Addressing Discoloration: 3 Effective Ways to Brighten Your Grin

One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your teeth, and if yours are riddled with stains, you might not make a great impression. If you’ve tried over-the-counter whitening products with no luck, you’re not alone. They contain commercial-grade bleaching agents and one-size-fits-all trays, so there’s no guarantee of achieving the desired hue. Plus, you might develop tooth sensitivity if you misuse or overapply the bleach.

If you’re worried that you’ll ever have the smile of your dreams, don’t lose hope! Continue reading to learn 3 dentist-recommended methods that can effectively brighten your grin!

Technique #1: Professional Teeth Whitening

There’s no guarantee that store-purchased whiteners will work, and you might even apply bleach over a cavity, which can cause severe discomfort. Thankfully, your dentist has access to professional-grade materials that can lighten your teeth by up to 8 shades in a single in-office visit. Plus, they’ll examine your mouth to ensure there are no signs of tooth decay or gum disease that might interfere with your results.

If you’re short on time, you can ask if your dentist provides take-home kits. These typically include the same top-quality ingredients and custom-fitted application trays for an optimal outcome from the comfort of your home.

Technique #2: Protect Your Enamel

Did you know that your teeth are not naturally pure white? Although your enamel is a bluish-white hue, it’s also translucent enough to allow the lower layers to show through. The dentin underneath is more yellow, which is why even perfectly healthy teeth appear ivory or off-white.

If your smile is murkier than you’d like, it could be due to thinning enamel. An overly acidic diet or years of aggressive over-brushing can thin the protective outer layer, allowing the darker undertones to shine. You might benefit from a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel or a topical treatment to cover the discoloration, like veneers or dental bonding.

Technique #3: Watch What You Eat

If you depend on a daily cup of coffee to get you going in the morning, you’re more likely to have a darker grin. Coffee, tea, and wine contain tannins, which are pigmented particles found in some plants that give them their bitter flavor. Unfortunately, they can cling to plaque on your enamel to leave it looking more brown than pearly white. Avoiding these common culprits can preserve a lighter shade.

Furthermore, you can support your smile by eating white dairy foods like milk, yogurt, or cheese that contain plenty of calcium for strong teeth and bones without staining them.

The best and safest way to a brighter grin is to contact your dentist today to book your cosmetic consultation!

About the Practice

At Dental Excellence Melbourne, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists who work together to offer a wide array of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. With 40+ years of experience, they welcome patients of all ages and walks of life. They take the time to get to know you, then provide individualized treatment plans to address your concerns. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. You can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (321) 255-0199.