Teeth Whitening Tips!

A beautiful smile starts with the teeth, and there are many reasons why people may be unhappy with the appearance of their teeth.  They can be crooked, slowly growing out, worn down, or most commonly discolored.  Teeth are an important part of our health but can also be an integral part in how we feel about the way we look. 

According to many dentists, the majority of their patients that are not satisfied with the appearance of their smile say that they are unhappy with the natural color of their teeth.  With all the modern advancements in modern technology, importantly photo and video it is becoming more important to preserve the presentation of our smile.  Discolored teeth are usually associated with being unhealthy of unhygienic, which is not necessarily true.  Nevertheless the dental industry is seeing substantial increases in the demand for teeth whitening procedures.  There are certain illnesses that can cause discoloration in teeth but some common causes are coffee, tea, curry, red wine and Coca Cola.  There are countless teeth whitening products available over the counter, but according to research some of these products are just a waste of money.  

Most toothpastes that market “teeth whitening” have no effect at all, also avoid purchasing teeth whitening systems and gels online, as there is no certain way to determine what is in them.  The safest way is to ask your dentist before using any of these treatments.  Many dentists are recommending bleaching trays, which are custom fit by a dentist.  This give the dentist the opportunity to educate the patient on how to correctly and safely use the tray and allows the patient to raise any concerns and ask questions.  Another option that dentists often recommend is laser whitening.  A specialist performs this procedure and the effects are instant.  This is a good option if you are looking to whiten your teeth for a specific event or occasion. 

Whichever method of teeth whitening you choose, be sure to consult your dentist or a trained professional before making your decision.  Also keep your expectations reasonable, some of these procedure take time and repetition before seeing drastic results.