5 Ways to Achieve a Whiter Smile
Are you unhappy with the current shade of your teeth? At Gibson Dental, our West Columbus, OH, cosmetic dentist is often asked by patients how they can whiten their teeth so that they can look their absolute best and feel most comfortable with their natural smile.
There are several available to you which, depending on what you choose, can either be done at home or in our Hilliard, OH, dental office. If you are unsure of what form of treatment is right for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re more than happy to sit down with you to discuss what will work best for your level of tooth discoloration.
Here are 5 routes you can take if you want to brighten up your smile.
1. Limit Your Intake of Staining Foods & Drinks
Things like coffee, tomato sauce, berries, red wine, and tea are all common perpetrators of a dull or yellowed smile. That’s because they contain intensely pigmented compounds called chromogens which stick to tooth enamel. In order to enjoy a whiter smile, it can help to eat or drink less of them.
If that seems downright impossible for you, you can start by focusing on not letting the stain sit on your teeth for a long period of time. Brushing or rinsing that cup of coffee away can put a damper on the unwanted transformation of your smile. Dr. Gibson can also speak with you about professional teeth whitening and how that treatment could help you achieve a desired shade.
2. Brush with Whitening Toothpaste
Aside from the nuclear option of cutting coffee out of your life, there are many products available on the market which can improve the color of your teeth. One common option used by our patients is whitening toothpaste. The next time you take a trip to the store, keep an eye out for an effective whitening toothpaste that can easily fit into your oral hygiene routine. Oftentimes, you can even stay within your favorite brand to find a quality whitening toothpaste that is right for you!
3. Try Take-Home Whitening Trays
If you prefer the comfort of gradually whitening your teeth at home, our take-home whitening kits are an excellent choice. These kits include custom-fitted whitening trays made just for you, along with a professional-grade whitening gel. Unlike one-size-fits-all trays or strips available in stores, these customized trays ensure even coverage of the whitening gel, protecting your gums and maximizing efficiency.
The take-home supplies that we give you allow you to control the degree of . Depending on your preference and sensitivity, you can wear the trays for a couple of hours a day or overnight, seeing full results in a couple weeks.
Take-home whitening might be best if you like the sound of:
- Customization: Trays made to fit your teeth perfectly.
- Flexibility: Whiten on your schedule, at your pace.
- Gradual Whitening: Control the level of whiteness you achieve, which is especially good for those with sensitive teeth.
4. Ask About In-Office Zoom Whitening
Zoom teeth whitening is performed in our office by Dr. Gibson so that you can achieve the best result. Depending on the severity of your case and how bright you’d like to go, your experience may vary. Regardless, the process involves the application of a professional-grade bleaching gel that is then activated by a special light.
Read More → Is Zoom! Teeth Whitening Right for You?
This method can lighten your teeth up to 8 shades in just one session, making it perfect for any upcoming special events or if you simply can’t wait to see your new, brighter smile.
A few advantages to choosing in-office whitening include:
- Immediate Results: Walk out after one visit with a noticeably whiter smile.
- Safe & Controlled Environment: Performed by professionals, minimizing the risk of gum irritation or damage to your enamel.
- Customized Treatment: Tailored to your specific dental needs and cosmetic goals.
5. Opt for Porcelain Veneers
If you’re looking for a bit more of a dramatic transformation, veneers might be the answer. One of the primary benefits of this option is the ability to correct a variety of imperfections. Whether you’re dealing with teeth that are chipped, stained, gapped, or misshapen, porcelain veneers can get the job done thanks to the placement of wafer thin shells.
Durability and appearance aside, the cost and overall commitment to veneers may turn some patients away. They are typically more expensive than teeth whitening treatments, mainly due to their customization and the higher level of skill required for the procedure. Moreover, the process involves the removal of a small amount of enamel from your teeth to accommodate the veneers which is an irreversible step.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are looking to improve the appearance of your teeth through whitening, our cosmetic dentist serving West Columbus, OH, can help. Call Gibson Dental today at (614) 878-9562 to request an appointment. See you soon!
This blog post has been updated.