Best Tooth Whitening for Back to School

Imagine walking into school that first day and turning heads or instantly grabbing people’s attention. That is exactly what could happen if you arrive with a dazzling, bright white smile.

Don’t have a naturally white and bright smile? Don’t worry. There are a number of professional teeth whitening procedures that can lift stains and discoloration that make your teeth appear dull or yellow, but you have to know which one is right for you. We have gathered valuable information that will help you determine what tooth whitening procedure is the best for you.

Consider the Cause of Your Tooth Discoloration or Staining

Before you can choose what tooth whitening option to use, you must take a moment to think about what is causing the stains and discoloration on your teeth. The cause of the staining and discoloration will determine what tooth whitening procedure works best.

Tooth discoloration and staining can be classified into one of two groups: extrinsic discoloration and intrinsic yellowing/discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration occurs when just the surface of the tooth is stained. Some things that may cause extrinsic discoloration or staining include smoking, drinking tea or coffee, or eating foods that have bright colors and dyes.

Intrinsic yellowing/discoloration happens when the soft inner tissue of the teeth become stained. This type of tooth discoloration and staining can be difficult – but not impossible – to remove because the inner tissue isn’t easy to reach. Intrinsic staining can happen for a number of reasons including taking certain medications, consuming too much fluoride, or genetics.

Avoid Over-the-Counter Tooth Whitening Kits

There are dozens of kits, toothpastes, and other products that promise to brighten and whiten your teeth at home. While this may sound like a good idea, you might want to avoid them.  

Over-the-counter, at-home tooth whitening products contain harsh ingredients that can cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. If you wish to use these products, it is important to consult with your dentist to make sure you are not only using products that are safe but that you know how to properly use them. Failure to use the products properly can not only cause pain and sensitivity, but it could prevent the removal of stains and discoloration.

Start with a Good Professional Cleaning

It is amazing what a good professional dental cleaning can do. It can not only improve your oral health, but it can instantly brighten and whiten your teeth.

Before you choose a teeth whitening procedure, schedule an appointment for a professional dental cleaning. In some cases, such as when your teeth are only stained because of drinking tea or coffee, a professional dental cleaning may be all you need to whiten your teeth.

If a professional dental cleaning doesn’t whiten your teeth, it isn’t like you wasted your time. Most dentists require you to go through a professional cleaning before you can undergo any tooth whitening procedure.

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment Options

Dentists offer a number of safe and effective teeth whitening treatment options. Professional teeth whitening treatment options that are available include:

• Zoom Whitening
• Creation of at-home teeth whitening kits that contain safe and effective gels or toothpastes. These differ from the over-the-counter products as they contain customized teeth whitening trays and use safe, effective gels.

Most dental patients prefer Zoom Whitening. This teeth whitening treatment option is preferred because it is safe, effective and the results are amazing. The procedure has been known to lift stains and discoloration so your teeth appear several shades whiter.

That isn’t all. People like Zoom Whitening because, with proper dental care and regular dental appointments, the whitening effects can last for over a year or two. This means you don’t have to keep coming back to the office to undergo appointments to keep your teeth bright and white.

Dental appointments tend to fill up quickly the closer it gets to the start of the school year. Call us today to schedule an appointment to have your teeth whitened or to discuss what teeth whitening options are available. We look forward to helping you start the school year off right with a bright, white smile.