It is completely normal to not feel totally secure in the way your smile looks. In fact, many of us would prefer if our teeth were a bit whiter. After all, you can walk up and down the aisles of your grocery store or pharmacy and see lots of toothpaste, mouthwash, and strips boasting about their teeth-whitening abilities. If you have ever tried one of these over-the-counter options, you probably know the feeling of disappointment when the results are lackluster, to say the least. Fortunately, professional teeth-whitening actually does provide noticeable results. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist discusses the benefits of professional teeth whitening.
The Factors That Cause Stains
Discoloration can occur for a number of reasons. The three major types of stains are extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related. As the name suggests, age-related stains are usually prompted by enamel wearing away as you get older, which causes your teeth to yellow. This is natural and most people experience it to varying degrees. Extrinsic stains are caused by external factors like food and beverages in addition to tobacco products. These are closer to the surface and affect the enamel. Intrinsic stains are located within your teeth, and they are often the hardest ones to get rid of because of their location. They are most often can be caused by trauma to the tooth, tooth decay, an over-abundance of fluoride, and certain medications.
Treatments That Fit Your Schedule
When you visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening, you are usually provided with two options for treatment: in-office or at-home. The in-office option is quick, effective, and will have you smiling brighter after just an hour. When you go in for this kind of whitening, your dentist applies a gel solution to your teeth and then activates it with a special light. By the time you leave, your teeth should be noticeably brighter.
If you would prefer to undergo whitening from the comfort of your own home, you will receive a set of custom-made trays that you fill with a safe bleaching solution. You then wear these on your teeth for a couple of hours every day for 10 days. Both of these professional treatments are effective, so you can choose which one works best for your lifestyle and needs.
For deeper stains that whitening cannot seem to reach, porcelain veneers can offer an alternative solution. These go over your teeth and can make your smile appear brighter. They are made from durable, biocompatible porcelain that is made to resemble natural teeth, meaning they are virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
Contact Us To Learn More About Teeth Whitening
If you would like to learn more about teeth whitening, contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
