How to Whiten Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry?
Attaining a bright, white smile is a wish that many people have. However, there is no single whitening method that works effectively for every case. Your dentist will recommend a dental treatment depending on the type of staining that has discolored your smile. At Civillico Family Dentistry, we provide cosmetic dental services that either lift or mask stains.
Lifting Surface Stains
Extrinsic stains are often caused by years of consuming dark liquids such as coffee, soda, and tea. These stains can be easily lifted by brushing consistently and using whitening products found at your local drug store. However, if you’re seeking a professional alternative that ensures results in less time, teeth whitening at your general dentist’s office is recommended.
Both teeth whitening in-office and with custom take-home trays are personalized treatments that are tailored to achieve your desired shade of white. Your dentist can recommend a concentration of bleaching agent and treatment length depending on your aesthetic goals.
In-office whitening treatment involve the use of a specialized light that quickly activates the active bleaching ingredients, resulting in a whiter smile after just one office visit. This is perfect for those seeking a brighter dental appearance prior to major upcoming events.
Take-home trays are fabricated to fit the contours of your teeth. Professional trays and bleaching agents are tailored to your specific expectations and the shape of your smile. By contrast, over-the-counter trays are not customized and bleaching agents can spill onto the gum line when using these, making it uncomfortable, even painful.
Restoring Impacted Enamel
Stains that give teeth a gray tone are typically caused by dental trauma or old metal restorations. This type of staining cannot be lifted with simple whitening treatments and extensive care may be required to maintain the tooth’s health. Two of the more popular, effective solutions available through your dentist’s office include:
Porcelain crowns are extremely durable and look like natural teeth. These restorations can be shade matched to the exact color you desire. They are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and reflect light similar to the way enamel does. Crowns are provided for patients who have major dental trauma or decay, restoring a tooth’s structure while protecting it from future infection.
Veneers are made of porcelain and are bonded to the front of the teeth. For those with major staining or fluorosis (white spots on the teeth), these create a new surface and, like crowns, can be customized to the ideal shade of white. Veneers positively change not only the color of your teeth but their shape, as well.
Discolored smiles can be improved through professional cosmetic dental treatments. For more information about our services, or to schedule a visit, contact Civillico Family Dentistry today.