Over time, certain foods, aging, and other factors may make your teeth appear dull, yellow, or stained. If you are not happy with the way your smile looks, your confidence can suffer, impacting multiple aspects of your life.
You may notice your local shop sells toothpaste that promises to whiten your teeth. But can a change in toothpaste really get you the smile of your dreams? Our dentist, located in Laurel, MD, describes how whitening toothpaste can brighten your smile.
How Does Whitening Toothpaste Differ from Traditional Toothpaste?
Toothpaste is a crucial oral hygiene tool that we use during tooth brushing to remove plaque, food residue, and surface stains on our smiles. Traditional toothpaste contains abrasive substances which work to dissolve stains on the surface of your enamel, making your smile brighter and cleaner.
Specified teeth whitening toothpaste uses additional ingredients to target deeper stains within your enamel to better enhance the color and appearance of your smile. It features hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent, which helps to remove stubborn stains on your teeth.
You should use this type of toothpaste as directed in order to achieve optimal results. When choosing a whitening toothpaste, you should select one that is approved by the American Dental Association to get the treatment you can trust. You should continue good oral hygiene habits, including visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and exams, to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Are There Other Ways to Brighten My Smile?
Though whitening toothpaste can help you get a brighter smile, some tooth discoloration may require intervention from your dentist to amend. Your dentist can work with you to develop a cosmetic treatment plan to enhance your unique smile during a consultation appointment.
Your dentist can complete teeth whitening treatment in their office with one appointment. During this session, your dentist applies whitening gel to your teeth and uses specialized light to activate bleaching agents to brighten your smile. Dentists recommend this option over store-bought whitening treatments for personalized care and minimized side effects.
They can offer a whitening treatment that you can take home and complete at your convenience as well. This features custom-made trays that you fill with whitening gel and wear as directed to gradually whiten your teeth.
Your dentist may also suggest other cosmetic dental procedures to help you get the whiter smile of your dreams. Dental bonding can cover dull teeth with composite resin to enhance their appearance. A dentist may also recommend porcelain veneers, which are cap-like shells that adhere to the front of your teeth for long-lasting smile enhancement benefits.
Find Professional Teeth Whitening in Laurel, MD
Laurel Smiles Dental Care offers professional teeth whitening services and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Laurel, MD. Dr. Cooper also specializes in general, implant, and restorative dentistry, including periodontal care, for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation with our practice, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 301.200.1315.