Do you see stains, yellowing, dullness, or other issues with your tooth color? You might find deeper discoloration cannot be removed with your usual oral hygiene routine. And stains on your smile can lead to a severe decline in your self-esteem.
Renew your confidence by scheduling a cosmetic dental consultation for an individualized approach to improving your smile’s appearance. Your dentist can evaluate your smile and your aesthetic goals to develop a cosmetic dental treatment plan that will enhance your tooth color. Read on to learn about four dental treatments your dentist might employ to help you get the whiter smile of your dreams.
Cosmetic Dental Treatments That Whiten Teeth
Professional Teeth Whitening
Though you might feel tempted to buy a teeth whitening kit at your local shop, you can see superior results when you pursue professional teeth whitening with your dentist. They can monitor the process to ensure you get the best results that will look both natural and gorgeous.
The in-office treatment involves the dentist applying bleaching gel to the teeth. A specialized light activates the agents that lift dental stains. The dentist will repeat this process about three times as needed to achieve your desired shade.
They will also employ protective measures to ensure you do not experience gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, or other side effects. The dentist can also provide a take-home option, which will include bleaching gel in specialized trays that you can use to gradually whiten your teeth from your home.
Dental Bonding
Dentists can also give you a brighter smile with a procedure called teeth bonding. In this treatment, a dentist will etch into your tooth enamel to prepare the surface of the teeth. Then they apply composite resin to the teeth, molding it according to your aesthetic goals.
The dentist cures and hardens the bonding into place for a more even and whiter smile. Bonding can stain if you are not careful, so follow aftercare instructions from your dentist for optimal results. This treatment will last for three to ten years with proper maintenance.
Porcelain Veneers
For long-lasting cosmetic benefits, a dentist may recommend porcelain veneers to give you a whiter smile. The dentist builds the patient custom cap-like shells that attach to the front of the teeth with bonding material. This results in a brighter, straighter, and more durable finish that will also look natural.
Though strong, porcelain veneers are not indestructible. Be careful when biting and chewing with veneers to ensure they do not break or dislodge. These stain-resistant fixtures can remain on the teeth for fifteen years or longer.
Dental Crowns
You might recognize dental crowns as a restorative dentistry treatment, but these ceramic caps also have cosmetic advantages. Like veneers, dentists create crowns on an individualized basis for each patient. So the crowns can make a tooth look better as well as restore its structure.
The crown will fit over a tooth and seal into place with dental cement for long-lasting effects. It can cover stubborn stains to make a discolored tooth appear brighter.