Perhaps you have a wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, or job interview coming up. Special events occur in everyone’s life, and everyone wants to look their best for when they happen. A beautiful smile is a wonderful asset for both making a great first impression and commemorating a moment through photography, but many people might be shy about showing their teeth due to pesky stains or discoloration. Here’s how teeth whitening treatments from your dentist can resolve these issues and a few tips for when to start them so you can look great for your big day.
How Do Teeth Become Discolored?
The outer layers of the teeth include the whitish, outermost layer of enamel and the yellowish dentin layer underneath. Over decades of use, the enamel layer can thin out, causing the yellowish color of the dentin beneath to show through more. To make matters worse, frequent exposure to foods and drinks that are high in pigments and dyes (such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries) can leave stains and discoloration in the enamel. Perhaps worst of all, smoking can stain teeth and leave unsightly yellowish or brownish buildups upon them.
How Can My Dentist Whiten My Teeth?
A cosmetic dentist can provide you with specialized treatments that can leave your teeth up to ten shades whiter. These professional teeth whitening treatments come in two forms, those being:
An in-office procedure
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth quickly, your dentist can perform a treatment in about an hour at their office. During this procedure, they will apply a few coats of whitening agent to your teeth before treating them with a special light. This treatment can effectively lift stains and restore whiteness in a single visit.
A take-home kit
If you’d prefer to whiten your teeth more slowly, your dentist can provide you with a whitening kit that includes customized dental trays and a tube of professional-grade whitening gel. All you’ll need to do is apply the gel to the trays and wear them over your teeth for an hour daily for two weeks. These kits deliver results far superior to those of anything you can buy at the store.
Teeth whitening treatments can help you smile your best at that upcoming special event. While they can be completed in about an hour or over two weeks, it’s best to time them so they are finished a few days before the event so your teeth have some time to recover afterward. That way, you can enjoy the food at the gathering without worrying about dental sensitivity.
About the Author
Dr. John H. Upton, Jr, earned his dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry and has pursued continuing education programs with F.A.C.E and the Las Vegas Institute to stay up top of the latest developments in dentistry. His office in Glendale, AZ offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule a teeth whitening consultation, contact the office online or dial (623) 878-6333.