Your teeth make an important first impression about you when you smile. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, you’re less likely to share a big grin. Fortunately, if your teeth have lost that naturally white look, you can get them whiter and brighter in as little as one visit to the dentist for professional teeth whitening.
It used to be that if you wanted to whiten your teeth, it required more of a time commitment. But today’s teeth whitening procedures get faster results than ever. Here, Dr. Nupur Gupta and the team at Perfect Smiles Dental in Pleasant Hill, California, explain more about what you can expect from professional teeth whitening.
How teeth become discolored
To some extent, the color of your teeth is determined by genetics — even if no one smoked or drank red wine, there would still be natural variations in the color of people’s teeth. But more often, tooth discoloration is caused by lifestyle factors or trauma.
Lifestyle factors that can cause tooth discoloration include smoking, chewing tobacco, and consuming acidic foods and drinks. Coffee, red wine, and soft drinks can change the color of your teeth. In addition, these beverages damage the enamel of your teeth, which makes your teeth more vulnerable to staining.
Any trauma to your teeth, such as an accident or sports injury, also has the potential to change their color. So can your habits of how well you take care of your teeth.
Transforming your smile
Professional teeth whitening is just one of the cosmetic dentistry services that the team at Perfect Smiles Dental offers to transform your smile. If you’re self-conscious about stains in your teeth or a dull, yellow smile, you don’t have to feel that way anymore.
Teeth whitening is a simple and quick process. We apply a professional-grade bleaching agent to your teeth. A special light activates the bleaching agent, which makes it work more quickly and effectively.
Most people see dramatic results after just one session of professional teeth whitening. However, if you want to see greater results or if stains begin to come back, you may wish to get additional treatments.
Maintaining your whiter teeth
Once you get your teeth professionally whitened, how long the results last largely depends on you. Younger people are more likely to see longer-lasting results than older people.
Avoid or limit drinking staining liquids such as red wine and coffee. Tip: If you don’t want to give them up entirely, you can drink them with a straw.
You should also use caution when consuming foods like blueberries, blackberries, and pomegranates; depending on how porous your teeth are, the particles of these foods can stain your teeth. You don’t have to completely stop eating them, but make sure to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after eating.
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly are good habits for everyone, but they’re especially important if you’ve had your teeth whitened and want to maintain the results. You should also keep up with regular dental checkups and cleanings.
If you want a whiter, brighter smile, call Perfect Smiles Dental today. You can also schedule an appointment online.