to treatments they offer at their office, and whether they might suggest any of them to improve your particular discoloration.
MEDICAL-GRADE TEETH WHITENING METHODS
Regular dental exams and professional cleanings not only make sure that your whole mouth stays healthy, but they will also improve the appearance of your smile. Clearing away the built-up tartar and plaque from your enamel is a great way to visibly whiten your smile. To get more noticeable results, talk to your dental practitioner about the expert teeth whitening treatments they provide. They may offer prescription-strength teeth whitening sessions, professional at-home systems, and dental veneers] for a complete smile upgrade.
- CUSTOM DIY WHITENING PRODUCTS
For those who would prefer to whiten in the privacy of home, some dental practitioners offer professional home whitening kits. With tailor-made dental trays and a professional-strength whitening gel chosen for your goals, a DIY whitening system from your dentist can provide a much closer fit and consistent results. Systems from your dentist are just a better option than generic kits. Once you've applied the whitening gel to both trays, you place them over your teeth for a certain amount of time, as instructed by your dental practitioner. Once the treatment is done, you can remove the trays, clean them, and store them for the next use. At your next appointment, you can ask for a refill on the whitening gel. You should not try to use over-the-counter whitening products with your custom kits, since they may degrade the trays. You can use an at-home whitening kit alone or to maintain your results after an in-office treatment. - DENTIST-PERFORMED LASER TEETH BLEACHING
In an in-office laser whitening treatment, your dental practitioner will first brush a high-strength whitening solution onto your teeth and then go a step further with a laser light. The heat from the laser boosts the whitening solution to produce optimal outcomes. This technique is ideal when you want fast results to get ready for a big event or for those who have crowns, bridges, inlays, etc. Certain in-office teeth whitening procedures can also correct internal discoloration, which store-bought options can't reach. - PORCELAIN VENEERS
For a full smile makeover to quickly make your teeth brighter and mask other aesthetic issues (like chips, wide gaps, excessive staining, and small teeth), porcelain veneers could be a great treatment. Veneers are tailored to look natural and fit perfectly over the teeth. Your dental practitioner will need to carefully shave off a very small amount of your enamel in order to make room for the veneers. When they're in place, you'll have a new, gorgeous smile.
GET YOUR WHITEST, BEST SMILE
Experiencing minimal outcomes or sensitive teeth from store-bought whitening treatments is very disappointing. At MINT dentistry in Conroe, our dentists provide custom home whitening kits, in-office treatments, and dental veneers. Each of these options will be customized to match your aesthetic goals, so you see amazing results without compromising your oral health. Call us to schedule an appointment at our practice in Conroe, TX to learn about all of our in-office and at-home whitening treatments to enjoy a gleaming, attractive smile.