Having a bright, white smile is something that many people strive for. Pictures in magazines and stars on our screens can be aspirational for many with their bright white smiles that gleam like beacons of hope. However, not everyone is born with naturally white teeth, and it can be hard to achieve such lightness and brightness with brushing and flossing alone, even if you do visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleans. What you may not realise is that your lifestyle could also be hindering your chances of achieving your dream smile.
Causes of stained teeth
Several factors can cause teeth to become stained; for example, certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and cola, can all stain teeth. You may enjoy a carbonated drink over ice on a hot summer’s day or a mug of fresh coffee to wake you up first thing in the morning. While these drinks may make you feel great, they won’t have the same effect on your teeth as they can cause them to become discoloured. Another well-known cause of discoloured and stained teeth is smoking. Smoking can also cause teeth to become stained and is not good for your health; it will prevent you from getting the smile you’re dreaming of.
Other lesser-known causes of yellow teeth are plaque and tartar, which are deposits that can build up on teeth over time. These deposits can cause teeth to become discoloured. However, if that isn’t enough, some medications, such as tetracycline, can also cause teeth to become stained. What’s more, if teeth are chipped or fractured, they may become stained.
If you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth, all is not lost! While there are many causes of stained teeth, there are also many things you can do to freshen them up and make them look stunning. Two of the most popular teeth whitening methods are Zoom! and Enlighten.
What is Zoom! teeth whitening?
Zoom! is a professional teeth whitening treatment that can be carried out at the dental practice. The Zoom! procedure uses high-intensity light to activate a whitening gel. The light helps to break down the molecules that cause teeth to become stained. The Zoom! treatment typically takes about an hour.
What is Enlighten teeth whitening?
Enlighten is another professional teeth whitening treatment that guarantees the lightest Vita shade B1. It consists of both an at-home treatment and one that is performed at the dental clinic for a final boost. Enlighten uses a carbamide peroxide gel that is activated by a blue light when you are at the dental practice. The blue light helps to break down the molecules that cause teeth to become stained.
How to whiten your teeth at home
If you have Enlighten, you will first be given custom-made trays that fit your mouth accurately after impressions have been taken of your teeth. You will be given a special whitening gel to put in the tray and should wear the tray for about 6 hours a day for two weeks at home, usually overnight. It is an easy and convenient way to kick start the whitening process, and then all you have to do is go back to the dental clinic afterwards to have your in-clinic booster session.
The advantages of Enlighten and Zoom! Whitening
Both Zoom! and Enlighten are effective teeth whitening treatments. Deciding which one to have will depend on your individual needs and what your dentist recommends. However, there are clear benefits to whitening your teeth. By whitening your teeth, you are aesthetically improving the appearance of your teeth, and that can increase your self-confidence and self-esteem. The results should be long-lasting and improve your oral health.
Find out more
Both Zoom! and Enlighten are effective, and booking an initial consultation with a dentist Canary Wharf will help you decide on the right, which will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Your dentist will be able to examine your mouth and recommend the most appropriate treatments for you, answering any questions you may have about them. It is important to get your teeth whitened under the care of a professional dentist since at-home treatments not provided by a dentist have been shown to cause major issues for gums and teeth.
If you want a beautiful smile, make it lighter and brighter with Zoom! or Enlighten.
