You catch the eye—and the dazzling white smile—of a good-looking Nittany Lions fan at Beaver Stadium. While you’d love to meet up, you also feel intimidated by your own less-than-brilliant teeth. You’ve had your teeth whitened, but the treatment didn’t seem to last long. Fortunately, you can extend the effects and gain the confidence to flash your own smile at the big game with these aftercare tips for teeth whitening in State College.
What causes my whitened teeth to darken?
Age and heredity heavily impact the color of our teeth, but the major influence on tooth color are these staining substances:
- Wine
- Coffee
- Tea
- Colas
- Berries
- Tobacco products
To protect your whitening treatment, reduce the frequency of intake with these products. You can also minimize the contact of liquids that discolor your teeth by using a straw whenever possible.
After whitening, do I need to change my dental care routine?
Teeth whitening won’t overcome the appearance of neglected teeth and gums, so if your regimen is below par, you should most definitely up your game.
No special hygiene is required after whitening, but if you’re not already, it’s more important than ever to brush at least two times a day and floss daily. Drink plenty of water to rinse food particles from your mouth and reduce bacteria.
You may find that your teeth are more sensitive for a little while after whitening. In that case, use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth or take an over-the-counter pain medication.
I’m very busy! Can I whiten my teeth at home?
At-home whitening with professional grade whitening gel is a very effective and convenient way to brighten your smile. The process is easy and takes just an hour each evening. You can continue to go about your evening as usual, whether you’re watching television, going through the bedtime routine with your kids, or burning the midnight oil on your computer.
You’ll see results immediately and won’t believe the difference after two weeks of daily treatment!
Is it worth the effort?
Due to aging, heredity and the things you eat and drink, teeth whitening will continue to be an ongoing need if you want to have a bright and beautiful smile. But since brilliant white teeth have become a highly desired aesthetic standard, it’s worth the effort. And you can make each treatment last longer by putting these practices in place.
About the Doctor
Dr. Donald M. Marks, a.k.a. the 611 Dentist, is almost as big of a Penn State fan as he is of dentistry. Between he and his associate Dr. John A. Martin, they’re a full-service clinic, with most types of dental treatment covered. To ensure that you’re comfortable, they’ve gone out of their way to provide a wide range of amenities you’ve probably never seen at a dentist’s office. Whether it’s a whiter smile you’re looking for, preventive care or help with treating deeper concerns, contact us at (814) 234-0329 to find out how we can help.
