Odds are that as you exercise, improve your diet, and maybe even stop smoking, you have realized your smile is not putting your best face forward. Whether due to genetics or eating and brushing habits, over time most people find that their teeth gradually lose their white gleam. There are a number of reasons why it’s time to consider having your smile professionally whitened.
1) The good news is that whitening your teeth is the least expensive and easiest way to start a dental cosmetic makeover. As you probably know from trying over-the-counter whitening products, they rarely are very helpful, making your teeth a little less dark for a short time. Dr. Cluff can get you started on our “Whitening Forever” program. This requires a dental examination, digital x-ray (involving minimal radiation), and cleaning to make sure you have good oral health as a baseline. The kit includes a professional-grade whitening gel and plastic oral whitening trays that are custom-fitted, to be worn for a few each day according to your needs. You will continue to come in for regular check-ups and to receive more gel as needed, usually twice a year at no extra charge. As long as you keep up with your normal brushing and flossing schedule, you will be able to maintain your new gleaming smile.
2) No other anti-aging treatment can rival dental office teeth whitening as a way to make you look more youthful. Every other cosmetic dental approach, from sophisticated makeup and facial fillers to full plastic surgery either is very temporary, expensive, and/or somewhat painful by comparison.
3) Having your teeth whitened signals others that you care about your appearance and are willing to make an effort to keep in top shape, just as you go to the gym or shop for the right foods. It’s a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, an important value you want to share with friends and loved ones. This can clearly make a difference in even more casual relationships, from first dates to socializing. Would you go to a wedding or a school reunion without having your hair done right? A beautiful smile could even get you a job interview or be part of why you get a promotion. It might seem unfair, but studies have repeatedly shown that almost everyone makes quick judgments about others when they meet and it is sometimes hard to change those first impressions.
Of course, being able to keep your smile your ideal for whiteness depends in part on eating and drinking habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, blueberries, and smoking anything are fine if you brush right afterwards. Some medications and mouthwashes can have a side-effect of discolored teeth, so if that happens, discuss this with your doctor and dentist.
