You have a big event coming up, and people will be taking pictures galore. You dread it because you feel embarrassed over the dark stains on your front teeth. What can you do to brighten your smile? Why not consult your dentist in Lincoln, Dr. Louis Olberding? Among other cosmetic dentistry treatments, Dr. Olberding offers teeth whitening, a wonderfully effective and easy way to enhance your smile aesthetics. Plus, you can do it all in the privacy of your own home.
Why Are My Healthy Teeth Stained?
Basically, healthy tooth enamel takes on stains because of what we put in our mouths–things such as:
- Coffee, tea, wine, colas, and sports drinks, all of which are highly pigmented
- Dark foods including blueberries, curry dishes, and soy sauce
- Chewing tobacco
- Cigarette smoke
- Highly acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, which tend to soften tooth enamel
- Some prescription medications
In fact, tooth enamel is really a matrix, or network of mineralized fibers, which traps food residues. As such, poor oral hygiene leads to dental stains, too.
What Can You Do?
Many people get reasonable results with over the counter whitening rinses and kinds of toothpaste. The active ingredients in these products may be sufficient for minor discolorations. However, deeper, more stubborn stains require evaluation by a skilled cosmetic dentist, such as Dr. Olberding.
When you come to Olberding Dental for a cosmetic dentistry consultation, Dr. Olberding will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy. Then, he will recommend treatments to improve the appearance of your smile. At-home teeth whitening in Lincoln is a popular choice because it is budget-friendly and yields dramatic results quickly and safely.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
After determining that your smile is healthy enough for whitening (no tooth decay or gum disease), Dr. Olberding will take some oral impressions which he will use to custom-make your teeth whitening trays. These trays are clear acrylic and fit tightly over your top and bottom teeth.
Also, he will supply you with concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel and show you how to apply it using the whitening trays. You will wear the trays at home for a specified amount of time daily.
Over the subsequent days, your teeth will gradually, but noticeably, whiten to an amazing brilliance. Those embarrassing discolorations will disappear, and you’ll be proud to smile broadly at that upcoming special occasion.
Does Whitening Last?
Yes, it does, particularly when you:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily
- Get professional cleanings and check-ups twice a year with Dr. Olberding
- Get professional touch-ups as needed
- Reduce your intake of darkly-pigmented foods and beverages and rinse or brush after consuming them
- Refrain from tobacco use
In addition, whitening may be combined with other cosmetic dental treatments, such as porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear aligners and gum contouring as needed. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Olberding has the skill and artistic eye to produce your perfect smile.
Are You Looking for a Change?
For your best smile ever, contact Olberding Dental about teeth whitening and our other cosmetic dental treatments. You’ll be so pleased with the results, you’ll just keep on smiling.