Although the natural color of our teeth is not truly white, many people want that pure white Hollywood smile and try different teeth-whitening methods in Tacoma, Graham, and Puyallup to achieve that goal. Today, teeth whitening procedures are the most sought-after cosmetic and restorative dental treatments in Washington and throughout the U.S.
If you want whiter teeth and a brighter smile, you’re in the right place. This guide explores different teeth-whitening methods you can use to combat staining and unhealthy teeth.
Understanding Teeth Stains
Before we delve into the different teeth-whitening methods in Tacoma, Graham, and Puyallup, let’s quickly explore the different kinds of teeth stains.
1. Extrinsic Teeth Stains
Extrinsic stains are stains on the exterior/outside of your teeth or the enamel, which occur mainly due to everyday drinking, smoking, and lack of dental hygiene.
2. Intrinsic Teeth Stains
Intrinsic discoloration occurs when the teeth’s inner layer, or dentin, becomes discolored due to medications or internal problems.
3. Age-Related Teeth Stains
Age-related tooth stains combine the results of both intrinsic and extrinsic tooth discoloration and appear as we age.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
Those with dental anxiety can use these OTC teeth-whitening kits. However, it should be noted that these kits aren’t much of an alternative to professional teeth whitening in Tacoma. In most cases, the active ingredient is of a relatively lower grade, and it can take days or weeks to see any noticeable change.
1. Charcoal toothpaste (only useful for surface stains)
Top cosmetic dentists in Puyallup, Graham, and Tacoma reveal that charcoal toothpaste is mostly ineffective. It’s simply more abrasive than regular toothpaste and does not address the issue of internal yellow staining.
2. Teeth-whitening toothpaste
Teeth-whitening toothpastes in Graham typically use abrasive agents to polish teeth and a hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent to lighten their color. If you have surface stains, this can be a pretty good option.
3. Teeth-whitening mouthwash
Teeth-whitening rinses and mouthwashes have the same issue as toothpaste and whitening strips. They’re more of a marketing tactic than a viable solution, but they can do a decent job of “maintaining” an already pearly smile between professional dental visits.
4. Teeth-whitening gels
Gels can be more effective than teeth whitening toothpaste in Puyallup because of the peroxide in them. As you may have heard, peroxide is only productive when in constant contact with the tooth, and a toothpaste is supposed to be washed off, unlike a gel, which is pressed on, molded, and held in place for an extended time.
5. Teeth-whitening strips
In comparison to teeth-whitening gels, strips are limited by their two-dimensional capabilities. They can’t mold around the creases between the teeth, leading the fronts of the teeth to appear whiter while the curved parts remain yellow.
Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth-whitening treatments are more effective in making teeth bright and white than over-the-counter products. In addition, in-office teeth-whitening procedures in Graham, Puyallup, and Tacoma can often make your teeth up to eight shades lighter, with results that last up to a year and a half.
Here’s what you can expect when you schedule a consultation with a reliable firm like Meridian South Family Dentistry,
1. Consultation
Reputed professionals begin your trip with a full consultation to better understand your objectives and create a customized laser teeth whitening strategy in Tacoma.
2. Preparation
Before teeth-whitening treatment in Puyallup, the specialists evaluate your teeth’s readiness for dental bleaching in Graham, laying the groundwork for the best possible results.
3. Whitening Treatment
Finally, they schedule your whitening treatment in Tacoma with cutting-edge techniques for a stunning result.
4. Monitoring
Throughout the stain removal treatment in Tacoma, they monitor your development to ensure your safety and the achievement of the desired results.
5. Final Results
You admire your improved teeth offered by the best Tacoma cosmetic dentistry.
Natural Teeth Whitening Methods
To save time, money, and energy, many of us run to DIY approaches to achieve perfect pearly white teeth. But when has that fantasy ever materialized? Never. Simply because nothing beats a professional treatment done under the guidance of a reputed cosmetic dentist in Puyallup, Graham, and Tacoma.
Here are some “natural” teeth-whitening methods you should definitely avoid:
- Consuming excess acidic fruits like strawberries, lemons, and pineapples can offer moderate results but at a cost to the health of your teeth.
- Applying apple cider vinegar (ACV) on your bare teeth can cause sensitive teeth, break down your tooth enamel, and may even lead to tooth decay.
- Putting sea salt on your teeth since it will physically scratch your teeth if rubbed onto the enamel.
Customized Teeth Whitening Options
Lastly, there’s also the option to opt for customized teeth-whitening options like a custom teeth-whitening tray, which is an appliance you place over your teeth with a whitening gel to manage staining.
It’s best to get one from a credible cosmetic dentistry firm in Tacoma, Puyallup, and Graham, like Meridian South Family Dentistry, to avoid any future expensive and irreversible mishaps.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Whitening Method
With so many options available for discolored teeth treatment, it becomes challenging to select one. Here are some factors to consider before deciding on a suitable teeth whitening plan.
1. Dental History
Before choosing the ideal teeth-whitening treatment in Puyallup and Tacoma, it’s crucial to consider and discuss your dental history with a reputed cosmetic dentist in Graham. Teeth-whitening products don’t work on fillings, crowns, veneers, laminates, or any other dental work.
2. Personal preferences and convenience
Every teeth-whitening product in Graham has a different daily application time and process. Consult a reputed cosmetic dentist like Meridian South Family Dentistry and select a product depending on the time you can commit to teeth whitening.
If you’re busy, you can opt for advanced products that can be used while doing regular activities. If you’re looking for instant solutions, choose a whitening agent that can work wonders in a few days.
3. Budget considerations
Various teeth-whitening products are available in Tacoma at different price ranges. It is important to consider your budget, the severity of teeth staining, and the total number of stained teeth and buy the product accordingly.
4. Strength of the Product
The main ingredient used for the whitening treatment in Puyallup is hydrogen peroxide. When deciding on the perfect product, it’s important to compare the amount of hydrogen peroxide present within.
Although the treatment is said to be more effective if the amount of hydrogen peroxide is higher, it can also increase the chances of tooth sensitivity.
5. Consult the dentist
This is the most important step in choosing the correct teeth-whitening agent for your teeth in Tacoma, Puyallup, and Graham. Qualified cosmetic dentists like those at Meridian South Family Dentistry can guide you regarding the best whitening products and whether they suit your specific dental situation.
Need Professional Help? Get Consultation from Meridian South Family Dentistry
Whichever teeth-whitening method you choose, it’s essential to see an experienced cosmetic dentist in Tacoma before you start trying to whiten your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist in Puyallup can assess your oral health and recommend the safest and most effective solution based on your budget and goals.
Luckily, Meridian South Family Dentistry has made it easy to provide our patients with beautiful, bright smiles by offering modern dental treatments in a relaxed and gentle environment. Our committed team will assist you as you embark on a personalized route to brightness. Thanks to our Graham cosmetic dentistry expertise, cutting-edge methods, and customized methods, you’ll have a new smile that gleams confidently in just a few minutes.
Skip the whitening strips, and visit us for a whitening solution that actually works.
