Whiter smiles are synonymous with youth and beauty. In the workplace, an attractive smile can give you the confidence to speak with confidence. Studies have shown that a bright smile can improve an employee’s likelihood of being hired or promoted. A bright and beautiful smile can also help individuals find romantic relationships. If years of indulging in coffee, teas, and other staining drinks and foods have left your teeth discolored, you may be a good candidate for Zoom! Teeth Whitening at Docklands Dental Studio. Once your teeth have been whitened by several shades, you will want to take steps to maintain your new smile.
What to Expect During Your Teeth Whitening
Zoom! Teeth Whitening yields drastic results. During your teeth whitening treatment, one of our skilled staff members will apply a protective barrier to your gums before applying a strong bleaching gel on your teeth. A special LED light is then used to speed the whitening process. The light activates a photocatalyst within the Zoom! Light-Activated Gel. Once the treatment is complete, you can enjoy a smile that is up to eight shades brighter. The entire treatment process takes around one hour.
Tips for Maintaining Your Whiter Smile Following Teeth Whitening
The cosmetic results of teeth whitening can last up to three years after your professional treatment.
One advantage of using Zoom! is that you can address discoloration by using the take-home professional-grade home whitening kit, which we can provide, in the months following your initial treatment at our dental office. You can prevent premature discoloration by following these tips.
Use an Electric Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush has many benefits. Electronic toothbrushes are better at removing deposits of plaque, which can be difficult to address with hand brushing alone. The electronic devices have built-in timers that can help users brush for longer periods of time than they might otherwise. Electric toothbrushes can reach areas that normal toothbrushes cannot. They can aid in keeping your pearly whites white, and the oral health benefits alone are worth the investment.
Avoid Certain Foods
You are probably aware of which foods and drinks stain your teeth. Cutting back on these items may be worth the effort. If you cannot eliminate these items, consider reducing their consumption. Some drinks can be consumed with a straw, which can reduce the staining effects of iced coffee, cold tea, and sports drinks.
In general, be wary of:
- Tomato sauce
- Candy
- Berries
- Pomegranates
- Curry
- Turmeric
- Paprika
- Balsamic vinegar
Certain types of food can actually brighten your teeth by promoting the production of saliva or restoring minerals. Nuts, celery, broccoli, and carrots have a coarse texture that can help scrub off stains. If you do find yourself eating or drinking a known staining food item, try to rinse your mouth soon after with water or mouthwash.
Use a Whitening Toothpaste
There are many kinds of toothpaste on the market that claim to aid in whitening. While these store-bought items will not deliver the drastic results of Zoom!, they can help maintain the whiteness of your smile. Whitening toothpaste has abrasive ingredients that aid in removing surface stains.
These products may be particularly effective when used after meals because the cleaning agents can remove staining materials before they can settle in the pores of your teeth. Some toothpaste products even contain hydrogen peroxide. Baking soda is another effective ingredient that can fight bacteria while whitening enamel.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash can prevent stains from forming. The benefits of good oral hygiene also can ensure that you do not develop gum disease or cavities. Scheduling regular visits for dental exams and cleanings are also an integral part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Buying a new toothbrush every few months or replacing the brush head of an electric toothbrush is one way to ensure that your brush is able to effectively remove tartar and plaque.
Take Care of Your Gums
We often forget that when we smile, we are showing off our teeth and our gums. Gums form the backdrop of our teeth. Healthy gums can add to the attractiveness of our smile while swollen or receding gums can detract from the beauty of our teeth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing are two important habits that can help you maintain healthy gums. If you do have gum disease, our office offers periodontal disease treatment.
Schedule Additional Whitening Treatments
Even after following these tips, teeth will naturally become slightly discolored over time. It is not possible to completely avoid certain staining foods and drinks, and even diligent brushing cannot keep your smile spotless. One benefit of teeth whitening is that it is safe and non-invasive, meaning that undergoing the cosmetic treatment every few years will not damage your teeth. Teeth whitening can even have positive oral health benefits because many patients work extra hard to maintain the results of their whitenings in the months and years after undergoing the procedure.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today
Our goal is to give you a beautiful and healthy smile. If your teeth are tarnished, call Docklands Dental Studio today to schedule a cosmetic consultation. We’ll help you decide on the best treatment plan to create a bright, gorgeous smile you’ll feel proud to share.