The color of our teeth gradually changes over time. Anything from too much red wine to the general aging process can cause gleaming white to become much more off-white, and then eventually, yellow. The problem is that it tends to sneak up on most people, only visible to them if they look at a photo from 10 years ago or compare their teeth to a piece of paper.
This is why teeth whitening has become so popular over the last few decades, precisely because it can help people be that much more confident when they flash a smile. If you’re interested in teeth whitening in Las Cruces, NM, University Family Dental can help.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening uses ingredients like peroxide or laser tools to bleach the teeth and give them a whiter appearance. While you can certainly whiten your teeth at home, using standard over-the-counter products, the solutions used are typically less effective as they use a lower concentration of the solution.
There are two major types of stains on the teeth. External stains are those caused by food, nicotine, or drinks, while internal stains are caused by tooth disorders or trauma. While external stains are easier to remove, it’s possible to improve the appearance of internal stains, as well. (Please note that any kind of bleaching will typically work with your natural teeth, as opposed to crowns or other kinds of restorations in your mouth.)
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening Services
Professional teeth whitening services typically provide better results in less time. There’s also no chance of endangering your teeth, as some over-the-counter trays and gels can potentially compromise restorative dentistry procedures (e.g., crowns, fillings, etc.).
There’s really no comparison either when it comes to your appearance. Whitening toothpaste will only be able to improve the color of your teeth by about a shade and the standard gels in the drugstore aren’t much better. Our dentists at University Family Dental in Las Cruces, NM can evaluate the color of your teeth and work out a plan that’s right for you. In just a few in-office visits, you may be able to make your teeth up to 8 shades brighter.
After-Care: How to Keep Your Teeth White
After your appointments, it’s largely up to you to keep up your standard oral care, such as regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing. And if you do have acidic foods and drinks, like berries, coffee, and red wine, keep in mind that you can remove the staining threat if you follow up soon after finishing. While a bit of an inconvenience, this is the best way to keep your teeth from falling back to their old shade.
One of the reasons why teeth whitening is so popular is because it helps people take an interest in their oral care. What starts out as a purely superficial reason to take care of yourself can morph over time into a much more active routine.
Cosmetic dentistry in Las Cruces, NM
If you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry in Las Cruces, NM, University Family Dental can help you schedule your first appointment. Teeth whitening is a relatively easy and pain-free way to remove some of the old stains that are holding your smile back.
