Getting Rid of Gum Disease

Having discolored teeth can be a very noticeable cosmetic issue for a person to experience, and it may even cause them to smile less often due to being self-conscious about this problem. Fortunately, numerous modern options can help individuals eliminate the staining and discoloration that their teeth may experience.

Prescription Whitening Gels

Prescription whitening gels can be one of the first options that individuals may want to use to restore their smiles. These gels must remain on the teeth so that the whitening agent can lift out and bleach the discoloration that has formed on the teeth. To this end, a patient may need special retainers to hold the gel in place for the recommended period. To maximize effectiveness, the retainer must be custom-fitted to the patient's mouth to ensure consistent contact with all teeth by the whitening agent. Luckily, the process of being custom-fitted for a whitening retainer can be quick and very affordable.

Laser Whitening Procedures

Laser whitening procedures are a more advanced solution for eliminating discoloration from a patient's teeth. With this option, a powerful laser will break apart the pigments that may have penetrated too far into the enamel to be removed with surface-level whitening options. The use of laser treatments can be extremely effective and painless. However, these treatments may require several sessions to achieve the desired level of whiteness for the patient's teeth.

Due to the ability of this option to penetrate deep into a patient's enamel, this is a method of whitening often used for coffee, tea, and cigarette stains, as these can be problems that will seep deep into the tooth's enamel. While more costly than basic whitening procedures, this enhanced effectiveness can make it worth pursuing.

Routine Cleanings

Routine dental cleanings can be another option for helping to restore the appearance of your smile. Before deciding on an approach for whitening your teeth, it can be advisable to undergo a comprehensive dental cleaning. This will eliminate much of the tartar and plaque that could be causing the discoloration that you are noticing.

Unfortunately, patients can often underestimate the effectiveness of this basic approach to keeping their teeth white, which can lead to them struggling to get the results that they want. In addition to helping to eliminate discoloration that may have formed on the teeth, these cleanings can also help to extend the results of your whitening procedures by removing tartar or plaque that could gradually cause the whiteness of the teeth to fade.

Contact your dentist to learn more about dental care options.