If you have stained teeth, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans buy over-the-counter bleaching products or visit the dentist for professional teeth whitening every day. Sadly, some of our favorite foods and beverages cause dental staining. These include:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Tomato sauce
- Red peppers
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Sodas
There are several options for achieving a brighter, more beautiful smile. For starters, avoiding or limiting these teeth-staining foods and beverages will prevent further staining and your smile may improve over time. Secondly, over-the-counter whitening toothpaste, gels, and mouthwashes. And thirdly, laser teeth whitening.
Continue reading this blog to learn more about laser teeth whitening and over-the-counter bleaching products.
Laser Teeth Whitening
Most people want immediate results when it comes to whitening their smiles. With professional laser teeth whitening, patients attend a one-time appointment and walk out of the dentist’s office with a smile that’s up to nine shades brighter!
Candidacy
Before undergoing laser teeth whitening, patients must be determined as a good candidate. Thankfully, the list of requirements is short. Patients only need to have healthy teeth and gums to qualify. Pregnancy and allergies may be the only other barriers to your laser teeth whitening experience.
Benefits
Besides the obvious benefits of quick and immediate results, laser teeth whitening also offers these advantages:
- Long-lasting effects: As long as patients maintain good oral hygiene, the results of laser teeth whitening can last for years. Dentists recommend brushing in the morning and evening, flossing in the evening, and rinsing with mouthwash daily. Keeping this routine will prevent plaque from building up and stains from setting in.
- Safety: Who better to trust with your teeth than a dentist? In-office teeth whitening is much more controlled than at-home whitening, and the products are safer. The dentist will know exactly how much whitening product will benefit your smile without damaging the enamel.
- Self-confidence boost: Studies show that people feel much better about themselves when they are happy with their smile. Laser teeth whitening is a quick, effective, and affordable way to feel great about your teeth again.
Over-the-Counter Bleaching
If you ask a dentist about OTC teeth whitening products, they will likely encourage you against them for several reasons.
- Inconsistent results. OTC whitening products have different strengths and ingredients so what works for one person may not work for the next. Even though some products promise immediate results, it may take up to six weeks to visibly see the difference in your smile.
- Safety. While most OTC products are safe, overuse can harm the enamel on your teeth or irritate your gums. It’s best to have dentist supervision when using whitening products.
- Commitment. At-home whitening products require serious time and effort. Applying a whitening gel to your teeth every night for weeks isn’t convenient for most people, especially those with children.
The Takeaway
The greatest downfall to professional teeth whitening is cost. However, most patients and dentists agree that laser teeth whitening is worth the investment. There’s simply no other way to achieve such effective and immediate results.
If cost is an issue, ask your dentist about their financing options or if there are any over-the-counter whitening products they would recommend.
At Austin Laser Dentist, we offer several teeth whitening options including laser teeth whitening, a professional at-home whitening kit, and a “Free Whitening For Life” special!
Visit our website or contact our friendly dental team today at (512) 346-4690 to learn more!
