For many reasons, an increasing number of adults are having their teeth whitened. White teeth provide a more youthful appearance to one’s face as teeth tend to become stained yellow or brown as we age. Discoloration occurs most often from coffee, tea, red wine, colas, and tobacco, but can also result from trauma or antibiotics.
When you lighten the color of your teeth, it tends to brighten your face overall. This results in a more youthful appearance. Our patients who have had their teeth whitened claim they smile more often, too!
Over the counter selections of whitening aids now include toothpaste, floss, strips, and home bleaching systems. All give some degree of whitening; however, whitening is still recommended under a dentist’s supervision. Areas we take into consideration for those seeking a gleaming smile include:
• Age: A naturally-white smile at age 30 and age 60 vary. Because it is normal for teeth to become duller and discolored as we age, bleaching too light creates a “fake” look.
• Complexion: Your natural skin color and your teeth should have similar undertones. For instance, for those with pink skin undertones, the teeth should retain some blue or gray for a flattering match. Someone with olive skin would be better with ivory undertones.
• Current Shade: Making teeth whiter and whitest doesn’t mean your smile will look better and best. When whitening occurs gradually during the bleaching process, the extent of change may not seem as dramatic as what has actually occurred.
After bleaching, teeth can retain their new luster even longer by swishing with water after drinking colored beverages, such as tea or coffee. Plus, drink colas and dark juices through a straw whenever possible.
Your smile can be as flattering to your appearance as your hair color. The key is to work toward a degree of whiteness that complements you as an individual. Ask about whitening with our Zoom II Whitening system for dramatic, and beautiful, results! Call us at (586) 739-2155.
