Is Your Grin Getting You Down?

We see the ads full of models with teeth so white they almost blind our eyes. Most movie stars have the same kind of teeth. After awhile, we start to believe that we are lacking if we don't have teeth like that.

So, we start to consider some kind of teeth whitening system. So, we look around and see all kinds of methods that claim, or at least imply, that we, too, can have teeth like that of the models selling those products.

We find references to teeth surface whiteners, tray teeth bleaching, whitening strips, nightguard bleaching, paint-on bleaching, in-office whitening, in-home bleaching, etc., etc. Are they any good? Do they really work? Are they safe?

Well, before we go off and buy something that might or might not work in your situation, it might be best to have a chat with our dentists. They will probably be able to give you an idea of why your teeth aren't as white as you would like them to be. Once they have determined that, they can suggest some appropriate methods of brightening your teeth.

Keep in mind, however, some people's teeth are just naturally darker. In that case, using teeth whiteners will probably not be very effective. The best alternative there is to find out from you dentist how much it would cost to have your teeth veneered. Then it is easy to do a cost-benefit analysis.

By the way, if your natural teeth have become darker than a cap or a crown, that might indicate that teeth bleaching might be effective. The reason is that when the crown or cap was added, it probably matched your tooth color at that time. Obviously, in the passage of time, your teeth have become stained or darkened for some reason. Again, your dentist will be able to tell you need to know.

Teeth do become stained over time by some of the things we regularly put in our mouths. Things like cigarette, tea, coffee, colas, and wine. Regular use of certain medicines can also stain your teeth.

Sometimes just one tooth becomes darkened. Have your dentist check that out as soon as you can. It could be an indication of a problem inside the tooth.

Besides deciding on which method is best, you should also consider the safety of the various methods. Almost all use some form of bleach, usually hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, or carbamide peroxide. Swallowing the stuff would not be a good thing. Getting it into other parts of the mouth could also create problems.

So, before you go ahead with teeth whitening, do your homework first, and make sure it is the best decision for you.