Is your smile up to scratch?
Let’s face it, first impressions count – a lot. They count in the workplace and socially. They leave a lasting impact and, whether we like it or not, to a certain extent others do judge us on our appearance.
While there is a lot to consider overall when it comes to that first impression you convey, nothing packs quite the same punch as a bright, beautiful, sparkling smile.
But are discoloured teeth letting you down?
Even if your teeth are straight, your skin is perfect, your hair is lustrous, and you have been genetically blessed with supermodel looks, if your teeth are not bright, clean, and white, your first impression (and ongoing aesthetic impact) will be compromised.
Many of us, especially as we get a little older, don’t have the bright clear smile we deserve – and yellowed or otherwise stained teeth can sap your self-esteem and the positive impact you have in the workplace and socially.
What Causes Discoloured Teeth?
Look at any young child and you’ll see that their newly-erupted teeth are shiny, bright, and (usually) a lovely white or ivory colour … so what makes your teeth change?
The outer, hard protective surface layer of the teeth is called the enamel. As we grow up (and especially as we enter middle age) the lustre of our youth diminishes, and the enamel naturally becomes duller. The teeth may even turn a yellowish shade or become otherwise stained.
This happens because teeth are porous, and they absorb small amounts of the food and drinks we consume. Black tea, coffee, coca cola and other carbonated drinks, red wine, beetroot, liquorice, too much sugar, as well as smoking (especially tobacco cigarettes) ultimately settle into the enamel and, over time, cause dullness, discolouration, and stains.
Various factors impact how resistant your teeth are to damage and how vulnerable you are to discolouration. These include:
Your ongoing oral hygiene (including daily brushing and flossing)
The foods and drinks you consume
Genetics and your age
Certain childhood illnesses
Childhood antibiotic exposure
Whether you smoke or vape
Whether you use drugs (prescription and illicit)
Dental infection or trauma
Fluoride in your drinking water supply
Whether or not you visit your dentist regularly
For example, do you drink fluoridated tap water or exclusively bottled water? In terms of the health and appearance of your teeth, tap water may be a much better option if fluoride is added to your local water supply – it helps protect your teeth!
Options for Whitening Your Teeth
Having your teeth whitened is a simple solution to improve your smile and say goodbye to dull or discoloured teeth. There are several options, including generic over-the-counter products, dentist-quality at-home systems available online from distributors of the best or locally to you, and in-clinic whitening treatments prescribed by or performed by your dentist. Some of these are more effective than others.
Whitening Toothpaste is a simple, affordable, easy option that cleans the mouth and helps remove those newer, uppermost surface stains that can be caused by foods and drinks. Used consistently, it can enable the teeth to shine more brightly.
Whitening Strips are purchased over the counter, usually in pharmacies. They are flexible strips that are infused with a whitening material and they are placed over each row of teeth for a set time every day for several days. This is a generic tooth-whitening solution that is somewhat effective – but only on mildly stained teeth.
Custom Tray Bleaching is a reliable whitening method and some dentists prescribe this as the preferred whitening method for their patients. Custom-fit trays are created for the patient, and these are taken home for use. They are filled with specific whitening agents and worn over the teeth for a specified period of time every day over several days or weeks, depending on the level of whitening you hope to achieve.
These are all good options for teeth whitening – but there is a much better, more effective alternative.
A Better Approach to Teeth Whitening!
In-Chair Whitening at your dentist is the gold-standard approach to achieving the bright, sparkling white smile you deserve.
This is a customised, professional treatment during which a concentrated solution of prescription-grade hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth at a dental appointment. The gums and lips are protected during this procedure and the solution is activated by a laser device for a fast, long-lasting result.
While in-clinic professional teeth whitening does cost more than the other abovementioned alternatives, it is not only the most cosmetically effective and long-lasting, but it is also the safest option, especially for people with any kind of dental issue, including sensitive or receding gums. It can even revamp your smile if you have severely stained teeth.
Furthermore, when performed by the right dentist, teeth whitening effectively closes the pores in the enamel to help prevent further staining from occurring.
Are you ready for a brand new smile? Have a chat with your dentist to understand the right approach for you and say hello to a new level of self-confidence!
Written by Freelance Writer Alana Wills on behalf of Adam Dental Supplies.
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