A leading reason people turn to a cosmetic dentist is to get a whiter smile. Teeth whitening happens to be one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. However, it is not the only way a cosmetic dentist can help you get a whiter smile. Here is a closer look at your smile-brightening options.
Cosmetic dentists can help patients get a whiter smile with one or more of the following procedures. The recommended procedure depends on several factors, including the type of discoloration and the results the patient wants to achieve.
Teeth whitening usually involves bleaching chemicals such as carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to lighten tooth color. Treatments can involve in-office procedures that may employ lasers or a special light. Many dentists provide patients with customized trays and take-home whitening kits to use on their own time. Since these whitening options are dentist-supervised, they tend to produce stronger results. In addition, these kits can have fewer side effects, such as gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
Even dentist-supervised teeth whitening cannot resolve all types of tooth discoloration. The aging process, chemicals, and some medications can cause intrinsic stains and enamel defects that present as tooth discoloration. For these issues, a cosmetic dentist will recommend dental bonding. During this procedure, the dentist covers the stain with tooth-colored resin and hardens it with a special light. The composite resin can match the color of the surrounding enamel and will not respond to teeth whitening. Therefore, patients should have teeth whitening procedures before any dental bonding so the dentist can match the composite resin color to the shade of the newly whitened tooth enamel.
Dental veneers are thin tooth-colored shells that cover the front side of the teeth visible when a person smiles. Veneers whiten teeth by covering any stains or discolorations and creating a smile that is uniform in tooth size, shape, and color. Traditional veneers are made from porcelain, making them natural-looking and durable. However, the dentist will have to shave down the natural tooth enamel to make room for the veneers and allow them to adhere to the teeth properly. Composite resin veneers are a more economical option and do not call for as much alteration to the teeth. However, composite veneers are not as durable and stain-resistant as porcelain.
There are a myriad of over-the-counter whitening products people can buy in stores. They appear to be much less expensive and promise results. However, overall, they do not produce the same results dentists can. In addition, these products can be more likely to cause side effects such as gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. We advise our patients to consult a cosmetic dentist who can asses their teeth and match them with the procedure or procedures likely to produce the results they seek.
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