Bright, white teeth are not only a sign of good health, but they create a very youthful smile. That’s one reason why almost all celebrities go to great lengths to ensure that their pearly whites remain as bright as possible. A study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 99.7 % of Americans see a smile as an important social asset while 96 % think that an attractive smile makes a person more appealing. The same survey found that 74 % of Americans believe that an unattractive smile can damage potential for career success.
Time and food stains (including stains from chocolate, coffee, wine, tea, and cherries) can all take their toll on teeth. Plus, some people just have teeth that are naturally darker in color. If you want to have a dazzling smile, the first step is to take excellent care of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Regular brushing, flossing, and dentist visits can all help keep your smile in top form. You might also want to give up smoking – tobacco is a major culprit in staining teeth. If you need a little extra help, though, your Santa Monica dentist can help you with a number of tooth whitening options.
There are many whitening kits and toothpastes that you can buy at the pharmacy. Unfortunately, to make these products safe, manufacturers create products that only eliminate some stains. If your teeth are very stained or don’t respond to whitening toothpaste, you can see your Santa Monica dentist for more options. Your dental professional may use high concentration peroxide bleach to take care of stains. In-office whitening is effective and safe.
Your Santa Monica dentist can also make you a custom-designed home bleaching tray. This tray is worn over the teeth and allows whitening product to go in the right places on your teeth and gums. This method of whitening can be less expensive than other in-office treatments and delivers a more even and effective whitening result than over-the-counter products.
While over-the-counter whitening products are inexpensive and tempting, in-office whitening by a dental professional can help you get safer, more effective results. Having a dental professional overseeing your whitening can help ensure that you get the best results. A dentist can also check the overall health of your teeth and gums and advise you on the safest way to achieve your best smile. If you are ready to get a smile that dazzles, contact West LA Dental today. Our professionals have the expertise needed to have your smiling proudly again.