Stained or yellowing teeth happen due to several factors, from poor diet, food stains, to genetics and natural aging. The reality is that over time, lackluster teeth are bound to happen to everyone.
A national survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (ACDD) however revealed that 96% of adults believe that a beautiful smile makes a person more appealing. The good news is that these days, that beautiful smile with the perfect white teeth is no longer just for celebrities. Tooth whitening has become so popular that almost everyone is doing it. In fact, it is expected to become a $7.4 billion industry by 2024.
Clinics that specialize cosmetic dentistry in South Jordan provide in-office tooth whitening procedures that promise excellent results in just one visit. These clinics also offer take-home tooth whitening systems. But compared to in-office procedures, these can take a little longer to produce results.
Below are other tooth whitening methods to choose from. It is important, though, to review and discuss your tooth whitening options with your dentist. They can tell if your teeth and gums are healthy enough to go through the processes.
Tooth Whitening Strips
These adhere to your teeth. Thy are made from flexible plastic substance coated in a layer of whitening gel. The thin layer of gel will contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These strips are relatively inexpensive and can be found in many drugstores across the U.S. They are easy to use, and a lot of customers swear by their effectiveness.
Tooth Whitening Toothpaste
This kind of toothpaste is either peroxide-based or it may contain special, mild abrasives. They help the teeth appear slightly whiter by subtly removing extrinsic tooth stains such as those caused by smoking and drinking red wine and by preventing stain buildup. Some kinds of toothpaste also contain blue covarine, a chemical that creates an optical dental whitening by making the teeth appear less yellow immediately. These kinds of toothpaste do not improve intrinsic tooth color or remove stains that go deeper into the tooth.
Tootth Whitening Trays and Gels
Tooth whitening trays are made of flexible material that fits around your teeth. These trays are pre-filled with peroxide-based gel similar to what is used in whitening strips and other whitening products.
Over-the-counter, peroxide-based whitening trays can be purchased from many drugstores across the nation. But a lot of practitioners recommend custom-fitted mouth trays over non-custom ones to help ensure that the bleach stays where it’s intended to be – on the teeth and not on the gums – and to avoid tissue irritation caused by ill-fitting mouthpiece trays.
Maintenance
The best natural tooth whitener is preventing the teeth from premature yellowing or staining in the first place. It is important to follow an oral hygiene regimen that includes the following:
- Strict adherence to basic oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing daily.
- Anything that can stain a white cotton shirt can stain the teeth. Avoid food such as red wine, coffee, tea, and dark sodas. If impossible to avoid, make sure to swish your mouth with water after to help reduce the amount of contact staining agents get with your teeth.
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. Tobacco causes brown stains that are hard to remove by brushing alone.
- Schedule regular dental cleaning appointments.
Regardless of the whitening method, it is important to remember that you can never exchange oral health and hygiene for cosmetic benefits.
