Getting and Keeping a Bright Smile

A sparkling smile can be one of your best assets. That means getting rid of tooth discoloration caused by things like age, foods and drinks, or smoking.

Here are some tips for choosing a whitening method, and then maintaining your bright smile afterwards.

Consult a cosmetic dentist for help in selecting a whitening method. Together you can make a safe and effective choice for the condition of your teeth. The fastest and most dramatic way to brighten your smile is bleaching in the dentist’s office. A whitening solution will be applied to your teeth, and then the dentist uses a special light to enhance the process. It takes about an hour to perform the treatment, and if your stains are severe it can take more than one treatment to achieve optimum results.

Another option that your cosmetic dentist may recommend can be performed at home. Trays for both your upper and lower teeth will be provided for you to insert a small amount of whitening gel inside. You will wear the trays, similar to mouth guards, for several hours or overnight while the gel does its job. Patients usually must perform this treatment for a few weeks to achieve desired results.

After you have completed the tooth whitening process, you’ll want to keep your pearly whites as long as possible. Checkups that include professional cleaning should be maintained every six months to eliminate plaque, tartar, and surface stains. Brushing and flossing at home should be done every day to keep your smile healthy and bright.

Another way to maintain your smile is to choose your foods carefully. Avoid those that are known to stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are good choices to prevent stains on your teeth by cleaning and polishing them naturally. Eating foods high in protein like cheese can help preserve your tooth enamel.

Whitening your teeth is a great way to improve your appearance and provide a more youthful look. Ask your dentist about the methods that is right for you.

Teeth whitening dentist in Fresno California