A lot of people want a whiter smile. A bright smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. But, sometimes, stubborn tooth stains can make it hard to achieve a flawless smile. Some of our favorite foods and drinks can leave our smiles dull and diminished. For example, coffee and tea are two of the biggest contributors to staining. Luckily, there are effective ways to treat even the most stubborn tooth stains. With the help of your dentist, you can regain your pearly whites.
Professional Teeth Whitening
One of the more efficient ways to whiten your smile is through your dentist. They can offer you professional treatment in the office. For most people, a professional whitening can be the most effective method to brighten your smile. Your dentist can use powerful chemicals to lift the stains from your teeth safely. Additionally, whitening through your dentist is faster and safer than most over-the-counter methods.
In as little as one session, your dentist can drastically improve the shade of your smile. They can also minimize tooth and gum sensitivity, which is common with whitening treatments. Your dentist also tailors the treatment to your specific stain type and desired level of whitening.
Dental Cleanings
Another way that you might see an added brightness to your smile is with dental cleanings. When you go for dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that contribute to tooth staining. They will also floss your teeth and underneath your gum line to get rid of stubborn plaque.
Then, they will polish your teeth with a high-powered toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste. While this does remove any remaining plaque, it will also help reduce surface stains on your teeth. The process buffs out the stains from your teeth, giving you a brighter smile.
Dental Veneers
For more stubborn stains, you may need to find an option that will cover any discoloration. One method to achieve this is dental veneers. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that your dentist will place on the front surface of your teeth. Because they cover the entire tooth, veneers can give you a practically new smile. Dental veneers will blend with your natural teeth to have a flawlessly blended smile.
Dental veneers can also address other dental concerns, such as chips, cracks, or uneven spacing. For most cosmetic issues, dental veneers have you covered. Veneers can conceal stubborn stains and give you the smile you desire.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
If a professional treatment is not for you, there are many over-the-counter products to help whiten your smile. Many people use whitening strips to help lighten stains. Unfortunately, these strips are not precise. Using them can lead to tooth and gum sensitivity. You may even notice white spots on your gums.
Others may prefer using whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. These can gradually reduce surface stains with consistent use. But, they may not be able to tackle more severe or deep discoloration.