In a world of selfies and getting tagged in every photo anyone ever takes of you, it can be easy to be self conscious about your smile. Having stained teeth that are not white and sparkling can make it difficult to truly enjoy yourself and smile freely. Fortunately, there are many ways for whitening your teeth and give you a self esteem boost…
The first thing to know is there are two types of staining. Extrinsic and intrinsic… When you have extrinsic staining, it only affects the outside of your teeth. While intrinsic staining is staining that occurs within the teeth. This type of staining is the most difficult to fix. So what are your options when dealing with stained teeth? Read below to find out!
Professional Whitening.
This process is done by your dentist, and only takes about an hour in the office. They will use carbamide peroxide to safely and effectively whiten your teeth. A professional whitening is the safest way to make teeth whiter.
Prescribed Home Treatment.
This will involve special trays fitted to your teeth, and a whitening gel. Your dentist will tell you how long and often to apply them for the best results.
Over The Counter.
Products you can buy at the store will not be as effective in whitening your teeth. They contain much less of the ingredients your dentist would use, and have little to no carbamide peroxide. These also will be useless on intrinsic stains, so it is best to consult your dentist before wasting time and money on over the counter treatments. Once you have spoken with your dentist on what products could be right for you, look for the Dental Association seal of approval before you buy.
The most common products you will have to choose from are toothpaste, whitening strips, and charcoal. Toothpaste with blue covarine works best for tooth whitening. Whitening strips are usually made with hydrogen peroxide, and can work over time. However, charcoal is not proven to work for tooth whitening and may even cause damage to your teeth.
Always remember to consult your dentist before trying any at home treatments on your own. Contact us today, we will be able to tell you the best ways to whiten your teeth specifically. Keep up with regular hygiene and dental appointments, and never be afraid to show off your smile!