We all want to flash bright smiles with pearly white teeth. Unfortunately, yellowing teeth are a common fact of being an adult. Certain foods and drinks, like red wine or coffee, could cause unsightly stains on teeth. If you are a smoker or a former smoker, your teeth will be yellower than usual. In some cases, genetics or root canal problems could turn teeth a muddy yellow that can ruin smiles. If you are worried about your smile, there are certainly several ways in which you can improve the color of your teeth.
Most people do use over-the-counter teeth whitening products like toothpaste, gels, and rinses. However, there’s little evidence that these cheap whitening kits work to improve serious teeth discoloration. Whitening toothpastes can sometimes remove barely-there stains but don’t do anything for deep-set stains. If you want to turn your teeth lighter overall, then the best treatments are in-office lightening procedures that only a dentist can administer.
There are several in-office teeth whitening treatments patients could consider. First, you need to find a reputable clinic for the procedures, like Vibrant Dentistry in Arizona. You will have to go for an initial consultation with a dentist to make sure cosmetic teeth whitening procedures are safe for your condition. Once you do that, read below for several procedures that may help you improve your teeth color:
In-Office Bleach Whitening
All teeth whitening products contain a form of peroxide, commonly known as bleach. Most over-the-counter products contain bleach in lighter concentrations. If you want serious whitening procedures that lighten the teeth by two or three shades, you will have to visit a dental clinic. Dentists use peroxide in concentrations higher than what you find at the store. The procedure is done safely to protect the gums. You can typically get an in-office whitening procedure done in a single sitting.
Spot Treatment
If you have yellow or brown spots on your teeth that don’t go away with brushing or rinsing, then a dentist can assist with spot treatment. Stain removal is an easy procedure for most dentists. The dentist will first determine what causes the spotting and will clear out any plaque that might be causing the condition. Dentists use bonding or restorative crows to prevent severe yellow or brown spots.
Internal Whitening
You may not have an overall staining issue, it could be just the one tooth that appears discolored. This can be caused by undiagnosed root canals or dead nerves inside the tooth. Dentists typically use internal bleaching methods (different from external surface bleaching), to lighten up individual discolored teeth. If the discoloration is being caused by a root canal, then the condition may improve if it’s fixed. You will need a dentist diagnosis first.
Fixing Mottling or Striations
If your teeth have white and brown spots, which look like discolored striations, dentists use a combination method of enamel microabrasion with MI paste to fix the issue. This is only done for superficial stains without damaging the enamel or gums.
As you can see, there are many procedures that can restore your formerly bright smile. Consult a dentist to find out which one is best for you.