A brighter smile is just a simple teeth whitening procedure away. If you’re ready to eliminate those seemingly inevitable stains from your teeth, you have several teeth whitening options to choose from. An array of procedures exist, from ones you do at home to others that your dentist can perform in the Lovett Dental Upper Kirby office. Exploring these different options allows you to find one that’s best for you. So, learn more about teeth whitening services to discover the best way to brighten your smile.
Teeth Whitening Basics
Teeth whitening or bleaching is a type of cosmetic dentistry that works to improve the look of your teeth. Over time, your teeth may show signs of discoloration, losing that bright white shade, and appearing yellow instead. Several factors contribute to tooth discoloration, including:
- Drink – Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine that contain strong color pigments can attach to your enamel to change their color.
- Smoking – The tar and nicotine in tobacco can result in significant tooth staining.
- Injury – An injury to your tooth can also change its color, darkening it.
- Medications – Some medicines also can alter the color of your teeth, especially antihistamines, antipsychotics, and some high-blood pressure medications.
When you whiten your teeth, the process works by using a whitening agent to remove those stains and signs of discoloration to reveal a brighter smile. Ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide penetrate your tooth enamel to remove those discolored molecules. While whitening treatments use this general process, they are available in a number of methods, allowing you to choose one that works for your needs.
Teeth Whitening Options
If you’re ready to transform your smile, learn about the different ways you can whiten your teeth.
Whitening Toothpaste
The most basic and inexpensive way to brighten your smile is with a simple whitening toothpaste. While this option isn’t going to have a major impact, it can erase easy-to-eliminate surface stains. For the best results, choose a toothpaste featuring the American Dental Association seal of acceptance, which indicates the product has proven whitening results.
Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products
Teeth whitening options also include over-the-counter bleaching products that you can find at drug stores and big-box stores. Often, these come with mouth trays or adhesive strips that you affix to your teeth to brighten them. The bleaching agents in these products aren’t as strong as in-office treatments but can deliver modest benefits.
At-Home Bleaching from Your Dentist
If you want a more effective at-home solution, talk to your Lovett Dental Upper Kirby dentist about getting a customized teeth bleaching kit. Your dentist will create custom-made trays that fit your mouth and provide you with the bleaching agent to whiten your teeth at home. You can see results in a matter of days or weeks, depending on the level of tooth discoloration.
In-Office Treatments
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is to have your general dentist do it. In just a couple of hours, your dentist can make your teeth up to eight times whiter. At your initial consult, your dentist can devise a whitening plan that works for your needs. You might require just one treatment, or you might opt for a few shorter treatments for more gradual whitening.
Getting Started with Teeth Whitening at Lovett Dental Upper Kirby
A brighter smile is just a phone call away. Find a trustworthy dentist who can provide both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry solutions, ensuring your teeth are healthy and look great too. Let our dental offices provide you with the caring, professional care that your teeth deserve. When you do, you can learn more about teeth whitening options and improve your overall dental hygiene and health. Contact us by calling 713-490-8888 to schedule an appointment today.