Stains and discoloration on your teeth can be really frustrating. They not only affect how your smile looks but can also make you feel self-conscious. You might hold back from smiling big or laughing freely just to hide your teeth, which can be exhausting.
But you don’t have to put up with stains. Advanced Dental Associates in San Antonio, TX can help brighten your smile and boost your confidence with teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is one of our most popular ways to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry.
Teeth Whitening in San Antonio, TX
You have a couple of ways you can whiten your teeth. You can choose professional whitening done at the dentist’s office, which might involve a chair-side procedure or custom trays made by the dentist. The type of professional whitening you get is up to you.
There are also over-the-counter options like whitening strips, generic trays, and special toothpaste. These are advertised as simpler and cheaper alternatives to professional treatments. But it can take much longer to see results versus an in-office treatment.
If over-the-counter products are more affordable, why should you consider professional teeth whitening? While professional whitening may cost more, the results are much better. Over-the-counter whiteners don’t have the concentration of whitening ingredients that professional ones do.
That means they might not give you noticeable changes, but you might see a bit of a difference. They might be able to help in cases of minor surface staining. For more drastic results, you should think about getting professional whitening.
Does whitening work on all kinds of stains?
Teeth whitening works really well for removing yellow stains and even some brown ones. But if your stains are dark brown or come from inside the tooth, like from fluorosis or dental injuries, whitening might not give you the results you want. In that case, you should think about other options like dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
How do I know if teeth whitening is right for me?
Professional whitening can treat most types of discoloration, but it won’t give you super bright results like you see on TV. It’s important to be realistic about what whitening can do for your teeth.
You must have good oral health, no cavities, and no gum disease to qualify. If you’re not sure if whitening is right for you, we can discuss it in a consultation. If we think whitening won’t work well for you, we’ll suggest other ways to improve your smile.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Whitening results don’t last forever, but there are steps you can take to make your results stick around longer. Quitting smoking, cut back on alcohol, and watch how much coffee, tea, and other foods that stain your teeth you consume.
Keep your mouth healthy by brushing and flossing every day and seeing your dentist regularly. Use hydrogen peroxide toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash. To keep your whitening looking good longer, think about getting touch-ups done regularly too.
Brighten Your Smile
If you’re tired of feeling embarrassed about stained teeth, call Advanced Dental Associates at 210-361-6847 today to see if whitening is best for you.