Smile brightness doesn’t turn off like a light bulb, but it can fade slowly until one day you look in the mirror and notice the shine in your smile is not what it used to be. This may be caused by the slow build up of stains from foods or beverages, or you may just be noticing that the natural whiteness has faded over time. Professional whitening treatments can restore that sparkle in time for the summer sun!
Professional Whitening Options You Take Home
Take home trays offer an easy way to improve the color of your teeth when they have succumbed to gradual staining and discoloration. Our office will provide you with custom fitted trays, and prescription strength whitening gel. You will wear these for about 30 minutes a night. After 1-2 weeks of treatment, your smile will be noticeably brighter.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer another cosmetic option to brighten your smile, especially for stains that will be resistant to profesional at-home whitening treatment. After an initial appointment to examine your overall dental health, we will discuss options to custom fit veneers to cover discolored teeth. The porcelain veneers are prepared to exact color and fit specifications in a dental lab. When they are ready, your teeth will be prepared to receive the veneers in a separate appointment, and the veneers will be bonded into place.
Caring For Your Whiter Smile
To keep your brighter smile at its best, there are a few things you can do at home:
- Limit the times you eat very brightly colored foods
- Use a straw when drinking dark beverages
- Limit your consumption of brightly colored sports drinks
- Avoid holding dark beverages such as black coffee or red wine in your mouth
- Avoid using tobacco products
Good brushing habits are also vital to your best smile. Brush twice a day and after meals when practical. When you can’t brush after eating, swish or rinse your mouth with water. Floss daily to maintain healthy gums and visit our office for regular checkups.
ABOUT YOUR ANKENY DENTIST:
Since 2006, Dr. Amanda Foust has proudly treated families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your Ankeny, IA dentist today. You can reach Dental Impressions by calling (515) 965-0230.
