5 Ways to Achieve a Whiter Smile

Troy MI Teeth Whitening

Do you wish there was a way to whiten your smile? You’re not alone. Many of our patients ask about teeth whitening so they can smile with confidence. We believe that everyone should feel confident with their smiles, which is why we’re sharing the 5 ways you can achieve a whiter smile in (or out) of the dentist’s office. For the best results, schedule an appointment with one of our teeth whitening dentists in Troy, MI.

How Can I Remove Stains From My Teeth?

While you can buy over-the-counter whitening products, they won’t give you the same results as custom whitening trays or GLO. For example, you can use GLO at home to whiten teeth by several shades within a week. Custom whitening trays from our dentists are also much more comfortable than anything you could buy over the counter.

1.) Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

Did you know that your daily cup of coffee could be contributing to tooth discoloration? There are certain types of foods and beverages likely to stain your teeth which include coffee, tea, wine, tomato sauce, and berries. If you want to enjoy a whiter smile, we recommend cutting down on foods and drinks known to stain teeth. If you would like to learn more about what foods to avoid, have a conversation with one of our teeth whitening dentists during your next appointment.

2.) Brush With Whitening Toothpaste

There is no shortage of whitening toothpastes at your local grocery store. Whether you want to stick with your preferred brand of toothpaste or try out a new formula for sensitive teeth, your options are limitless. Whitening toothpaste is great for the slight tooth discoloration that can happen over time.

3.) Use Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are easily found at your local supermarket and are an affordable alternative to professional teeth whitening. Whitening strips work quickly to improve the appearance of your smile. Simply place the strip over your teeth for a few minutes each day. Continue using whitening strips until you achieve the tooth color you want. Many people use whitening strips once a day for a week for whiter smiles.

4.) Try Custom Whitening Trays

Whitening trays from the supermarket are large, bulky, and uncomfortable. This is why we offer custom whitening trays made from your dental impressions. During your appointment, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and gums and send them to the lab. The lab then uses these impressions to make a custom whitening tray that fits comfortably over your teeth. Custom whitening trays pack a more powerful punch than whitening strips and toothpaste.

5.) Ask About GLO Whitening

Our office offers GLO whitening, an innovative way to dramatically improve the whiteness of your smile. GLO stands for Guided Light Optics. The GLO Device uses both light and warming heat to accelerate the whitening process, giving you the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted.

First, you’ll need to charge your GLO Device so it’ll be ready. Many patients charge their GLO Devices while they’re gone at work so they can whiten teeth in the evening.

Once your GLO Device is charged, apply the GLO Lip Treatment. Next, you’ll need to remove the cap off the GLO Vial and apply the gel to the fronts of your teeth with the brush applicator. Use about half a pea-sized glob for your entire mouth. (A little goes a long way.)

You may use GLO Vials on their own if you’re in a hurry. The gel is designed to penetrate teeth and evaporate once it’s done whitening. Yet, we recommend using the GLO Device with the Vial for the best results. Turn on your GLO Device by pressing the button on the Power Pack or in the GLO Whitening App. Then, insert the mouthpiece to start whitening your smile.

After 8 minutes, the GLO Device will automatically turn off. For the best results, follow up with two more whitening sessions. GLO Science recommends that you complete 3 sessions a day for an entire week or until you’re happy with the whiteness of your smile. While GLO teeth whitening has a higher start-up cost than other methods, it also gives you fast results from the comfort of your own home.

Other Teeth Whitening Options

We may recommend porcelain veneers for stains that go beyond the surface of tooth enamel. For example, some patients may have deep pitting in their enamel from severe fluorosis. Each patient is different, which is why we recommend you schedule a consultation with one of our teeth whitening dentists. They’ll be able to help you explore your teeth whitening options, so you can make the best decision for your smile. For example, our dentists may recommend dental bonding for a small stain.

Dr. Kelly M. Giera is a teeth whitening dentist in Troy, MI. To request an appointment for professional teeth whitening, call Mosaic Dental at (248) 528-2270.