Our smiles are one of the most prominent facial features we have. A good smile radiates confidence and excitement. It can positively affect your mood while also spreading joy to the people around you. There is even an old song titled, “When You’re Smiling, the Whole World Smiles With You.”
While it’s easy to see the benefits of a good smile, smiling can sometimes be easier said than done. Insecurity about the appearance of our teeth can have a huge impact on our likelihood of smiling. A study done by Snow Teeth Whitening found that 57% of Americans cover their mouths when they laugh due to insecurity about their teeth. It also found that one in two people will also often try to smile with their mouths closed.
When people feel bad about their teeth, their confidence and self-esteem can suffer. Fortunately, one of the easiest, quickest and cheapest ways to improve your smile – and your confidence – is teeth whitening! Teeth whitening is a simple process that works to break down the stains left by certain foods and drinks, and get your teeth looking whiter and brighter. Whitening products contain one of two kinds of tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). When applied to your teeth, these bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, causing them to break away to reveal your teeth’s natural, whiter, color.
If you feel like your smile has been lacking some sparkle lately, you’re not alone! A study from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that when asked about what they’d most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. While in-office bleaching is one of the most long-lasting and effective methods for a whiter smile, it can also be one of the most expensive. Luckily, there are countless at-home options for you to try, and VALLEY has found some of the best tools to get the perfect pearly white smile, at-home!
Crest 3D Whitestrips
Crest 3D Whitestrips are one of the most popular teeth whitening methods out there, and they’re even dentist-approved! The Whitestrips are also one of the easiest tools to apply: simply remove the whitening strip from its liner, and place the gel side to your teeth. Leave them on for the specified time and then remove them. Repeat this process over days or weeks, depending on the specific product you get, and you’ll see a brighter smile in no time!
Whitening Kits
Various companies have come up with teeth whitening kits that include hands-free LED accelerator lights and whitening pens, for a mess-free whitening experience. The pens are often made with the same enamel-safe whitening agent that dentists use for in-office treatments, which can help remove tough stains. Reviews for the teeth whitening kit from Smile Direct Club say that users saw results as fast as one week when used as directed, and the results lasted for about six months per one-week treatment.
Whitening Pens
One of the best on-the-go options when it comes to teeth whitening is teeth whitening pens. Most pens are designed to release whitening gel directly onto an application brush, allowing you to simply swipe the pen over your teeth. These are a great option if you want to add a last-minute touchup to your teeth’s whiteness, or if you need to remove a stain left by something you ate or drank. It’s a quick and simple method to improve your smile.
Whitening Toothpaste
If you’re looking for a teeth whitening option that you can easily incorporate into your day-to-day schedule, teeth whitening toothpaste might be the way to go. There are tons of options out there; brands such as Crest, Colgate and Sensodyne all have their own versions – all of which have great reviews! While you won’t see an immediate result with this method, over time, you should see a slightly brighter smile.
There are tons of options when it comes to teeth whitening at home, so it comes down to personal preference when determining which method is the right one for you. But, there are some at-home remedies that are not recommended: such as rinsing your mouth with apple cider vinegar, brushing your teeth with activated charcoal or creating your own toothpaste with baking soda. These methods could damage your teeth and lead to other problems.
If you’re worried about whitening your teeth, don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist or make an in-office bleaching appointment! It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to something as prominent as your smile.
