How to Whiten Discolored Teeth
You might be wondering what the best ways to whiten discolored teeth are if there are unsightly stains on your teeth. These stains can completely ruin the way your smile looks and that can have a negative impact on your confidence. Teeth often become stained and discolored due to habits people have like smoking and the drinks they consume like coffee, red wine and tea.
Fortunately, there are so many different ways to improve the appearance of discolored teeth. It is only a matter of determining which treatment works best for each patient.
5 ways to whiten discolored teeth
1. Over-the-counter whiteners
There are many different teeth whiteners that can be purchased at grocery stores. Using one of these products is typically the cheapest way to whiten teeth, but you get what you pay for. The bleaching agents in these products are not as powerful as those used by dentists and patients might not see significant results for weeks. In addition, lower quality products can be abrasive and damage tooth enamel. This often leads to tooth sensitivity.
2. Home remedies
There are a variety of items that are typically found in most homes that can be used to whiten teeth. These include items like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and apples. Apples help to clean teeth, while baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten teeth. While these home remedies have been proven to help remove surface stains, more serious cases of discoloration require stronger bleaching agents.
3. Professional teeth whitening
Nothing compares to a professional teeth whitening session when it comes to getting significantly whiter teeth. Dentists have access to powerful whiteners that can make teeth 10 shades whiter after a single session. Whitening treatments can be used to address most cases of discoloration like those caused by smoking, drinking coffee or aging. Other types of discoloration like those caused by excessive exposure to fluoride cannot be addressed with whitening treatments.
4. Veneers
Veneers are an effective way to deal with discoloration that cannot be fixed with whitening treatments. These devices are ultra-thin shells that act as covers on the front of the teeth, hiding all flaws like stains and discoloration. The dentist will remove a small portion of enamel during the installation of veneers. This is done to ensure the teeth look natural when the veneers are placed on them.
5. Dental cleanings
Dental cleanings are a great way to improve the appearance of teeth. During the procedure, the dentist will remove tartar from teeth surfaces using a special tool. Tartar gives teeth a yellow tint so removing it improves the color of the person’s teeth. Tartar is also more susceptible to staining than tooth enamel. The more tartar a person has on their teeth, the more susceptible the person is to stains and discoloration. Regular cleanings also mean regular dental examinations. This ensures any developing issues are detected in its early stages.
When was the last time you went to a dentist’s office? Schedule an appointment with one of ours today.
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For more information or to schedule an appointment with Preferred Dental Center, request an appointment in our San Antonio dental office here: https://www.preferreddentalcenter.com. Or call us at (210) 822-8500.
