As Will Rogers once famously said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Like it or not, a person’s smile plays a big part in the type of first impression they make on others. Is yours up to par?
In the past few decades, teeth whitening treatments have gone from being an expensive procedure, accessible only to celebrities and socialites, to a fairly common way for the hoi polloi to beautify their smile.
But what’s the best teeth whitening method? Keep reading to learn about five of them, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
1. An All-Natural Way to Whiten Your Smile
If your teeth are just a little dingy, your lifestyle could be to blame. Some of the most common culprits include smoking, drinking lots of red wine and/or coffee, and eating foods like blueberries that can stain your teeth.
The good news is that making a few simple changes to what goes into your mouth can make a difference in the appearance of your teeth. Cut back on stain-causing beverages, use a straw, or brush soon after consuming them. Eating crunchy, high-fiber foods — think celery, carrots, and apples — can also help scrub away dullness.
2. Over-the-Counter Toothpastes
Once upon a time, buying toothpaste involved choosing between Crest and Colgate. These days, every drugstore has a dizzying array of options, many of them touting teeth-whitening benefits.
Whitening toothpastes can help remove staining, so they are a good way to guard against those coffee-tinged teeth. However, their effect isn’t long-lasting, and the best brands tend to be expensive.
3. Whitening Strips and Kits
While you’re shopping for whitening toothpaste, you will also see whitening kits. Some of these include a tray and gel solution, while others are simply adhesive strips that deliver a whitening formula.
Each of these is convenient and relatively inexpensive, but also has its drawbacks. Saliva can loosen the strips’ adhesive, so they slide around in your mouth. The trays stay in place, but can be uncomfortable because they’re one size fits all.
4. Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
The best teeth whitening method takes place at your dentist’s office. The dentist will apply a professional strength bleaching agent and then shine a special light on your mouth. The advantage of this treatment is that you get sparkling, bright white results.
Although these treatments can be pricey, they deliver the most satisfactory results for people with seriously stained or discolored teeth — and those results are long-lasting, too.
5. Take Home Treatments from the Dentist
This option is a compromise between the convenience of at-home whitening and the great results of dental treatments. You’ll be fitted for custom trays that conform to the shape and size of your mouth. Then the dentist will provide a strong bleaching agent for you to use in the comfort of your own home.
Ready for Whiter Teeth?
If you live in the La Mesa area and are considering teeth whitening treatments, or if you just need a regular dental checkup, give us a call! We have many options available for patients who want to improve their smile, and their first impressions.
