The Easiest Way To a More Youthful Looking Smile
Tooth staining and discoloration are inevitable with age, even with proper oral care and hygiene. Tooth whitening is one of the most affordable and fastest ways to obtain a brighter, younger looking smile.
Types of whitening: Over-the-counter vs Professional
While both over-the-counter and professional systems will whiten your teeth, professional systems provide whiter results, faster. Because your dentist supervises the procedure, a stronger bleaching solution can be used than what’s found in home kits. In general, a professional teeth whitening treatment will whiten your teeth up to 5-10 shades.
In addition, only your dentist can really evaluate your dentition and recommend the most appropriate whitening solution for you to achieve the results you want. If you have tooth decay or excessive white spots, sensitive teeth, crowns, infected gums, bridges or dental work involving your front teeth, there may be a better whitening solution for your unique situation.
How to maintain that long-lasting whiter smile
Teeth whitening aftercare is simple.
- Brush your teeth well: Brushing your teeth well is the primary step you should take to keep your teeth white after the teeth whitening treatment. Make it a habit to brush your teeth after every meal. The foods we eat play an important role in staining our teeth. Improper oral hygiene can lead to quicker re-staining of your teeth.
- Decrease smoking and drinking: Heavy smoking and higher consumption of drinks like wine and tea that contain tannins that can stain your teeth.
- Use a straw: If you are drinking iced tea or fizzy drinks, consider using a straw. The presence of caffeine in these drinks as well as the tannins in tea can stain your teeth. By using a straw you can decrease the contact of these substances with your teeth.
- Maintain your new brighter, whiter smile with a once-a-month whitening refresher.
Dr. Hansford offers two types of professional at-home whitening systems: custom made trays or kits of moldable trays pre-filled with whitening product.
Custom made trays yield whiter results, faster because more whitening product is in contact with the surface of your teeth. The trays can either be worn during the day or at night. The pre-filled trays are a convenient, inexpensive option for people who may want to whiten their teeth only a few shades.
Tooth staining and discoloration are inevitable with age, even with proper oral care and hygiene. Tooth whitening is one of the most affordable and fastest ways to obtain a brighter, younger looking smile. If you’re interested in brightening your smile with tooth whitening, contact us at www.smilekamloops.com or 250.374.2615.
