A beautiful smile can make all the difference in the world when you’re trying to make a good impression. Having bright, white, healthy teeth can be a game changer. If there’s anything you’re not loving about the current condition of your chompers, we’re going to go over a lot of different things you can do to make them look better. We’ll start with the least invasive methods and work our way up!
Keep ‘Em Clean
Easiest way to keep the teeth looking good is to not let them get stained with coffee, tea, etc. In order to pull this off, you need to brush at least twice a day, specifically immediately after consuming any drinks or foods that can contribute to stained teeth. You don’t need to be aggressive when you brush. Just be sure to take your time and let that toothbrush hit every surface of every tooth before you call it quits.
Whitening toothpaste
This is another great way to get rid of darker teeth and keep those pearly whites pearly…and white. If you’re not ready to commit to a whitening treatment at your local dental office, these toothpastes have slightly abrasive materials that can help rub away the staining, resulting in whiter and brighter teeth.
Whitening at a Dental Office
A whitening in the dental chair can create instantly perceivable results. Your dentist will take a before picture, provide the treatment, and then take an after picture. You’ll be able to see the instant change and walk away with a big smile. Usually the dental office will put a special gel on your teeth for increments of 30 minutes 1-3 times, depending on how effective it is and how much sensitivity you experience. This instant result of whiter teeth can last over a year!
Take Home Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are another at-home option for those who want to brighten their teeth. These thin, flexible strips are coated with a whitening gel and applied to the teeth for a set amount of time, usually around 30 minutes per day. Whitening strips can be purchased over-the-counter and can make teeth appear brighter in just a few weeks.
These usually work best in conjunction with the in-office whitenings. Your dentist can give you little strips that have whitening gel fused into them, which you will wear for about 30-60 minutes a day. You can also purchase these at a grocery store and see significant improvement within a couple weeks to a month.
Icon or In-Office Stain Removal
Sometimes people have fluoride stains or demineralization of their teeth, so bad that a traditional whitening won’t resolve the issue. Dentists have special materials in their offices that can resolve this problem with beautiful amazing results. the process involves creating tiny microscopic holes in the outer layer of your tooth and infusing bleach into those holes. Once the stain is removed, a sealant is placed on the tooth to fill in the holes and help protect from any sensitivity in the future.
No more Cigarettes
Smoking sucks. You know it. I know it. So why are so many people still doing it. Our minds are powerful creatures and once we truly decide to do something, we can do it. So decide to quit smoking and then really do it. There’s nothing that will improve your oral health more, and probably your overall health as well. Not only is smoking terrible for your oral health, it also makes your teeth look like garbage. Put down the cig and start treating yourself right.
Veneers
Veneers are similar to crowns, but they only cover the front part of your teeth. They are made out of porcelain and are cemented over the front of your teeth. They are effective in hiding stains, cracks, chips, and other discolorations or cosmetic issues your teeth are having. They can also be used to alter the appearance of your teeth in regard to size and shape. With the right at home care, you can expect your veneers to last 10-15 years without need of replacement.
Get Braces
Sometimes veneers won’t do the trick if your teeth are very crooked and malpositioned. In such cases, it’s a great idea to look into orthodontic treatment. Depending on how much your teeth need to move, you may be able to de clear aligners, such as Invisalign. For more serious cases, you’ll need traditional braces to get those teeth into the perfect position. This treatment can go anywhere from a few months to a few years.
