Every time you pull your lips back and smile, you are showing the world your teeth. And although this often comes naturally, many people find they are self-conscious about doing so. That means even in times of joy they feel an underlying sense of discomfort with their smile.
Teeth can become stained for one reason or another as life progresses, but they don’t have to stay that way. Teeth whitening treatment is available - and here’s your best option.
Why Whiten Teeth?
Teeth whitening can have many benefits. Enhancing your appearance with a bright white smile is, of course, one of the reasons so many choose to seek out treatment. However, there are a few others. For instance, having a smile you feel good about can boost your level of confidence and self-esteem. It can also make you feel younger by reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Teeth whitening can improve your oral hygiene, too.
But what causes tooth discoloration/staining in the first place? There are many different things that can cause teeth to become stained - some you have control over, others you do not. These include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Aging
- Use of tobacco, both smoking and chewing
- Foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, soda, acidic foods, and those with bright colors can all play a role.
- Some medications
- Certain illnesses, such as liver disease, celiac disease, eating disorders, etc.
- Genetics
- Trauma
Staining happens but thankfully treatments are available to whiten your teeth so you don’t have to worry.
The Best Way to Whiten Teeth
Simply put, the best way to whiten teeth is to visit your dentist. Yes, you can purchase over-the-counter teeth whitening kits at your local retail stores. And, yes, they may slightly whiten your teeth over extended use. However, these will not often give you the results you are looking for because they only contain a small amount of bleaching agent to keep consumers safe. Stronger bleaching agents in teeth whitening treatments require professional supervision at your dentist’s office.
Some dentists offer in-office bleaching treatments. For the most part, these are very effective and can show results very quickly. It should be noted that these results can fade and most dentists recommend an at-home professional whitening treatment as a follow-up to ensure long-lasting results.
Other dentists may opt to skip the in-office treatment, saving the patient money and creating longer-lasting results with the at-home treatment. A customized whitening tray will be created and detailed instructions will be provided for using the professional–grade bleaching agent at home. With this one, full results appear in about 10 days. You can use the kit as a refresher as needed. Most patients find this to be the most ideal option.
Keep in mind that professional whitening will only carry your white teeth so far. You need to up your oral hygiene routine at home. That means brushing your teeth at least two times per week, flossing daily, swishing and rinsing with mouthwash, and visiting your dentist for a cleaning every 6 months.
Teeth Whitening with Mark S. Roisman, DMD
The team at Mark S. Roisman, DMD enjoys seeing patients feel comfortable and confident with their teeth and overall oral health. Teeth whitening treatments can have a very large impact on one’s quality of life - and they truly understand this.
To learn more about whitening or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 203-227-6338. Or, request an appointment online.