Getting whiter teeth is a great way to improve your self-esteem and smile more, but what is the best way to do this? Most people find that at-home methods are somewhat effective for obtaining whiter teeth while professional treatments are more superior. If you really desire whiter teeth, visit a dentist to find out if professional services would be good for you.

When professional services work the best

Professional teeth-whitening services almost all involve placing a solution on teeth that bleaches the teeth. By bleaching the teeth, dentists are able to remove stains from the teeth, and bleaching also offers a way to brighten up dull teeth. If you want whiter teeth through teeth bleaching, you will need to let a dentist examine your teeth first. Bleaching tends to only work on certain types of tooth stains, and it tends not to work well on others.

The main difference between tooth stains is whether they are intrinsic or extrinsic. Extrinsic stains are found on the outsides of teeth, whereas intrinsic staining is found on the inner parts of teeth. Examples of extrinsic stains include the stains you can get from smoking, drinking red wine, and drinking coffee. If these are the types of stains you have on your teeth, getting your teeth bleached is probably the best way to obtain a whiter smile.

When professional teeth-whitening is not the best option

If the stains you have on your teeth are found on the inner layers, your dentist may tell you that bleaching your teeth may not offer the best results. Bleaching of the teeth tends to only change the color of the outsides of the teeth. When stains are on the insides of teeth, bleaching may only make the stains more visible.

Instead of getting your teeth bleached in this situation, your dentist could offer an alternative option for whitening your teeth. This option might involve using a composite resin material on your teeth to lightly cover them. This is the same material a dentist uses to fill a cavity, but it can also be used to change the color of teeth. If used for this purpose, you will also experience other types of benefits, such as a decrease in tooth sensitivity.

If you would like to have a nicer smile by having whiter teeth, talk to a dentist. There are great options for obtaining whiter teeth for everyone, and your dentist can help you find the best option for your situation. To get started visit resources such as http://www.vfdental.com.