Everyone wants a whiter smile, no matter who you are. Whether you want to go one shade whiter or many shades, there are a plethora of different types of teeth-whitening options out there. So which one should you choose? For the best advice, talk to Dr. Foote or your hygienist about options for enhancing your smile.
Types of Teeth Stains
How did your smile lose its whiteness in the first place? It could be due to many things. There are two types of stains: extrinsic and intrinsic stains. The good news is there is always a way to brighten your smile, no matter what kind of stains you have.
Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains, stains that are on the surface of your teeth, are much easier to treat. Dr. Foote can advise you on the best way to remove and prevent these types of stains. Your diet can quite often contribute to tooth staining, including:
- Tobacco products
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Cola drinks
Intrinsic Stains
The other type of tooth stain is called intrinsic stain, which is within and beneath the tooth enamel. These stains are normally caused by…
- Aging
- Defects within the tooth
- Use of certain antibiotics during tooth development
- Smoking
Different Teeth Whitening Options
Drugstore Whitening Options
From whitening strips, trays, toothpaste, and more, there are endless options to choose from when it comes to over-the-counter whitening treatment. Over-the-counter teeth whitening may take longer to produce the desired results depending on the strength of the peroxide that they contain. They can also cause tooth and gum sensitivity.
Professional Whitening
While there are many over-the-counter products available that work to an extent (home whitening tips), professional whitening is a lot more effective and a much faster method. If you’re looking for a quick fix, talk to us today.
If you’re in the Columbia, MO area, schedule your appointment to get started. We are here to help you feel more confident with a whiter smile!