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Getting Your Smile Ready for Summer
Summer is fast approaching and some may think it's time to get in shape. Getting back in the gym and back to eating well is not the only things you should be doing. Getting your smile ready should also be a major part.
Holiday food and drinks can wreak havoc on your smile. Red wine, cranberry sauce, holiday treats can make your smile dark and dingy. Fortunately, it's not too late to get that smile back in shape for the summer.
Been a while since your last cleaning? With time, staining food and drinks can leave a dark film on the teeth that needs to be professionally removed. A simple visit to your hygienist may be all you need to get back that sparkling white smile. Regular dental cleaning and check-ups can keep small problems from turning into big, very costly problems. We recommend every six months for regular check-up and cleaning for a healthy mouth. Patients with periodontal disease may need a cleaning every 3-4 months.
Even with a good cleaning, your smile may still look dark and dingy. Whitening may be an option for you. Whitening is offered in the form of strips that are worn for about an hour a day for up to two weeks. Although not for everyone, whitening strips may be an option for you. Custom whitening trays are a better option for hard to whiten teeth. Custom trays are fabricated and loaded with a gel. Patients are asked to wear for about an hour a day. Treatment may be from a week to as long as 2-3 weeks, depending on the difficulty of getting the teeth to whiten. An in-office whitening procedure using a very strong whitening gel can help kick start this process and greatly cut down on the time needed to achieve a brighter smile. A consult with your dentist will determine which option is best suited for you.
When all else fails, there is always the option of restoring the teeth with veneers or crowns to get the smile you desire. Although aggressive and expensive, it may be the best option for you. Again, before undergoing any extensive procedure be sure to have an in-depth consult with your dentist and ask questions.
Still not sure what’s best for you? Give us a call: (225) 926-4203.