The Ultimate Treatment for Brightening Your Discolored, Yellowing Teeth

By: Dr. Blog

10/17/2019

BANISHING STAINS FOR WHITER TEETH
Consuming coffee or many other dark-colored beverages during the day may give you energy, but it definitely isn't helping your teeth. The accumulation of stains from dark-colored foods and beverages can cause yellowed or brown teeth. Even regularly brushing and flossing twice a day still might not effectively provide the Hollywood smile you're aiming for. Here are some popular tooth bleaching systems at varying prices, both professional-grade and over-the-counter products, to help you achieve a whiter smile that will knock 'em dead in Dallas and Houston, TX.

A GORGEOUS SMILE STARTS WITH PROPER BRUSHING
Routinely brushing your teeth, flossing, and using a dental rinse is a good place to begin. In addition, it's a great idea to put a travel-sized dental hygiene kit in your purse or briefcase to use at the office or school. Any time you visit the restroom or take a coffee break, give your mouth a simple once over. In addition to boosting your general dental health, you'll also be whitening your smile.

DRUGSTORE TEETH WHITENING PRODUCTS
When you choose a drugstore product to whiten your teeth, you could see minor improvements by simply applying these treatments in addition to your typical brushing, flossing, and mouthwash routine. At many retailers and drugstores in Dallas and Houston, TX, you can purchase many types of tooth brightening products to try at home, including whitening mouthwash, activated charcoal, and gels containing hydrogen peroxide. You should always follow the instructions included in the box.

  • TEETH WHITENING PENS AND STRIPS
    A lot of retailers and drug stores offer a large selection of kinds of bleaching pens and strips. The bleaching strips can be easily applied to your teeth and can be fairly discreet. A bleaching pen enables you to accurately apply a hydrogen peroxide solution to your teeth after they are clean and dry. After you have correctly applied the strip or gel to your teeth, make sure to let them set for as long as directed on the box.
  • ORAL TRAYS WITH WHITENING GEL
    Generalized teeth bleaching products that utilize mouth trays can be found in several types of stores, and some even have a similar process as the professional tray systems provided at a dental practice. One of the primary differences between store-bought and professional teeth whitening systems is the customized fit. The mouth trays in a nonprofessional whitening kit may hurt to wear or could give you splotchy results. Also, the whitening gels in store-bought kits aren't formulated for your specific goals, so you could end up with temperature sensitivity in your teeth or other issues.
  • BLEACHING KITS WITH LIGHTS
    To increase the results from many tooth whitening solutions or strips, you can purchase a special kind of light. LED mouth tray devices need to be placed in the mouth once you have put on your whitening solution or strips. LED mouthpieces have a specific exposure time and must be used precisely as stated in the directions.

SINCE DIY OPTIONS WORK, WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR A PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT?
It's important to know that nonprofessional teeth whitening products can't produce the same type of results as teeth whitening sessions done by your dentist. Nonprofessional kits are very low in strength, so depending on your discoloration and if you have any restorations, etc., your results will likely be uneven. Further, these products can result in sensitive teeth and tender gums. Ask your dental practitioner about over-the-counter teeth whitening systems, how they compare to treatments they offer in their office, and if they might suggest any of them to whiten your particular discoloration.

IN-OFFICE TEETH WHITENING CHOICES
Frequent oral exams and professional cleanings not only make sure that your whole mouth stays healthy, but they should also help the appearance of your smile. Eliminating the built-up tartar and plaque from your enamel is an easy way to visibly brighten your smile. For more impressive results, talk to your dental practitioner about the expert teeth whitening systems they offer. Many dentists offer custom whitening sessions, professional at-home kits, and dental veneers] for a complete smile upgrade.

  • PORCELAIN VENEERS
    For a complete smile makeover to effectively make your teeth brighter and cover other visible issues (for example, broken teeth, extra spacing, extreme staining, and microdontia), cosmetic veneers can be a great choice. Veneers are individually made to look like real enamel and fit perfectly right onto the teeth. Your dental practitioner will have to gently shave away a tiny amount of your natural enamel before placing the veneers. When they're fitted to the teeth, you'll have a new, gorgeous smile.
  • CUSTOM DIY WHITENING PRODUCTS
    If you’d rather whiten in the comfort of home, a lot of dentists offer professional at-home whitening kits. With personalized mouth trays and a high-quality whitening solution selected for your types of discoloration, an at-home whitening kit from your dentist offers a much closer fit and uniform results. Systems from your dentist are easily a better option than store-bought products. Once you've applied the whitening gel to the trays, you put them over your teeth for a specified length of time, as instructed by your dentist. Then, you can take the trays out, wash them thoroughly, and store them for the next use. At your next appointment, you can ask for a refill on the whitening gel. You should not try to use over-the-counter whitening gel with your professional kits, since they can cause damage to your trays. You can use an at-home whitening kit alone or to keep your results after a professional session.
  • IN-OFFICE LASER TEETH WHITENING
    During a professional laser whitening session, your dentist will first brush a high-potency whitening solution onto your enamel and then go a step further with a laser light. The heat from the light activates the whitening product to produce more dramatic outcomes. In-office laser whitening is a good choice when you want results in a hurry before a special event or for those who have crowns, bridges, inlays, etc. Some laser teeth whitening systems can also correct internal stains, which over-the-counter products can't reach.

SHOW OFF YOUR WHITEST, MOST ATTRACTIVE SMILE
Experiencing minimal results or tooth sensitivity from retail whitening products is extremely frustrating. At MINT dentistry, our team provides custom home whitening kits, in-office treatments, and dental veneers. Each of these options will be personalized to achieve your aesthetic goals, so you get impressive results without damaging your oral health. Contact us to set up an appointment at our office in Dallas and Houston, TX to learn about all of our professional and at-home whitening options so you can have a bright, sexy smile.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.