A bright smile is one that many people wish to attain. However, discoloration is caused by a variety of dental factors including diet and decay. Cosmetic dental treatments are offered as a solution to help you achieve the aesthetic you desire. Depending on the severity of your stains, your dentist may recommend a set of procedures that will best match your expectations.
Cosmetic Treatments to Treat Stains
There are two main types of stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Each discoloration type requires a different cosmetic approach to achieve a whiter appearance.
Cleaning Surface Discoloration
Extrinsic stains sit at the surface of the enamel and are easily lifted. If you like to drink coffee, tea, wine, or dark sodas and juices, they contribute to a stained look on your teeth. Solutions include over-the-counter products such as whitening toothpaste, strips, and mouthwashes, but professional treatments provide the most effective results.
Teeth whitening treatments can be completed in just one appointment, allowing you to achieve the shade of white your desire rapidly. Perfect for individuals with a major event the next day, professional teeth bleaching can quickly prepare you for your big day. Take-home trays are a convenient option to whiten smiles, utilizing recommended bleaching products by your dentists. However, take-home treatments do not provide the expedited results of in-office bleaching.
Discoloration Inside The Tooth
Intrinsic stains develop due to damage or decay inside the tooth, whether due to trauma, old restorations, or strong medication. These stains are difficult to lift with just whitening treatments, which is why cosmetic restorations such as veneers and crowns are recommended.
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the surface of an altered tooth. Made of opaque, white materials, they create a new look to your smile.
Crowns are used to restore teeth that have large cavities or fractures. They are custom-fabricated to look and feel like natural enamel and can be shade matched to your desired brightness. These restorations not only restore a tooth’s appearance but its structure as well.
Cosmetic dental treatments are essential to restoring the beauty of a smile. For more information about our cosmetic dental services see our Cosmetic Dentistry page.