It is said that teeth whitening is the number one cosmetic dental procedure today. Many people are looking for ways to brighten up their smile which in turns lightens their whole face and gives them more confidence. There may be a variety of reasons why your teeth are not as white as they should be. Some people have been affected by taking antibiotics such as tetracycline. Many times it can discolor one or more teeth with prolonged use. Others are affected by nerve damage, or may have discoloration due to dental trauma.

It may be that your personal habits are the reason for your teeth discoloration. Your diet and your dental hygiene all play a part in how white your teeth are and how white they will stay. One thing that cannot be helped is teeth discoloration caused by aging. It is said that no matter how great you look, when you open your mouth the color of your teeth will give away your true age.

There are many options for those that are looking to whiten their teeth and a few of them can be performed at home, or for more drastic and lasting results there are a few cosmetic dentistry options you may want to consider.

The Option of Veneers

If you have teeth that are worn down, not in alignment or severely discolored, getting veneers may be an option for you. Not only will your teeth look dramatically whiter, it will also change the structure of your teeth. If you are not happy with the way your teeth look not counting the color, then this may be the cosmetic dental procedure you should consider. An added advantage of getting veneers is that they have a coating of stain resistant material and will virtually stay white for the rest of your life.

What about Bonding?

Bonding is meant for procedures that are considered to be a touch up. It can help to whiten one or two teeth that are discolored, mend any chips in your teeth and help to fill a gap that is wide. Bonding is not like veneers as they typically stain just like your regular teeth do. The good thing about bonding is that it is typically covered by your insurance as it is not just intended for cosmetic purposes.

Having Your Teeth Whitened by a Professional

When you are looking for lasting improvements to the appearance of your teeth then having your dentist do a professional teeth whitening procedure may be the answer. Insurance doesn’t cover the procedure, but if you count on your appearance for your livelihood, then perhaps you should look into the various methods available. Typically a dentist will use a bleaching agent to whiten your teeth. It can take just one visit or several depending upon the severity of discoloration. There is a quicker method using a laser along with whitening gel containing crystals, but this is more expensive but results will be immediate.
Home Teeth Whitening Products

A less costly method to getting your teeth whitened is to use an in home tooth whitening kit. Some use bleaching techniques and the directions will guide you step-by-step through the process so you are assured of doing it correctly. Though your teeth will not be as white as they would be if you had it done professionally, generally people are pleased with the results they get for the price they paid.

There is a new product available only in Australia and New Zealand that is a click and twist pen for getting your teeth their whitest. You can look on the internet to see if you can find where to purchase one if this type of teeth whitening interests you. There are also teeth whitening strips you can buy. You are well advised to do some research before buying any home teeth whitening kits as reading reviews of the various products available will steer you to the best ones.