We place a high value on our smiles. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry revealed the following findings:
- Just about every adult (99.7%) believed that a smile is a vital social asset.
- About 96% of adults also believed that an attractive smile can make you more appealing to members of the opposite sex.
- The quality of your smile may also have consequences in the workplace. The majority of the survey respondents (75%) believed that an unattractive smile can derail your chances for professional success.
- To the survey question “What would you like to improve most about your smile?” the most common answer was to have whiter and brighter teeth.
It’s not surprising that smiles are valued. A smile offers an appealing introduction to everyone you meet. It radiates vitality, warmth, and confidence. It gives an impression of good health. And white teeth truly enhance those smiles.
There are basically two ways to whiten your teeth. This doesn’t count using toothpaste, even if you do use “whitening” toothpastes. Toothpastes can help remove stain from the surface of your teeth, and the “whitening” versions contain special polishing agents that make the stain removal more effective. But they do not really make your teeth whiter.
Two effective ways of whitening your teeth are:
- Chairside bleaching. This is performed in-office, and it usually requires just a single visit to the clinic. A bleaching agent is applied to your teeth. A protective gel or a rubber shield may also be used to protect your oral soft tissues.
- At-home bleaching. This usually requires the use of a mouthguard in which whitening gel with peroxide is placed.
Check with us to find out how we can make your teeth whiter and your smile brighter. We can turn your teeth several shades lighter right in our clinic. We can also offer you custom bleaching trays which you can use at home.
Whiteners may not be effective for everyone, however. Contact us to see if they can work well for you, or if other methods such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers may be more suitable.