Did you know that smiling helps you live longer and relieves stress? It also boosts your immune system. The list of the benefits of smiling is long.
Smiling isn’t easy for everyone. Not because it’s physically impossible. But because of teeth discoloration.
The great news is that there’s an easy fix for this. Are you self-conscious about your discolored teeth and considering teeth whitening services? You have the option of using professional teeth whiteners or one of the many at-home products.
If you’re uncertain, read on to find out what’s the best teeth whitening option for you.
The Ins and Outs of Teeth Whitening
Teeth can become yellow or discolored over time. This can be a result of the foods you eat, dental hygiene habits, or aging. Thankfully there are teeth whiteners.
The process of teeth whitening involves lightening the color of the teeth. It changes the internal or external color of tooth enamel. You can do this on your own using a teeth whitening kit or you can have it professionally done.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
There are many DIY teeth whitening kits available on the market. The four main types include:
- Whitening toothpaste
- Whitening strips and trays
- Whitening gels and pens
- Whitening light devices
The advantage of using any of these is that it costs less than going to the dentist. It’s also convenient.
However, they may not eliminate all teeth discoloration and stains. You may have to use them over an extended period and the results will vary.
Professional Teeth Whiteners
There are two main types of professional whitening treatments. The first uses professional teeth whitening gel. This contains a high level of hydrogen peroxide and is usually applied with a syringe.
The second method uses high-intensity light. This includes halogen, LED, or UV lighting combined with hydrogen peroxide.
Your dental professional will place a laser device or lamp outside your mouth. They then use this to apply the treatment.
The results of both are usually quicker and better than at-home options. They’re also quite effective on stains caused by tobacco, aging, or certain foods.
Professional whitening is also one of the safest forms of bleaching. If you have sensitive teeth and gums your dental practitioner can use thicker gels. They can also apply desensitizers so that the process is more comfortable for you.
The drawback to professional teeth whitening is that it costs more than at-home kits and it’s not permanent.
There are certain stains that are resistant to all whitening treatments. This discoloration is usually due to trauma. The solution to this may be dental implants.
They have a glaze covering with stain-resistant properties. However, they can become stained if damaged. But it’s still worth it to explore the cost of dental implants if it means smiling again.
Show Your Smile Everyday
A smile is a beautiful way to communicate without saying a word. It often cements the first impression someone has of you. However, human nature is such that discolored teeth can lead to negative assumptions.
But you no longer have to suffer in silence. Professional teeth whiteners are effective and can provide quick results. Start reaping the healthy rewards of your beautiful smile.
Interested additional information on dental procedures? Check out our Health section.
