Beautiful, dazzling white smiles have a way of captivating you. Even strangers who pass us on the street and flash us their gorgeous smiles typically get smiled right back. Why? A fresh off the runway smile simply makes us feel good about ourselves and the world around us.
In fact, according to a recent study, 93% of the respondents who were completely satisfied with their smile rated their self-confidence level as excellent or very good. While a bright smile can be a sure-fire confidence booster when your teeth are stained or yellow just the opposite generally happens.
Think back to the time you were at a party with your friends after you missed your hygiene appointment. Your teeth were dull and a little coffee stained. Every time you laughed at your friend’s goofy jokes, you couldn’t help but put your hand in front of your face. The good news, says our own Dr. Pendleton, is there’s help for your yellowing teeth. Teeth whitening can erase the signs of aging and a life well-lived.
Why teeth turn yellow
Teeth discoloration and how to address it starts with understanding your teeth’s anatomy. Even if you’ve only had issues with minor food or beverage staining from things, such as berries, wine, or coffee, chances are that as you get older teeth yellowing may come into play, and here’s why.
Over the years the constant attack of acidic foods and drinks, chewing, and natural wear-and-tear takes a toll on the enamel — that hard outer layer of your teeth. Enamel is made of a mineral called hydroxyapatite, which not only provides that beautiful luminescent, pearly white characteristic but also acts as a shield to protect the inner layers of the teeth.
Essentially, once the enamel becomes weakened and worn out, it sets up a perfect storm for the deep-yellow or brownish-colored inner teeth layer called dentin to show through. That’s where teeth whitening comes in.
DIY at-home whitening with professional results
Here at Pendleton Orthodontics, we help our patients recapture their beautiful, white smiles and get it without ever leaving their homes — that is after a whitening consultation. The way it works is you’ll come in to discuss your whitening goals and we’ll do an examination to get a handle on the severity of staining and discoloration.
Dr. Pendleton also takes digital images of your teeth so that we can make custom whitening trays. Whitening trays fitted precisely for you provide superior comfort over those you can pick up at the store, and because the trays fit perfectly over your teeth, they allow the whitening agent to properly saturate over all of the teeth surfaces for optimal outcomes.
OTC products versus professional whitening kits
At this point, you’re probably wondering if professional at-home whitening kits are that much better. The answer is a resounding yes! Although the mechanics of what you’ll be doing is similar, at-home whitening kits made by your dental provider are superior to what you can purchase in a retail store or online.
Pendleton Orthodontics offers whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide with more potency than the typical over-the-counter (OTC) whitening product, affecting how long it takes to get to the desired outcome. Also, because the whitening trays are tailor-made just for you, you can’t beat the comfort. Proper fit also has the advantage of greatly reducing tooth or gum sensitivity issues caused when ill-fitting trays allow whitening agents to spill over the treatment area. And as if that weren’t enough Dr. Pendleton walks you through the whole process and sends you home with detailed instructions.
Think of it like getting a dental house call. You can get white dazzling teeth while binge-watching your favorite show in your comfy pants and fuzzy slippers and no one else has to know.
Vigilant at-home oral care extends whitening results
The team at Pendleton Orthodontics even helps you understand how you can extend your whitening results through vigilant at-home care like brushing and flossing as well as limiting foods and beverages and substances, such as tobacco, that can stain your teeth.
Maintaining good healthy dental habits and getting regular checkups and professional cleanings keep your new white smile dazzling for miles of smiles. Are you ready to get the smile you’ve always dreamed about? Contact Pendleton Orthodontics today. Request an appointment online, call us or text us at 512-355-7727.