First Impressions
Someone wisely and famously said, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” Without a doubt, your smile plays a major role in the first impression that you make. Many people are hesitant to smile because of dental deficiencies or defects. This can tremendously hinder your confidence. When others sense your lack of confidence, this injures that important first impression.
Teeth whitening is the first and simplest treatment to use if you are desiring to improve the brilliance of your smile. It is important to note that teeth whitening is purely for aesthetic value and will not have any impact on your actual oral health. However, it will certainly produce a confidence for business and social interactions that will reveal many benefits.
What Are the Options?
If teeth whitening sounds like a good course of action for you, there are a few specific options for you to consider. Dr. David Littlefield is knowledgeable in these options and would love to help you find the most effective option for your situation. A dentist who is informed on your overall oral health condition will be in the best position to help you determine the optimal option for you.
This is a brief overview of the most commonly used teeth-whitening options:
- Professional whitening at your dentist’s office – This is the choice that carries our strongest recommendation for two specific reasons. With this method, you will have the benefit of professional assistance, evaluation, and advice. This method also provides the most powerful and immediate results. This is the perfect option for those situations where you need to be several shades whiter today or tomorrow. This can be helpful for events like an upcoming job interview, an upcoming social engagement, or that first date that you are going on tonight! In one appointment with your dentist, you can walk out with a smile that is several shades brighter.
- Teeth whitening gels and trays – These options have the benefit of being less expensive. However, their results are usually less noticeable and definitely not as immediate. These kits generally use whitening gels that are not as strong as what the dentist uses. There is also the disadvantage of fewer tray sizes available. Because these trays are not custom fit to you, they will not fit your mouth as well and may bring discomfort to your gums and mouth.
- Teeth whitening strips – These can be easy to use and are usually effective. They carry the same disadvantage as gels and trays in that it will take you longer to see the results you are seeking.
- Teeth-whitening toothpaste – These products are usually advertised as tooth whitening, but they are usually simply a polishing treatment.
Whatever method you choose, teeth whitening treatments are not permanent. However, they definitely produce a brilliant smile and they are useful for many situations.
This treatment can be an effective solution whether your teeth are discolored by aging, by staining, or even by chemical (smoking, tea, coffee, etc.) damage. The cost of teeth whitening is very reasonable for the average budget, and this treatment is a wonderful first step if you are desiring to restore a beautiful smile.