Are you tired of watching your smile get yellower as the years go by? Have you tried every toothpaste, strip, pen, and gel out there, but have yet to find a solution that makes a noticeable difference? While over-the-counter teeth whitening products are readily available in almost any supermarket or drug store, they may only work for some and can often have mixed results. The best way to get the pearly white smile you’ve been wishing for is to visit your dentist for a professional teeth whitening procedure.
Tooth discoloration is classified into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Over-the-counter whitening products are typically able to target extrinsic stains but less effective at handling intrinsic stains. Extrinsic discoloration is mainly caused by consuming large amounts of pigmented drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and foods like blueberries, blackberries, beets, tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Lifestyle habits like smoking or other tobacco use and poor dental hygiene can also contribute to extrinsic staining.
Intrinsic staining occurs inside the tooth, under the enamel layer. Intrinsic discoloration is usually attributed to systemic causes such as your specific genetic makeup or the natural effects of aging. Professional teeth whitening can target both kinds of discoloration, making it a great option no matter the reason for your less-than-white smile.
It should be noted that teeth whitening treatments will only work on your natural teeth, not on any tooth-colored restorations such as implants or crowns. If you have tooth restorations, you should talk with your dentist about your options, since the chemicals used in restorations do not respond to whitening agents. It may be necessary to replace the restoration to match the color of your teeth after whitening. People with a history of tooth sensitivity should also communicate that with their dentist since the treatment may exacerbate the condition.
Your smile has a huge effect on your overall appearance and self-confidence. No matter what the cause of your discolored smile is, professional teeth whitening services are a great way to start looking and feeling your best with a brilliant white smile.