They say that a person’s most beautiful curve is his or her smile. But just like a double-edged dagger, your smile can actually be your best asset or your worst liability.
Picture yourself waking up on a beautiful morning. The sun is shining, the skies are blue, the smell of fresh grass greets you as you go out to the front lawn. Feeling beautiful, you take out your smartphone, flash your brightest smile, snap a selfie photo and share it to millions of users on the Instagram network.
Here’s how to get whiter teeth and the facts that you should know before you decide to go to dentist.
On teeth and beauty
The definition of beauty is never complete without teeth.
Today’s culture and fashion sense have become increasingly obsessed with the idea of having perfect teeth. However, caring for those pearly whites is not exactly the easiest of tasks.
Unlike make-up products which deliver their magic within moments of application, teeth whitening is more of a tedious process that requires you to commit time, effort, and money to achieve significant results.
The struggle every day
It’s a challenge to really get whiter teeth since a lot of our everyday activities pose a threat to teeth health. Drinking coffee or tea or soft drinks, poor oral hygiene, smoking and tobacco, alcohol intake, aging, specific medication, and even genetics all contribute to that unhealthy sepia glow of your teeth.
Lots of times, it bothers you and could become embarrassing when you strike conversations with other people in your everyday life. It could personally affect your social life and self-confidence.
Rising up to the challenge
Luckily, in this era, achieving that snow-white glow has never been more difficult thanks to the wonders of science and technology. Medical procedures and treatments have evolved and modernized, and made the pursuit of sparkly teeth and rejuvenated smiles much more reachable and accessible than ever.
The question of how to get whiter teeth has long been answered and depending on your budget, it can range from home treatments for $20 to $50. For those who want aggressive procedures and long-lasting results, advanced whitening treatments such as LED whitening can be done. It typically costs $500 to $1000 at the dentists.
The scientific miracles
One high-end, top-tiered treatment method is UV and LED whitening.
This is one costly option, but currently, it is undeniably very reliable and longer-lasting, as much as 3 years effectivity. As introduced earlier, it typically ranges from $500 – $1000.
UV and LED-based treatment can be done at home or by a visit to the dentist’s office. It works on the principle of catalyzing and speeding up a reagent’s reaction such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, through the use of blue light such as a UV or LED.
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However, LED is fast replacing UV since the latter is being phased-out due to the ionizing radiation that could potentially cause cell mutation and lead to cancer. The combination of the agent and activator light is very effective in removing superficial stains and deep discoloration by altering chemical structures.
Minimal risk, maximum reward
While earlier it was mentioned of being a costly option, there exists home LED teeth whitening kits that you can get under $100.
Of course, it will not be as effective as a dentist’s appointment, but you will still be more than satisfied with the great results. The convenience offered by LED is unparalleled, as the results are pretty much instant and the duration of the whole process is under an hour.
There are also virtually zero risks involved since LED is a very safe technology, and a very efficient one too. However, since you would be dealing with chemicals in your mouth, you should be extra careful and follow all instructions closely. Overdoing this process might cause your teeth enamel to be damaged and lead to teeth sensitivity.
And you must remember, this method is also not recommended for children and pregnant women.
Home-based whitening treatment
There exist non-prescription teeth whiteners that cost around $20-$50.
This is your cheapest ticket to achieving that dream Hollywood smile, and the dental association generally approves these products as an effective way to whiten teeth as well. The effectiveness of these ranges from a few months to a year, and like LED-based treatment, the duration of the application process takes less than an hour.
Alternative whitening methods
You have to consider other ways of how to get whiter teeth if you have porcelain veneers, bridges, artificial teeth, and porcelain crowns. It doesn’t respond very well to LED whitening as it will cause uneven color if you force it. For this, you need to pay a visit to your local dentist.
Discipline is key
In the story of how to get whiter teeth, treatment options are just one side of the story. The other side is maintaining that glow after treatment.
You have to discipline yourself and really be determined, or your treatment won’t be as effective and time-proof. In fact, it can even go to waste if you fail to do something about your everyday habits that destroy and discolor your teeth.
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Sacrifice is a must
You must learn to say goodbye to old habits and addictions that you used to enjoy.
For example, excessive amounts of tea and coffee have to be stopped, or minimized at the very least. Acid from soft drinks damage the enamel little by little, so this has to go to as well. If you really can’t help it, drink from a straw such that the beverage does minimal contact with your teeth. Cutback on your smoking and tobacco, which is not only a teeth issue but your overall health as well.
Maximize and prolong results
Good oral hygiene is vital to maintaining that perfect white glow.
Regular brushing after every meal is a must, especially if your intake involves sweet and sugary foods or drinks. Aside from brushing, floss out those areas wherein the brush cannot reach.
A good diet also means good news for the teeth. Processed foods have acidity content, so it’s best to stay away from them as much as possible. Fruits like pineapples and strawberries, and foods high in calcium content strengthen the enamel of the teeth.
In your pursuit of the perfect smile, you have to make adjustments to your lifestyle.
