Many people feel that a bright, white smile says a lot about them, especially when making a positive first impression. Over time things like age, tobacco use, food and dark beverages can dull our smile.
Luckily, there are a few options available to you, and whichever one is right for you will depend on how deeply your teeth are stained and how white you want your smile to be. It’s a good idea to talk to your dentist before starting any tooth-whitening regimen.
Brushing your teeth with a tooth-whitening toothpaste is one of the common solutions for dealing with stained teeth. However, you might need a stronger solution if you have moderate to severe staining.
Teeth-whitening strips and bleaching gels have stronger concentrations of bleach and peroxide. These products can be used at home. The strips are applied directly to teeth while gel is poured into a tray that is inserted into the mouth for a specific period of time. The concentration of these bleaching products is stronger than whitening toothpaste, but it is not as strong as what is available to you at the dental office.
When choosing any of these products, make sure to look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This seal represents that the ADA has researched and tested these products for their safety and effectiveness.
Your dentist can also offer an in-office tooth-bleaching procedure that whitens moderate to deeply stained teeth. This is the most effective way to remove stains. The teeth are bleached and sometimes the dentist will use a laser light to help enhance the process.
If you have questions about teeth-whitening products or procedures, please feel free to call us at 505.292.6414 to schedule an appointment.