Teeth Whitening Options

A better smile can have a huge impact on your confidence and how other people see you. It could increase your employment opportunities, as well as making you more attractive. Having whiter teeth is probably the most effective way to improve your smile, and there are a variety of different teeth whitening options available.

If you’ve ever wondered if something can be done about discoloration on your teeth, you’re not alone. According to a survey by the American Association of Orthodontists, 90 percent of orthodontists have had patients requesting tooth whitening procedures. And you might be surprised at just how much is now possible. Lovett Dental’s cosmetic dentists will help you brighten up your life with a pearly-white smile that you can be proud of.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Nobody has teeth that are naturally a perfect white, but they can change from an off-white color towards greyish, yellowish, or brownish for several reasons. These include:

• Food and drink. Things like coffee, red wine, and tea will cause major discoloration to teeth. This is due to pigments called chromogens.
• Smoking. Dark-colored tar and nicotine, which turns yellow when it combines with oxygen, will both stain the surface of your teeth.
• Age. Over time, the hard outer enamel layer of teeth will be eroded, and the yellowish layer of dentin underneath will start to show.
• Trauma. Injuries to the mouth can also cause the teeth to produce more dentin on their surface.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Most teeth whitening options rely on a whitening agent or substance, and some methods will also involve light or heat to speed up and improve the effect. You’ll probably find that even the most basic techniques will give you a brighter smile, for a younger and healthier look, but consulting a professional will always guarantee the best results.

What Teeth Whitening Options Are Available?

• Whitening toothpaste: Available in most stores, these are mostly for mild stain removal and polishing. They contain abrasives that gently scrub the surface of teeth.
• Over-the-counter bleaching products: Including tooth whitening strips and gels, these products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These bleaching agents are usually in a lower concentration than their professional equivalent. You should ensure that you find one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
• At-home bleaching kits: Available from your dentist, this is usually a mouthguard-style tray filled with bleaching paste or gel. You wear this tray over your teeth for some time each day for a set number of days or weeks.
• In-office bleaching: Also known as chairside bleaching, this is the most effective, most professional way to get whiter teeth. Your dentist will use high-concentration peroxide products and advanced techniques to make your smile as bright as it can be.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?

Visiting a professional to get your teeth whitened is the safest and most reliable choice, giving you the most visible, long-lasting results without causing any damage to your mouth. Professional bleaching products usually contain up to 43 percent peroxide, while at-home bleaching kits offer between 3 and 20 percent peroxide concentration.

At Lovett Dental, your smile is what we work for, and we offer a variety of teeth whitening options. Your journey to a brighter smile can be achieved either in one two-hour dental visit or multiple visits of 30 to 60 minutes each. Based in Houston, TX, our professional cosmetic dentists have years of experience helping people improve their teeth. They’re capable of making them between three and eight shades brighter.

Now is the perfect time to find out about your teeth whitening options. Call Lovett Dental at 832-804-7427, and take the first step towards getting the bright, beaming smile you deserve.