Your smile says a lot about you and it is not uncommon for your teeth to lose their luster over time, which is why so many people are interested in teeth whitening.
In fact, when the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked what people would most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth!
Teeth Get Yellow For A Number Of Reasons
Teeth becoming yellow over time is as normal as graying hair–it is a natural part of the aging process. If you’ve ever heard the expression, “you are what you eat,” the same goes for your teeth. Our teeth are absorbent and over time, the things we ingest can cause permanent stains. As we get older, our tooth enamel also begins to thin due to everyday wear and tear. This causes the layer beneath our enamel, called the dentin, to show more, giving our teeth a more yellow appearance.
There are other factors that can cause teeth to yellow other than aging however, such as:
- Tobacco use
- Food and drink
- Poor dental hygiene
- Dental trauma
- Certain medications
If you want to prevent your teeth from yellowing as best you can, we suggest you change some of your lifestyle habits. If you use tobacco in any form, quit. Consume acidic food and drink in moderation and monitor your intake of beverages that can stain your teeth such as wine, coffee, tea, soda, etc. And as always, brush up on your oral hygiene habits and make sure you’re getting frequent cleanings!
The Way You Whiten Your Teeth Depends On The Stain
There are two types of stains that you can have on your teeth. Surface, or “extrinsic” stains, caused by smoking and diet occur on the surface of the enamel. “Intrinsic” stains are deeper, and happen inside the tooth.
You can often remove surface stains on your teeth by using a whitening toothpaste. These kinds of toothpastes usually contain special abrasives that gently polish the teeth as well certain chemicals that can help break down stains. These toothpastes can be tough on tooth enamel, so make sure to always read labels when using them–some should only be used temporarily.
There Are Several Other Teeth Whitening Options
With so many teeth whitening products on the market, you may be left scratching your head as to which one you should choose. As with any type of treatment, it’s important to know all the facts so you can make the best choice for you and your unique smile! Some of the most common teeth whitening options are:
- Whitening toothpastes
- Whitening strips and gels
- Tray-based tooth whiteners
- In-office whitening
Intrinsic stains can’t be helped by whitening toothpastes, strips or gels. To get that brighter smile, you’ll need to actually change the color of your teeth.
Whitening Is Safest And Most Effective When Supervised By A Dentist
We recommend you consult with us before you make a decision about teeth whitening, as this cosmetic procedure isn’t for everyone. There are also many benefits to whitening with us!
We offer in-office whitening that will get you the white smile you’ve been dreaming of in half the time or less than other whitening options. We will also carefully monitor the whole process to ensure its safety and efficacy.
For example, our professional whitening treatments are done using an impression of your teeth so that your mouthpiece tray is customized exactly to fit your teeth. This ensures maximum contact between your teeth and the whitening solution as well as protect your gums.
A bright white smile is a confident smile – one you can feel comfortable sharing with the world!