We’ve been cooped up at home for months, so it’s no surprise that we’re all a bit anxious to get out of the house. But our priorities have changed a lot over these last few months, and many of us don’t feel quite as comfortable with our appearance as we once did.
Maybe you’re nervous about seeing your coworkers for the first time in months or self-conscious about trying on your pre-quarantine jeans after living in loungewear since March.
Needless to say, you’re not alone!
If you’re feeling insecure about going out, a bright, white smile can make all the difference. That’s why teeth whitening, or teeth bleaching, is one of the most popular treatments in cosmetic dentistry.
Ready to take your smile to the next level? Use our 'Find a Dentist' tool and connect with a provider who will have you smiling bright in no time!
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What Causes Yellow Teeth?
Even if you brush and floss religiously, your teeth might not be as white as you want them to be. In fact, many factors determine how bright your smile can be, such as:
Food and Drink
Red wine, tea, coffee, and sugary sodas all cause tooth discoloration, as do foods like soy sauce and curry.
Smoking
Tobacco products, like cigarettes and chewing tobacco, can leave your teeth looking brown or yellow over time.
Genetics
The hard enamel on the outside of your teeth protects the darker dentin underneath. If you have naturally thin enamel, your teeth may look slightly yellow.
Age
Your enamel thins with age, which is why you might notice your teeth looking yellow or brown as you get older.
How to Whiten Teeth
There are tons of safe and effective options when it comes to turning back the clock on your smile – from professional treatments that can give your results almost instantly to subtle lifestyle changes you can make to whiten your teeth over time.
Some of the best teeth whitening options on the market are:
Chairside Teeth Whitening
Chairside teeth whitening is performed by your dentist. It offers the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time. Most professional whitening solutions are formulated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lift and break up stains deep in your teeth’s enamel.
During chairside whitening, your dentist applies a whitening solution to your teeth and uses a special light to activate its whitening properties.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Trays
If you want professional results on your own time, many dentists offer custom-made teeth whitening kits. After making impressions of your teeth, your dentist creates trays that you can wear at home. You can start seeing noticeable results in as little as one to two weeks.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are thin, pliable pieces of adhesive plastic that bond to your teeth. They contain a thin layer of hydrogen peroxide to penetrate your tooth enamel and remove built-up stains. If you use them twice a day, you may start to see results within three days and the results can last for up to four months.
Natural Teeth Whitening
Applying hydrogen peroxide directly to your teeth can help remove surface stains from your teeth. Apple cider vinegar, a natural disinfectant, can also deliver subtle results.
Maintaining your results is just as important as whitening your teeth. To keep your teeth healthy, strong, and white, make sure to schedule regular visits with your dentist at least twice a year.
Ready to take your smile to the next level? Use our 'Find a Dentist' tool and connect with a provider who will have you smiling bright in no time!
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