Is your smile looking dingy after a lifetime of coffee drinking? Perhaps red wine has taken a toll. If you smoke, even occasionally, you may also have noticed your teeth looking less-than-pearly-white. The good news is that you don’t have to settle for a stained smile!
Professional teeth whitening can help drastically improve your smile, and most cosmetic dentists offer treatment options catered to fit both your schedule and your budget. So stop staring disapprovingly at those stains, and start addressing them, instead.
Understand Your Whitening Options
While over-the-counter whitening products may be able to reduce minor staining, professional whitening can help ensure more drastic results. If your teeth are severely stained, or you’re looking for quick results, professional teeth whitening is likely your best option.
Zoom! is one of the most popular in-office whitening options. It has been proven to lighten teeth by up to eight shades, often in a single office visit. This treatment involves activating a whitening gel with a special light, and customizing the extent of the bleaching based on a patient’s desired results and tooth sensitivity.
But many dentists also offer a take-home option, which is more affordable. Custom-fit whitening trays help distinguish professional-grade teeth whitening from options that can be purchased in a drugstore or grocery store. The whitening agents are also much more potent than over-the-counter options, allowing for more extensive brightening.
Of course, getting a white smile is only half the battle. You’ll also want to help maintain your results. You can help accomplish this through excellent oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental checkups and cleanings. Drinking water immediately after staining beverages can also help cut down on future discoloration. But you should also ask your dentist about the availability of follow-up treatments, as necessary, or about take-home kits meant for re-whitening teeth after professional treatment.
ABOUT YOUR COLUMBIA, TN, DENTIST:
Dr. David Foster and Creekside Dental have served the dental needs of patients and their families in our community since 1985. If you live in Columbia, TN, or Lewisburg, Lawrenceburg, Hohenwald, Centerville, Pulaski, or any of the surrounding communities, then call our office today at (931) 388–3384 to schedule an appointment.