Dental implants can make a smile look fabulous – I know I have them. However, if you are just thinking about getting them, you may have a lot of questions. You may be wondering how smoking affects implants, whether or not wine will stain them, if they can be whitened or other concerns. I also know from experience that it can be intimidating to ask some of these questions to your dentist. In my dental implant blog, I am going to answer the questions that can be hard to ask. I hope you find the info you need in this blog and that it guides you to the right decision about dental implants. Thanks for reading!
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Dental Implants: Stains, Whitenings and Other Considerations
The Five Ways to Whiten Teeth
Isobel Berry
No one wants to have discoloured, yellow-tinged teeth. An unattractive smile can be very embarrassing, while perfect, gleaming white teeth can impart confidence and raise self-esteem. However, keeping your teeth pearly white may require a little effort. Here are five ways to get beautiful, white teeth.
Whitening toothpaste and rinses
The various whitening toothpastes and rinses available on the market are designed to remove stains from the surface of teeth. Whitening rinses use a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide and will have a mild effect, as will whitening toothpastes. However, toothpastes and rinses can be useful for highly stained teeth, such as is common among those who drink lots of coffee and red wine.
Whitening strips
Whitening strips are a moderately-priced and relatively simple way to whiten teeth. Whitening strips are typically made with hydrogen peroxide (sometimes carbamide peroxide) and must be manually placed on the teeth. Once applied, whitening strips can be left in place while a person continues about their day. On the downside, whitening strips can cause teeth and gum sensitivity. It will also take a few weeks for whitening strips to achieve their full effect.
Over-the-counter trays and gels
For this method, gel (made with either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) is poured into formed trays, which are then placed in the mouth. Trays come in either generic form or custom-fit options. Custom trays cost more and require a trip to the dentist to make a mold for the teeth, but will do a better job of whitening. Trays are more expensive than whitening strips, but are the best over-the-counter way to whiten teeth. On the negative side, since trays must be removed while you eat or drink, wearing them can be irritating and inconvenient. Like strips, trays can also cause sensitivity.
Do-it-yourself.
Certainly, the least expensive way to get whiter teeth is to employ a do-it-yourself hydrogen peroxide mixture. The idea is to combine together roughly two parts baking soda with three parts hydrogen peroxide, and then to use a cotton swab to apply the resulting mixture to the teeth. This method is slightly risky since excessive hydrogen peroxide can damage tooth enamel, but will be mildly effective. While there are other purported home remedies for whitening teeth, none are as effective.
Have your dentist do it.
Certainly, the most effective way to get whiter teeth is to have them whitened at the dentist. A dentist can apply a high-concentration peroxide formula much stronger than anything available for use at home. This is also by far the fastest way to get gleaming, beautiful teeth, since it works immediately.
With modern advances in whitening technology, the perfect white teeth you've always wanted are within reach. With plenty of great options for whitening now available, there's no reason not to have a beautiful, white smile.
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