Having discolored teeth is something that can be hard to get over. You spend so much time trying to hide your smile when you should be showing it off. Luckily there are multiple options to get a whiter smile. Dr. Caleb A. Robinson, a dentist in New Philadelphia, OH, explains the options available at our office.
Professional Teeth Whitening
When you think of getting whiter teeth at the dentist, this is probably what you think of. Professional teeth whitening is definitely the ideal compared to over the counter products. Drugstore whitening solutions aren’t catered for size and can cause sensitivity where the bleaching agent comes into contact with soft tissue. They also lead to patchy results.
At our office, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening options. For in-office whitening, we can give you teeth shades whiter in about an hour. We’ll protect your gums and soft tissue and then paint whitening gel onto the teeth. If you don’t get the desired results from the first treatment, a second treatment can be completed.
Take-home teeth whitening is a more gradual process. It happens gradually over the course of a few weeks. Impressions of your teeth are taken to make custom whitening trays. A professional-grade gel is placed in them for even application. You’ll wear them for a couple of hours every day until the desired result is achieved.
Porcelain Veneers
Not all staining and discoloration can be taken care of with traditional whitening techniques. Porcelain veneers offer an alternative for teeth stained by things like genetics or medication. Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of teeth. The material is designed to be both stain-resistant and durable for a long-lasting solution.
To get veneers, some of the tooth structure will first be removed from your teeth. We want to make sure the veneers lay flat and flush with the rest of your smile. Impressions are taken so that the veneers are custom-made to fit your smile. When they’re back, we’ll fit them to your teeth to make sure they’re comfortable. They’re then permanently bonded to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you want an economical solution and aren’t ready to commit to a permanent one, dental bonding may be the best option. The bonding material is made of a resin that can be color-matched to the shade of white you want. It’s malleable and can also help with cosmetic chips and cracks while it’s whitening.
For dental bonding, a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed to ensure the material adheres to the tooth. It’s molded into the shape of your tooth so that it looks natural. It’s then hardened and cured with a light, then polished to match the sheen of your natural teeth.
Get a Whiter Smile at Your New Philadelphia, Ohio Dentist
No matter the technique, we can find a way for you to get the smile of your dreams. Call us or schedule an appointment online.