Have you been noticing a yellow or brown tint to your teeth lately? Kind of nasty, right? If you’ve been holding back a full-on smile for some time now because you’re embarrassed about your discolored teeth, it’s time to whiten them up. And if you happen to have crooked teeth, why not treat that issue at the same time? We can help here at Clear Smiles, where we can add whitening to your Invisalign trays for a faster, simpler way to get the brilliant smile you crave.
We make it super easy to start the teeth straightening journey with clear braces, with a visit with our Dallas or Houston orthodontists who can outline all the benefits of Invisalign with Clear Smiles.
Teeth Whitening Tips
The combination of crooked teeth and yellowing teeth can take a double toll on your self-confidence. If you want whiter teeth, there are many ways you can naturally and safely whiten your teeth at home. Here are some tips:
1. Baking Soda
You’ll notice baking soda has been added to many brands of toothpastes, and that’s for a good reason. Baking soda has been proven to significantly improve plaque removal compared with products that don’t have baking soda. If you wish to make up your own natural baking soda mixture rather than buy it in a toothpaste, grab a small cup and mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with some drops of water or lemon.
Work it into a paste so the grittiness of the baking soda doesn’t harm your teeth enamel. Apply the paste with your toothbrush or fingers, letting it rest on the applied area for about two minutes.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide will also keep your teeth looking sparkly. It’s ideal for teeth stain removal, and the good news is that it’s cheap. It has antimicrobial properties that help with oral ailments such as gingivitis and plaque. You can use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth in any number of ways, mainly by gargling with water or mixing it with baking soda to create a paste. Take the step above and instead of using water or lemon, use hydrogen peroxide.
3. Fruits and Veggies
Eating fruits and veggies not only helps whiten your teeth but can also boost your general oral health. Foods high in magnesium and potassium, such as apples or green veggies, keep your teeth enamel strong and wear-resistant. Fruits such as berries contain beneficial antioxidants and other compounds that contribute to the health of your teeth. Just don’t forget that fruit is also high in (natural) sugar, so eating too much of them can weaken your enamel. Make sure you have a well-balanced diet of both fruits and vegetables to get the most benefit out of them for your oral and overall physical health.
Keep in mind, dark berries such as blackberries and blueberries can stain your teeth, so limit these if you are trying to whiten your enamel.
4. Good Oral Hygiene
It seems like a no-brainer, and it is: the best way to keep your teeth white is by taking good care of them. Practice good oral hygiene every single day and you will be able to keep your smile looking amazing. This entails brushing and flossing regularly, keeping a diet low in sugars and carbs, and staying on top of twice-yearly cleanings at the dentist.
Clean your Invisalign trays every morning and night, and brush after each meal before putting them back in. This will ensure no food particles get trapped in there.
5. Dietary Changes
When you eliminate foods that mark up your teeth, you will prevent further staining. Foods and beverages that have tannins in them, such as wine and tea, can and will stain the teeth over time. Coffee, sodas and juices can stain them too. Acidic foods will make your teeth look yellow because they wear down the enamel, so avoid excessive consumption of citrus fruits as well. If you do indulge, brush your teeth afterwards. Wait 30 minutes before doing so, as acids can weaken the enamel and brushing too soon may damage the teeth.
Teeth Whitening with Invisalign Attachments
The Quickest Way to Whiten
All of the above tips will work, given enough time and patience. But if you really want to see quick results and straighten your teeth at the same time, trust Clear Smiles for Teeth Whitening At Home solutions. We can add whitening to your Invisalign trays for a fast, simple way of achieving a photo-worthy smile.
Why bother with those cumbersome teeth whitening strips? Consult with our Dallas or Houston orthodontists for a solution that really works. Start the process with a free consultation, or take our smile quiz to see if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign braces.