Teeth Whitening Options from Your Cosmetic Dentist

An experienced cosmetic dentist can brighten and whiten your teeth again. Lifestyle and diet choices can contribute to dental staining. In some cases, medications cause teeth to discolor. Bringing the sparkle back to them is important for your self-esteem. Here are the teeth whitening options that you can get from your cosmetic dentist.

Professional in-office teeth whitening

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products often promise whiter teeth after many weeks of continuous use. But research shows that most individuals do not get the results they want from these products. A cosmetic dentist will offer a traditional in-office teeth whitening treatment for surface staining. The whitening solutions are stronger in this type of treatment. One can only get them from a licensed cosmetic dentist.

The dentist will mix the right amount of whitening solution for an individual’s teeth whitening needs. Protecting the soft tissues of the mouth will follow. The dentist will then apply the solution to the teeth. Exposing the teeth to some ultraviolet light will activate the whitening agent. Repeating the process will happen until the patient achieves the level of preferred whiteness. The patient can achieve whiter teeth in about an hour.

Dental veneers

A cosmetic dentist can offer permanent dental veneers to cover dental stains that are difficult to treat with teeth whitening treatments. These restorations have a huge following because celebrities often use them to achieve stunning smiles. Each thin shell can cover the stains in front of the tooth. It will not take long to get a new smile with veneers.

Preparing the tooth is necessary before cementing the shell to it. The dentist must shave off a thin layer of the enamel. This is a painless process that roughens the surface and provides enough space for the shell. Taking impressions of the treated teeth will help the lab create the custom veneer. Cementing the permanent veneer and hardening it with the curing light will follow. Polishing it will help the treated tooth blend well with the neighboring natural teeth.

Dental crowns

Caps or crowns cover whole teeth. They can hide every stain or blemish that may be causing a distorted smile. The dentist will recommend this restoration if the dental staining does not improve with traditional in-office teeth whitening treatments. Deep staining from medications and white stains from excessive fluoride exposure are the common staining issues that crowns can correct.

Composite bonding

Composite resin material can cover stained teeth as well. It is a combination of plastics and glass. The dentist will match the color of this material to the color of the surrounding natural teeth. This treatment can also correct dental gaps and misshapen teeth. It is not invasive, so the patient can return to normal activities right after the visit.

The causes of dental staining

Many factors impact the color of one’s teeth. Some people have greenish-gray or yellow-brown teeth. Teeth that have yellow-brown coloration are easier to bleach than greenish-gray teeth. Studies show that aging causes teeth to discolor. Wear and tear, with stain accumulation, are the common causes of this condition. Below are other causes of dental staining:

• Eating habits
• Chemicals and drugs
• Genetic thinness or translucency of teeth
• Tobacco consumption
• Trauma
• Bruxism