Having discolored teeth can make you want to hide your smile all the time when you should want to show it off. You shouldn’t have to cover your mouth when you smile or laugh. Dr. Heather Adams, a dentist in Rogers, AR, explains the multiple options you have to take care of your discolored teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening
This is usually what you think of when you imagine teeth whitening. Over the counter methods try to accomplish what professional teeth whitening does. However, those products are usually one size fits all. This can lead to uneven whitening or your gums and soft tissue coming into contact with the bleaching gel and leading to sensitivity.
At our office, we provide both in-office and take-home teeth whitening. In the office, a whitening gel is carefully applied to your teeth, taking care to avoid your gums and soft tissue. It’s then activated with a special light to whiten your smile. This treatment typically takes about an hour and gives you teeth up to eight shades whiter. It’s ideal for something like an event coming up where you need whiter teeth ASAP.
Take-home teeth whitening whitens in a more gradual manner. We’ll provide you with customized whitening trays so that they fit your smile perfectly. The whitening gel will be put in these trays and you’ll wear them for a few hours each day. You gradually see the results and are able to do touchups if you need to. You can stop whenever you’re satisfied with the shade of your smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Some stains come from medication or genetics and are unable to be removed by traditional whitening methods. Porcelain veneers offer a great solution. They’re thin shells of high-quality dental ceramic and are designed to go over the front and sides of the tooth. Veneers are designed to be durable and stain-resistant, giving you whiter teeth for years to come.
To get veneers, Dr. Adams will first shave off a portion of the front of your tooth. This is to make room for the veneer to be comfortable and look natural. Impressions are taken of your tooth and the veneer is custom-made. When it’s done, Dr. Adams will place the veneer on the front of your tooth and make sure it looks and feels natural. When you’re both satisfied, the veneer will be permanently bonded to the tooth.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an economical option for getting whiter teeth. It’s also ideal for someone that has stains resistant to traditional methods, but they don’t want to commit to a permanent solution like veneers. The bonding material is a biocompatible resin that can be color-matched to the rest of your teeth.
A very small portion will be removed from the front of your tooth to make room for the resin. It’ll be painted over your tooth and can be molded and shaped if you have any chips you’d like to fill in. A special light is used to cure and harden the resin. We’ll then polish it so that it matches the natural sheen of the rest of your teeth.
Treating Discolored Teeth at Your Rogers, Arkansas Dentist
Are you ready to get a whiter smile? Call us or schedule an appointment online.