Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening in Fenton, MO
Whitening procedures can effectively restore your smile if time has stained, dulled or discolored your teeth. Professional whitening performed by our office is considered to be the most effective and safest method. Done properly, teeth whitening can last as long as five years. Meanwhile, some commercially available “whitening toothpastes” can be somewhat effective at removing external stains and making teeth a few shades brighter. However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can wear away your tooth enamel in the long run.
Why Do I Need Professional Teeth Whitening?
The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the effects of aging, or things like caffeine and tobacco, wear the bright white outer layer of enamel away. Sometimes, traumatic injuries, medications and fluorosis actually cause a stain that begins inside the tooth, so brushing and flossing don’t help. Another type of stain—one that can be more easily attacked by brushing, flossing, and rinsing—is caused by external factors such as foods.
Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but are only effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products are also not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings. Porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case. To find out which method is most effective for you, schedule a consultation at Brookwood Dental Center today.
Brushing Tips to Help Keep Teeth White
In between dental appointments, it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove the buildup of food and plaque. This keeps your tooth enamel shiny and healthy. Here are some tips to make sure you’re brushing effectively to keep your smile bright before your next teeth whitening treatment.
- Effective brushing usually takes about 3 minutes.
- Place your toothbrush next to your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush in a circular motion, not up and down. Brush only two or three teeth at a time and gradually cover your entire mouth. Brushing up and down wears down your tooth structure and can lead to receding gums or expose the root of your tooth.
- You should brush all surfaces of your teeth—front, back, top, and between other teeth—rocking the brush back and forth gently to remove any plaque growing under the gum.
- Remember to replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread, because a worn toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
- Don’t forget the other surfaces of your mouth that can host bacteria: your gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, and most importantly, your tongue. Brushing your tongue not only removes trapped bacteria and other disease-causing germs, but it also freshens your breath!
Give us a call to schedule your appointment and start feeling confident in your smile. Schedule your smile makeover from our team of experts. Reach out to our office by calling 636-349-1070 at your earliest convenience!