The Best Method for Whitening Your Dull, Graying Teeth

GET RID OF DISCOLORATION FOR BRIGHTER TEETH
Consuming coffee and certain other stain-producing drinks throughout your day can put a pep in your step, but it’s not helping your smile. Years of stains from foods and beverages can result in yellowed or brown teeth. Even consistently brushing and flossing after each meal still might not be enough to give you the brilliant smile you want. Following are some familiar tooth whitening systems at a range of prices, both professional-grade and over-the-counter kits, to help you show off a whiter smile that will be the envy of Houston, TX.

A GORGEOUS SMILE BEGINS WITH REGULAR BRUSHING
Routinely flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash is a smart place to begin. Also, it's smart to pack a mini-sized dental hygiene kit in your bag or backpack to keep handy at the office or school. When you stop to go to the restroom or stop for a coffee break, give your teeth a convenient freshening up. Beyond enhancing your overall oral health, you'll also be whitening your smile.

DIY TEETH BLEACHING CHOICES
When you choose an over-the-counter product to whiten your teeth, you could see minor improvements by just applying these treatments in addition to your typical brushing, flossing, and mouthwash routine. At many retailers and drugstores in Houston, TX, you can purchase a variety of types of tooth whitening options to try at home, such as activated charcoal, whitening toothpaste, and whitening mouthwash. You should always pay careful attention to the directions included in the box.

• DENTAL TRAYS WITH BLEACHING GEL
  Non–medical-grade teeth bleaching kits that use mouth trays can be bought in several types of stores, and some even have a similar look as the professional tray systems utilized in dentists' offices. One of the primary differences between consumer and professional teeth whitening systems is the personalized fit. The trays in a consumer whitening kit may not fit well or could give you spotty results. Also, the hydrogen peroxide solutions in store-bought systems aren't customized for your specific needs, so you may end up with sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks or other issues.
• WHITENING KITS THAT USE LIGHTS
  To enhance the results from certain tooth bleaching solutions or strips, you can buy a particular kind of light. LED mouth tray devices should be inserted around the teeth once you have put on your brightening gel or strips. LED trays have a set application time and must be used precisely as instructed.
• TEETH WHITENING PENS AND STRIPS
  Various retailers and pharmacies offer numerous different brands of whitening pens and strips. The bleaching strips can be easily placed on your teeth and can be fairly discreet. The whitening pen enables you to strategically apply a gel to your teeth after they have been brushed and are dry. After you have carefully applied the strip or solution to your teeth, make sure to leave them on for the time indicated on the product.

SINCE DRUGSTORE METHODS WORK, WHY SHOULD I GET AN IN-OFFICE TREATMENT?
You need to know that over-the-counter teeth whitening options aren't going to offer the same quality of results compared to teeth bleaching sessions performed by your dental professional. Nonprofessional systems are very low in strength, so based on your stains and whether you have any inlays or onlays, etc., your outcome might be visibly uneven. Plus, these products can cause tooth and gum sensitivity. Ask your dental practitioner about nonprofessional teeth whitening options, how they stack up against treatments they provide at their office, and if they would recommend any of them to whiten your specific stains.

IN-OFFICE TEETH WHITENING OPTIONS
Biannual oral exams and cleanings not only ensure that your teeth are healthy, but they should also help the look of your smile. Eliminating the built-up debris and bacteria from your enamel is an easy way to brighten your smile. For more significant results, ask your dental practitioner about the expert teeth whitening treatments they offer. Your dentist may offer prescription-strength whitening treatments, professional DIY whitening kits, and dental veneers for a full smile makeover.

• CUSTOM AT-HOME WHITENING KITS
  For those who would rather whiten in the privacy of home, a lot of dentists provide professional do-it-yourself whitening kits. With customized mouth trays and a special whitening solution selected for your types of discoloration, an at-home whitening kit from your dentist will give you a much better fit and uniform results. Systems from your dentist are just a much better option compared to generic kits. After applying the whitening solution to both trays, you place them over your teeth for a certain amount of time, as instructed by your dentist. When you're ready, you can take the trays out, rinse them off, and store them in a safe place. During your next cleaning, you can ask for more of the whitening gel. Do not try to use store-bought whitening gel with your custom systems, since they can degrade the trays. You can use a home whitening kit as your only treatment or to maintain your results from a professional treatment.
• DENTAL VENEERS
  For a total smile makeover to effectively make your teeth whiter and camouflage other visible flaws (for example, cracks, wide gaps, extreme discoloration, and microdontia), dental veneers could be a good treatment. Veneers are specially designed to look natural and fit seamlessly over the teeth. Your dental practitioner will have to carefully shave away a tiny amount of your enamel before placing the veneers. As soon as they're fitted to the teeth, you'll have a new, gorgeous smile.
• IN-OFFICE LASER TEETH BLEACHING
  For an in-office laser whitening treatment, your dental practitioner will first brush a high-potency whitening solution onto your enamel and then implement a laser light. The heat from the laser activates the whitening solution to produce maximum results. This technique is ideal when you want fast results for a special event or if you have crowns, bridges, inlays, etc. Certain laser teeth whitening treatments can also improve internal discoloration, which retail options can't do.

ACHIEVE YOUR WHITEST, SEXIEST SMILE
Experiencing minimal outcomes or tooth sensitivity from drugstore whitening treatments is very disappointing. At MINT dentistry in South Houston, we offer custom home whitening kits, in-office treatments, and porcelain veneers. Each of these treatments will be specially designed to fit your aesthetic goals, so you get stunning results without damaging your oral health. Reach out to plan an appointment at our office in Houston, TX to ask about all of our professional and at-home whitening treatments to get a glowing, sexy smile.