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From weddings and family photos to important presentations or just simply improving an overall appearance, there are a number of reasons people decide to whiten their teeth. A person's smile is one of their most eye-catching features and one of the first things a person notices. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, there are a variety of ways to improve the appearance of your teeth and erase dental flaws. Today, teeth whitening is one of the most sought after cosmetic treatments, not to mention one of the fastest-acting with dramatic results. Let's take a look at three ways your dentist can whiten your smile, including in-office whitening, home whitening kits and veneers. Start with the Basics If a whiter, stain-free smile is something you desire, simple improvements in your day to day oral health regimen may be all you need to remove surface stains, prevent further discoloration and enhance your smile. To start, limit or avoid foods, beverages and habits that cause staining, including soda, tea, red wine and smoking. To keep teeth clean and white, be sure to brush and floss regularly to remove unwanted surface stains. Using whitening toothpaste can also help whiten your teeth a few shades. Finally, always stay up-to-date with your regularly scheduled dental cleanings and checkups. Dentists use advanced tools for removing stains that regular tooth brushing cannot. Not to mention that your Arlington Heights dentist can recommend the best cosmetic treatments for helping you achieve a whiter smile. Convenient Home Whitening Kits When time isn't a factor or your stains are mild, your dentist may recommend custom-fit whitening kits for gradually whitening your teeth. Your dentist can custom-fit trays for your upper and lower teeth, and you do the rest from the comfort of your home. Simply apply the recommended whitening solution to the trays, and wear the trays on your teeth for the required amount of time. In as little as a few weeks your teeth should be noticeably whiter. This treatment is also a great option for maintaining and touching up an professional in-office whitening treatment. Professional Teeth Whitening If simple improvements in your daily dental care regimen aren't bringing about the whitening results you desire, talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening. While whitening systems applied from home can produce noticeable results over time, in-office whitening performed by a professional cosmetic dentist in Arlington Heights uses a higher concentration of bleaching solution, which yields results that are visible immediately. This safe, proven method of tooth bleaching produces the fastest results of any other teeth whitening procedure, a great option for patients looking for a whiter smile in as little as a lunch hour. A Smile Transformation with Veneers Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin porcelain laminates that are cemented to the front of your teeth. These translucent shells mask stains and other blemishes, and can be shaped and colored to look as natural as possible to your existing teeth. The porcelain used to fabricate the shells is highly stain resistant, meaning its brilliant white can last its entire lifespan. Veneers are especially a great option if you are looking for the complete smile makeover. Veneers not only whiten discolored teeth, they also cover dental flaws, including chipped, cracked, misshapen and crooked teeth. When properly cared for, veneers can last for years and years. Tooth whitening is fast becoming one of the most preferred cosmetic dental solutions available. Whether you are looking for fast-acting results from an in-office procedure, convenience from take-home kits, or the complete smile makeover from veneers, you can rest assured that you'll notice results in the shade of your smile after application. Continue practicing good oral hygiene to prevent further staining and talk to your Arlington Heights cosmetic dentist at your next appointment to find out which whitening treatment is best for you.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Meena Barsoum of Impressive Smiles, an experienced family and cosmetic dentist in Arlington Heights. Specializing in most phases of dentistry, including teeth whitening, implants and veneers in Arlington Heights, Dr. Barsoum is highly qualified to handle the dental needs for patients of every age.
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