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When you quit a bad habit like smoking, you may get those pesky nicotine stains stuck on your teeth. Smokers often have discolored teeth that don't go away through regular brushing. The only viable solutions for it would be teeth whitening and maintaining good dental hygiene.
Some former-smokers make the right decision and turn proper dental professionals, but others still have been led astray. The problem with many teeth whitening products and services available in the market nowadays is that there are so many unbelievable claims with unfortunately temporary results.
A common example of this is activated-charcoal powder which claims to whiten all types of teeth. It may be tempting, especially given its results, but you will soon realize that you need to keep buying it for your teeth to remain white. Ex-smokers can easily buy into this trend, however, these are only short-term whitening solutions and are therefore ineffective in the long run.
If you want whiter teeth, then you must find a reliable and affordable dentistry service that can guide you to take good care of your teeth, while simultaneously addressing the root issue. To help you out, this shot guide can aid ex-smokers in their journey to teeth whitening.
Which teeth whitening treatment should I choose?
Professional teeth whitening services are performed using state-of-the-art dental technology. This kind of technology has been tested and conditioned for a wide range of teeth whitening services—even including whitening the deepest stains caused by smoking.
Dentists will often prescribe two kinds of teeth whitening procedures: the in-office treatment and the take-home treatment. Choosing which of the two is more effective for your treatment will ultimately be left to your family dentist to decide. After all, they have a general idea of your holistic oral health and will prescribe the appropriate teeth whitening method more suitable for you.
The in-office treatment starts right at the dentist’s chair. They work on the general whitening of your teeth but also gradually work on removing each challenging teeth stain. This takes around an hour to complete, allowing you to have your teeth whitened for up to 2 shades lighter. Therefore, the results are often visibly recognizable compared to the take-home treatment.
The take-home treatment puts your teeth whitening efforts into your own hands. Your dentist will give you some dental trays and bleaching materials to use for your teeth. You will then be instructed how to use it, which involves pouring the beaching material into the dental tray and placing them right on your teeth. They often stay there for around 20-30 minutes depending on your dentist’s recommendation. The results of the take-home treatment are more gradual and often take around 3 months before you can see the end result.
Whatever teeth whitening treatment your dentist may choose, both are effective solutions when professionally prescribed and done right.
How can I maintain my shiny white teeth?
Now, getting the treatment for your teeth is only half the battle won. This is because in most cases removing teeth stains from smoking takes more than just a few treatments. Teeth need to be developed and maintained to keep being shiny white. Most teeth whitening treatments, like the in-house bleaching method, may make your teeth shiny but they need to be maintained regularly to stay that way.
You will also need to practice good dental hygiene and use prescribed dental products. Daily brushing with the prescribed formulated toothpaste will gradually condition your teeth to whiten. Your dentist may even ask you to focus on a certain side or tooth that still has a visible stain.
Often, it will take a while before your dentist can say you can go back to using your regular toothpaste. Consistency is key with oral hygiene, which is why it’s crucial to maintain your teeth whitening routine for it to be successful.
Conclusion
Smoking can ruin your teeth’s aesthetic, but teeth whitening can easily get that damage to vanish soon. Having whiter teeth can be an effective way to motivate yourself as a changed person.
Are you a former smoker struggling with nicotine-stained teeth? Visit your local dentist today and ask about teeth whitening! We are here to provide you professional teeth whitening and other affordable dentistry in Ann Arbor. Consult us today for a brighter and whiter tomorrow!
