Having a bright, white smile is something that many people strive for. But with so many teeth whitening options available, it can be hard to know which one is best for you. Fortunately, dentists have some great advice on how to get the best results from your teeth whitening routine. Here are seven tips from the experts on how to get the most out of your teeth whitening efforts. The first step in any teeth whitening routine is to brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste.
This will help remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking their best. Additionally, it's important to avoid consuming anything that could stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Eating fewer foods with added sugar can also help keep your teeth looking their brightest. Booking a dentist appointment is also a great way to get the most out of your teeth whitening routine. Your dentist can provide you with a tooth color analysis and recommend the best whitening options for you.
Over-the-counter products are a good alternative to professional whitening treatments, but it's important to consult your dentist first. After a teeth whitening procedure, the first 48 hours are the most crucial for your teeth. During this time, they are more likely to have imperfections, so it's important to avoid eating intensely colored foods and consuming tobacco. Foods to avoid include wine, tea, coffee, cherries, chocolate, beets, all types of berries, and dark sauces. For a less toxic extrinsic whitening alternative, try Lumineux's peroxide-free strips. These strips use natural ingredients to gently remove stains and won't cause any of the same risks associated with professional whitening treatments.
However, the results won't be as dramatic. To get the most out of brushing, you'll want to read our blog posts on how to brush your teeth properly, as well as our 13 best tips for brushing your teeth. Flossing also helps maintain a brighter smile by eliminating food particles that could cause plaque and tartar. Available from your dentist, custom teeth whitening trays have higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide than those found in whitening toothpastes and non-personalized (over-the-counter) trays. They also fit better than non-personalized trays, making them more effective at whitening teeth and reducing the amount of peroxide that comes into contact with the gums. Custom trays require two visits to the dentist. The first is so that your dentist can perform a 3D scan of your teeth to create your trays; the second is to make sure that the trays fit correctly. Patients who undergo tooth-colored restorations (including crowns or implants) should know that only natural teeth will be affected by the whitening agent and the treatment could cause differences between natural teeth and restorations, which will not change color. Some of the most common ingredients found in these toothpastes are peroxide, baking soda, activated charcoal, and mild abrasives that whiten and polish teeth.
According to Kwon, higher in-office concentrations whiten teeth faster but the final color of the teeth will be the same with either method. Inexpensive electric toothbrushes have teeth whitening benefits similar to those that cost hundreds of dollars. A variety of over-the-counter options are available with products that include toothpastes, whitening strips, and gels painted directly on the teeth or delivered in trays. There is no evidence that additional features such as Bluetooth or specialized toothbrushes improve brushing in a way that improves the effects of teeth whitening. People who have recently whitened their teeth are advised to maintain proper care with over-the-counter toothpaste and mouthwashes. Oscillating electric toothbrushes are generally the best for whitening teeth compared to sound-actuated toothbrushes. Whitestrips gel shouldn't come into contact with cavities so it's best to use these teeth whiteners soon after a visit to the dentist to make sure you don't have untreated cavities.
