The sun is shining and everything is just a little brighter. Your smile should be no exception. Whitening your teeth can make a dramatic impact on your appearance with relatively little effort, cost, or time. There are many methods available to whiten your teeth. The options are seemingly endless ranging from over-the-counter boxed products of gels, special toothpastes, and whitening strips to home remedies of baking soda, charcoal, or even strawberry seeds up to professional solutions. With all these options available, how do you know which way to go to get your teeth bright for the summer?
What kind of stains do you have?
There are two types of staining on teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic staining is when the stains have been formed by external elements such as foods, drink, or medicine. Extrinsic staining only affects the external layer of your teeth, the enamel. Intrinsic staining is when the inner layer of the tooth known as the dentin is discolored. Intrinsic stains can also come from certain medicines. It can also be caused by dental or health problems, and/or aging. With aging, teeth typically form both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. The dentin begins to yellow over time while the enamel faces many external staining forces over the years.
Which solution is right for you?
Simple extrinsic stains can sometimes be removed by simply a good routine of brushing. A whitening toothpaste can help. If you find that your teeth remained stained, a specific whitening treatment may be the quickest solution. Professional whitening can get your teeth many shades whiter than a store-bought product. Professional whitening can help with some intrinsic staining, but if it is too deep, the solution may come from dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
Your dentist can help you pick a whitening plan
If you want to get your smile bright for the summer, schedule a consultation with Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108. We also welcome patients who live in Mount Vernon, Iowa City, Hiawatha, and all nearby communities.
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