What Type of Tooth Whitening Treatment is Best for You?

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If you’re like many people, you often feel that your smile could use a bit of brightening up but aren’t sure what procedures exist and which ones might be right for you. Fortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to teeth whitening, and what works best for you might not be the best option for the next patient. The only way to know which approach is the best one for you is to have a consultation with your dentist, but you can get the most out of the conversation if you have some knowledge of the possibilities. Here’s what you need to know about teeth whitening options.

Specialty Toothpaste

If your teeth have mild surface stains, a specialty toothpaste may be just what you need to bring back its former brightness. These work in the same manner that your regular toothpaste does, and most people begin to see noticeable results within two or three days, but keep in mind that it may take several weeks for others to notice a difference. Keep in mind that surface stains are generally caused by things such as tobacco use and foods and beverages that create stains, such as coffee, tea, wine, juice, and dark berries such as blueberries and blackberries, so if you continue to do these things after you begin using a whitening toothpaste, the results will be fleeting.

Make sure that any specialty toothpaste you use is approved by the American Dental Association. For best results, ask your dentist for recommendations.

Gels and Strips

Gels and strips may be an option for those who need more than whitening toothpaste. These are generally over-the-counter products that contain hydrogen peroxide. Although they provide faster results than specialty toothpaste, they may not be the best option for those with sensitive teeth. Check with your dentist before using these, and do a spot test before applying either gels or strips to multiple teeth at once.

Chairside Bleaching

Chairside bleaching is the most effective way to get white teeth quickly. As its name implies, it’s performed in your dentist’s office. The treatment takes between 30 and 60 minutes, patients sometimes find they require multiple treatments to get the effect they want.

Please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions on how you can make the most of your smile.

 

Girl after teeth whitening

Keep Your Teeth Dazzling White with These Tips

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Once professional teeth whitening has your smile just how you want it, you must do the heavy lifting to ensure it stays that way. Otherwise, the stains may come back with a vengeance. Oftentimes, just from eating and drinking the wrong things or improperly caring for your teeth. So, taking the time to figure out what it takes to keep your teeth dazzling white is well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you out.

Skip the Coffee, Soda, and Similar Drinks

Coffee, soda, and similar beverages are bad news for teeth. Their acidic compounds and deep pigments can quickly cause stains to set in along with a host of other problems. As you invest in the health and appearance of your teeth, it just makes sense to ditch these drinks for good. If you just cannot hack it, then use a straw whenever you have to have your morning cup of Joe.

Rinse Your Teeth After Eating

Food also has the potential to leave your teeth with stains, decimating your professional teeth whitening results. Although it is mostly the deeply-pigmented foods, like berries, that are the problem, you should be proactive after every meal by treating your teeth to a quick rinse. Just plain water is enough, though you can use mouthwash if you wish. By washing away food particles after eating, you protect your tooth enamel from stains and keep bacteria at bay at the same time.

Brush, Floss, and Rinse Daily

Proper oral care is paramount when it comes to keeping your teeth looking and feeling their best. You should aim to brush twice a day, morning and night, for at least two minutes at a time. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush to improve your efficiency in removing food particles and tartar when you brush. After brushing, use a quality floss and mouthwash to clean between your teeth and wash away any lingering debris.

When you follow these tips, you can keep your professional teeth whitening results around for far longer than you ever thought possible. If you need any help keeping your teeth white and stain-free, schedule follow-up treatments with your trusted dentist in Libertyville, IL. Give us a call at 847-367-1133 to schedule your appointment today.