Your teeth will darken over time. Changes in the color of your teeth can be caused by factors such as the food and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda. Other known factors for discoloration may include childhood medications or illnesses, trauma, tobacco use, or improper oral hygiene. Dr. Martin and the team at Waco Dental can provide a variety of options for whitening your smile.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is the process of improving the appearance of teeth by removing surface stains. Specialized dental bleaching solutions break stains into smaller pieces, which in turn lightens the color and improves the overall appearance of teeth.
While some patients may wish to restore the natural color of their teeth, other patients may be interested in options to improve the appearance of their teeth beyond their natural color.
Teeth whitening is a very popular treatment, as most people agree that a bold, bright, beautiful smile might be their best asset when they interview for a new job or enjoy their memories with loved ones in pictures and videos.
DIY Tooth Whitening
Every year, millions of people examine their teeth in the mirror and notice that their teeth have been yellowed by food or drink. Whether you’re looking for a way to brighten your pearly whites or have a specific dental concern, there are many options available to you. One popular option is Do It Yourself (DIY) tooth whitening. There are many different DIY tooth whitening products available to purchase, including toothpaste, gels, and strips. One of the biggest factors that determine the effectiveness of DIY tooth whitening is the concentration of peroxide in the product. Teeth can be whitened by using a product with a concentration of 10% to 12% peroxide yet some products do not have that recommended amount. Additionally, it can be confusing to follow the directions on some of the DIY teeth whitening products leading to uneven whitening, white color spots, and gum sensitivity.
A quick tip that we recommend for all of our patients is to clean your teeth right before bed and avoid drinking anything other than water before you go to bed. This will allow regular or whitening toothpaste to set overnight and give you the perfect white smile in the morning. It is also great practice to brush and floss your teeth before bed to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from using the sugars and remnants of food in your mouth while you sleep. That’s 8 hours of tooth breakdown you can avoid!
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
While mass-produced, at-home kits might be a cheaper option, consider that professional teeth whitening is a safer and more effective investment. Professional teeth whitening at Waco Dental creates more effective results in a shorter amount of time. Dr. Martin or a trained whitening specialist will administer a treatment tailored to your sensitivity level without exposing you to the highly-acidic over-the-counter options.
If you’re wondering what teeth whitening treatments can improve the appearance of your smile, schedule your appointment today.
