The Ins and Outs of Teeth Whitening

There’s no doubt that humans are drawn to one another. But did you know that one of the first things we see when we look at another adult is their smile? It’s true! Smiles just suck us in. And in particular, it’s those white teeth that really get us to take a second look. However, if you don’t have pearly whites, you are far less likely to want to show off those teeth. Stained teeth can wreak havoc on our self-confidence. So what are some ways to get whiter teeth?

The Importance of Whiter Teeth

Before we dive into how to get whiter teeth, let’s talk a bit about why those white teeth are so important. The truth is there are many incredible benefits. Consider the following:

• You will draw people to you more often and you will come across as more approachable.
• Your self-confidence and overall mental health will experience a boost.
• Your oral health will be better because when you have white teeth, you are more likely to take the appropriate preventive care steps to maintain a healthy mouth.
• A bright, white smile may open more doors for you personally and professionally.

Who wouldn’t want to experience these amazing benefits? If you aren’t satisfied with the shade of your teeth, be sure to check out these 3 ways to get whiter teeth.

1. Teeth whitening is the easiest method for whiter teeth.

Whether you want to have your teeth whitened professionally by your dentist or want to try some strategies to whiten your teeth at home, you can experience a whiter smile and be excited about the results. At-home teeth whitening has become easier in recent years with new products available for purchase over the counter.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

The best way to whiten your teeth at home is by using a baking soda toothpaste that the American Dental Association (ADA) has endorsed. Though you won’t see a difference overnight, the baking soda in the toothpaste contains a mild abrasive that will help remove stains from the surfaces of your teeth. As an added benefit, baking soda creates an alkaline-based environment in your mouth, which lessens the amount of bacteria that can grow. So, using baking soda toothpaste is a win-win for whiter teeth and fresher breath.

If baking soda toothpaste isn’t doing the trick, the next best option is to try one of the various at-home whitening kits that are for sale in the dental aisle at your local grocery store or pharmacy. When looking at whitening kits, check the bleach concentration to ensure that it is no higher than 10%. Further, read the instructions very carefully before using the product. Even better, consult with your dentist at Berrien Dental in Berrien Springs and St. Joseph before proceeding to ensure you know everything you need to know and can select a safe at-home teeth whitening system.

Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening

If you are serious about getting whiter teeth or if the at-home options aren’t cutting it, an in-office teeth whitening strategy might be better for you. With professional teeth whitening, you get the added advantages of dental supervision and the use of stronger whitening agents. This means faster results so you’ll be able to walk out of the office with a whiter and brighter smile. Talk about a quick way to gain some self-confidence and feel good about your oral health!

Another benefit that comes with in-office teeth whitening is that you will be far more likely to adopt good at-home dental habits. After all, you will want to protect your investment and flash those pearly whites as long as possible.

2. Veneers offer a permanent solution for those wanting whiter teeth.

Though in-office or at-home teeth whitening offers a simple way to help you achieve whiter teeth, veneers are also a great option. Your candidacy for veneers, however, will rely on many things, such as present tooth decay, the presence of gum disease (periodontitis), and your overall health condition. With this said, if you are a candidate, porcelain veneers can offer you many benefits.

The benefits of porcelain veneers include convenience, versatility, and long-lasting results. And not only can veneers provide you with whiter teeth, they can also help cover up any other imperfections in your mouth. Veneers are designed to provide a natural and long-lasting smile that you will be happy to flash to others.

But what exactly are teeth veneers? Otherwise known as dental veneers, teeth veneers are thin coverings made of porcelain that are placed over the front of your natural teeth. Veneers help correct stained teeth as well as chipped or worn teeth. Veneers last much longer than teeth whitening procedures, and the only real downfall is that you need to avoid consumption of any foods that might stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, and other dark-colored food and drinks.

3. Dental crowns offer yet another alternative for whiter teeth

If you want whiter teeth but are looking for something a bit more intensive, then you should know that crowns are another viable option for cosmetic dental makeovers. Dental crowns can restore the shape, strength, and function of your natural teeth, and they can also help repair teeth that are broken, cracked, or decayed. Even more so, dental crowns can help close the gaps between your teeth, correct problems with your bite, and complete a dental implant restoration.

Let the Berrien Dental team help you achieve a whiter smile.

If your discolored teeth are bothering you, the Berrien Dental team can help. You don’t have to live with yellow or discolored teeth at all; whiter teeth are only an easy and comfortable dental procedure away. To learn more about how we can help you obtain whiter teeth, request an appointment by using our convenient online form. We can’t wait to talk to you about how we can help you achieve your smile goals.