Everyone knows the value of having a great smile. Men and women who have those big, bright smiles seem so confident and well-liked by the people they meet. But if your teeth are stained from drinking coffee or tea, or for some other reason, your smile probably isn’t as bright as you’d like it to be. You may even hide your smile when meeting people or when someone wants to include you in a photo.
What can you do about your smile? There are some general steps that anyone can take, like brushing on a regular basis, replacing your worn-out toothbrush with a new one, having regular dental checkups, and avoiding foods and beverages that stain the enamel on your teeth. But let’s face it, we want to have that big ‘Hollywood’ smile now! Here are some options that can help you get the pearly-white teeth you’ve always wanted.
Professional Services
If you’re looking for a quick method for teeth whitening, you’ll need the services of a trained professional. Visiting the office of a dentist who specializes in dental cosmetic treatments can bring you quick and pleasing results.
Benefits – Whitening treatments offered by a dentist are visible instantly. Over-the-counter products may be less expensive, but professional, chair-side whitening provides immediate results. With a trained dentist and hygienist, you are also assured of safe and reliable techniques. With modern dental services, you don’t need to worry about tooth sensitivity. They have the professional grade whiteners and use special desensitizers to ensure satisfaction.
Deep Bleaching – Something you will never find in any home-use product is a process known as deep bleaching. This technique combines products available only to licensed professionals. It usually involves just one visit to the dental office. The dentist will also provide an in-home product that will help maintain the results of the deep bleaching process. This will ensure that you have the optimum in whitened teeth, and you’ll be able to keep that brilliant smile for years to come.
Over-the-Counter Products
Some people prefer to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home. Not only is it more convenient, but it’s also considerably less expensive than the professional in-office services.
Dentist-Provided In-Home Products – Your dentist understands that some people simply prefer to take care of their teeth-whitening at home. For that reason, dentists now offer a product that you can purchase and take with you. Although not as fast-acting as the in-office services, you can still achieve a brilliant smile in only a few weeks. Your dentist or hygienist will instruct you on how to use your take-home products safely and effectively.
Store-Bought Products – You can purchase basic in-home whiteners at your grocery store, pharmacy, or online. Some of these products use a tray that fits over your teeth and acts like a mouth guard. Others have paint-on whitening gels or adhesive strips which are applied directly to the teeth. There are also several brands of toothpastes that offer both cleaning and whitening.
Top Products
But which of these over-the-counter products will provide the ultimate results? It is a good idea to read the information on the packages carefully to see what the manufacturer is actually offering.
Trays – The whiteners that use a tray have the greatest chance of providing satisfactory results. Some offer adjustable trays that are similar to those used by dentists. The adjustable trays allow for more accurate coverage of the whitening agent on your teeth. They also help to prevent your gums from becoming irritated from coming into contact with the whitener.
Gels – These are usually less effective than using a tray, but they are more convenient. One of the advantages of using a gel is that you can see where the whitening agent is placed. You can be sure to cover all your teeth while avoiding getting the gel on your gums. You can also use a gel on selected teeth that may have some stubborn stains.
Strips – A whitening strip is probably one of the easiest treatments you can use. The strips are easy to apply and take only a few minutes. Apply them just after brushing for the best results. The strips are very thin and are almost invisible. They are, however, not as accurate or effective as your other choices. But if you need something quick and simple to use, whitening strips are still a good option.
Toothpastes – Nearly every manufacturer of toothpaste offers some type of product with a whitening agent. Unlike the other products, toothpastes are only in contact with your teeth during the time you’re brushing your them. Most of the whitener is washed away when you rinse your mouth. However, if you’re looking for an effective combination, you may consider using a bleaching toothpaste before applying any of the other styles of whitener.
Natural Treatments
Some people like to use natural products for their teeth-whitening treatment. With the concerns about exposure to chemicals and harsh abrasives, selecting a natural tooth whitener may prove to be a desirable consideration.
Coconut Oil – The benefits of using coconut oil in your personal health regimen are many. In recent years, studies have shown that applying coconut oil to your teeth after brushing will help to whiten the enamel and act as an antimicrobial. It can be used as a rinse, as coating over your teeth, or an additive to your normal toothpaste.
Apple Cider Vinegar – This natural product is inexpensive and is available at your local grocery store. It is effective as a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. It is a natural antibiotic. It isn’t limited to cleaning teeth and gums, but also as a whitening agent. It is especially useful for removing difficult dental stains caused by coffee or cigarette smoking. Used as a rinse, apple cider vinegar is also a good source of probiotics.
Lemon Essential Oil – You can purchase this product from any health or natural food store. It is also readily available online from different sources. Much like apple cider vinegar, the concentrated oil of lemons is an effective whitener. You can also use the peels from any citrus fruit, but use them sparingly because of their high-acid content.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of choices when it comes to whitening your teeth. Choosing the one that’s right for you is a choice only you can make. Hopefully this ultimate teeth-whitening guide will help you as you make this important decision.
If your finances allow, visiting the dentist may be your best choice. If you’re on a tight budget, the over-the-counter options may work just as well. For those who try to avoid using processed foods and health remedies, the natural whiteners may offer an acceptable alternative. No matter which you choose, as your teeth become whiter, your confidence will improve and your smile will tell everyone that you’re ready to face the world.
antoniodiaz / Shutterstock.com