Whiten Your Teeth In 3 Easy Steps

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Whiten Your Teeth in 3 Easy Steps

Smoking, age, coffee and tea can all lead to a dull smile. Luckily, there are a number of at-home and in-office treatments that can be used to restore your teeth to a healthy white depending on the degree of the stains and the amount of money you are willing to spend.

At-Home Treatments

Routine flossing and brushing with whitening toothpaste may be enough to remove mild stains from your teeth. Regular cleanings with your dentist are also important and contribute to maintaining a healthy, white smile. You can create your own inexpensive, natural whitening treatment at home by combining three teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to form a paste. Apply the treatment to your teeth for two minutes. Rinse your teeth and then brush with your everyday toothpaste.

Bleaching kits can also be purchased at most drug and grocery stores, although the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) doesn't advise their use due to the possibility of gum damage. Directions should be followed carefully and use should be stopped immediately if pain is experienced. To use, apply the bleaching solution into the tray provided and hold the tray on your teeth for the required amount of time.

Whitening Treatments From Your Dentist

If at-home methods aren't giving you the results you desire, visit your dentist for a quick, in-office teeth whitening treatment. For this procedure, the dentist applies a whitening gel to your teeth and then activates the solution with a special light. If your stains are mild, you may only need one or two appointments to achieve a whiter smile. Severe stains could require several treatments. Side effects may include tooth sensitivity, but lasts no longer than a few days.

Your dentist may also suggest you use at-home bleaching trays that can be purchased from the office. Similar to over-the-counter whitening kits, an at-home kit requires the use of trays. Because your dentist will custom-fit your tray to fit your teeth, kits purchased from your dentist will produce better results than store bought kits. Apply the whitening solution on the trays and wear them on your teeth for the required amount of time.

Invasive Procedures

The most costly, long lasting and invasive teeth whitening procedures are veneers. Veneers, made of porcelain, are custom-made and fit over your stained teeth. They can last up to 20 years, and will produce a brighter smile while covering your misshaped or damaged teeth.

Installing veneers is expensive and involves altering the structure of your natural teeth. Material from your teeth is removed through drilling and shaping to produce the radiant smile you desire.

Teeth whitening treatments give you a healthy smile and can help you look younger. There are many methods available to fit your needs and lifestyle. Avoiding bad habits, beverages and foods that stain your teeth will ensure the methods you choose last as long as possible. Consider speaking with your dentist for whitening procedures that are best for you.

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About The Author: Sean Hartmen writes for cosmetic dentist san jose. This san jose cosmetic dentist dentist offers many services, including routine cleanings, dentures, whitening, veneers, Invisalign, bruxism devices and many more (www.thedentaldimensions.com/).