Choose Professional Teeth Whitening for a Truly White Smile
Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening
Tooth discoloration is common. Professional teeth whitening is also common. In fact, professional teeth whitening is so effective, affordable, and efficient, it has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments available. People who want a bright, white, beautiful, healthy-looking smile can achieve their goal with a non-invasive teeth whitening treatment in their Moorestown, NJ, dentist’s office.
What Kind of Tooth Stains Do You Have?
The most common types of tooth stains are called extrinsic tooth stains, which are located on the surface of your teeth. Extrinsic tooth stains are usually caused by the foods that you eat and drink. Over time, the habits that you have where food is involved can cause tooth stains: that all-day cup of coffee, your evening indulgence in red wine, loving dark sauces, regularly munching on deep-hued berries, relying on chocolate to keep you going, or being addicted to dark colas.
It’s important to understand that the composition of certain foods and drinks are not directly causing tooth stains. They are, however, eroding the tooth enamel with their acidic properties, and compromised enamel makes it much easier for stains to build up over time.
For some people, tooth discoloration is simply in their DNA, which indicates that their tooth stains are intrinsic. Intrinsic tooth stains occur within your teeth, and they cannot be altered by tooth whitening treatments. Thin tooth enamel gives you a more yellow smile naturally and, unfortunately, as people age their enamel thins even more which can further discolor their smile.
Intrinsic tooth stains can also be caused by certain antibiotics or other medications. These stains are too deeply embedded in the enamel to be reversed by bleaching. Your dentist will recommend other cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as porcelain veneers, if your tooth discoloration is deep within your teeth. In cases like this, there are many options to help you achieve a healthy, white smile.
Beware of Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments
Whitening strips, whitening toothpastes, whitening rinses – there is no shortage of whitening supplies in your local drugstore. Many of these products can certainly give some people slightly whiter teeth, but the side effects can be painful and problematic.
In most cases, over-the-counter whitening treatments are not strong enough to really give you the maximum level of whiteness that you’re envisioning for your teeth. As a result, many people begin abusing whitening products, thinking the more they use them the whiter their teeth will get and the faster it will happen. Ignoring the usage instructions that accompany whitening products can lead to gum irritation and damage tooth enamel permanently.
There are always rumors of effective, organic methods of teeth whitening swirling about, but proceed with caution where these are concerned as well. Natural whitening treatments like charcoal, baking soda, and strawberry pulp are not going to give you the same results as a professional whitening treatment. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two active agents that must be present in a whitening product in order to permanently whiten teeth. Natural products can certainly have some impact in the removal of plaque accumulation, and this effect can make your teeth look temporarily brighter, but it’s a superficial solution that doesn’t last long. Plus, if you go for the fruity route of whitening, the acid in fruits can weaken your tooth enamel, creating even more room for stains to settle in.
Professional teeth whitening is formulated to penetrate your tooth enamel so that it can break apart the stain molecules that are discoloring your teeth. Plus, your dentist will take the proper precautions in preparing your mouth, teeth, and gums from any potential irritation to the bleaching agent – and you can’t get that sort of meticulous care from a drugstore remedy.
Are You a Good Candidate for Professional Teeth Whitening?
You can have an imperfect smile and transform it dramatically with teeth whitening. Don’t automatically eliminate yourself as a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you don’t have perfectly aligned teeth. No matter your age or station in life, this cosmetic dentistry treatment takes every recipient from a lackluster, yellow, brown, stained smile to pearly white teeth.
It is important, however, to confirm that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo a teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist will complete an exam to confirm that no form of periodontal disease is present and that your teeth are living in a healthy foundation for this cosmetic procedure.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening Is the Right Choice
When you want a new smile and you want it now, professional teeth whitening offers immediate, long-lasting results. Plus, caring for professionally whitened teeth requires no special treatment. If you consciously work to keep your teeth clean, especially brushing and flossing after eating stain-promoting items or rinsing with water at the very least, you will go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy and stain free. Maintaining your daily preventive care at home and seeing your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings will help you keep that gorgeous smile.
Boost your smile success and confidence with a teeth whitening treatment. Learn more about the options that are right for you from Moorestown Dental Professionals.
