There are a handful of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can be used to improve the color of a person's teeth. Most people would love to have pearly white teeth, but that is easier said than done. Teeth are regularly exposed to foods and beverages that can stain them. They are also exposed to certain medications like tetracycline antibiotics that can lead to stains or habits like smoking. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has treatments that can be used to whiten your smile.
Here are popular ways that a dentist might go about addressing stains and discoloration on a person's teeth.
This should not be confused with using over-the-counter whitening products. Dentists have access to stronger bleaching agents that are not sold to the public. These are prescription-grade whitening products that can do more in an hour than an over-the-counter alternative can do in a month.
Teeth whitening treatments typically involve the dentist using a customized mouth tray to submerge the patient's teeth in the bleaching product. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a single whitening treatment performed by a dentist can improve the whiteness of teeth by up to eight shades. Some patients might need multiple treatments to reach their desired shade of white.
Composite bonding is performed using composite resins. These are mixtures of glass and plastics that are applied to teeth. The composite can be color-matched with the patient's teeth, and it covers up discoloration and stains. Composites can also be used to fix other issues like deformed teeth and spaces between teeth.
Composite bonding is an affordable solution for discolored teeth. It does not require altering the condition of the tooth by removing enamel.
These are one of the most popular restorations when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. They were popularized by celebrities who used them to create "movie star" smiles, and they are now available to the general public. The veneer goes over the front surface of a discolored tooth, hiding the stains on it.
The installation of veneers requires the removal of enamel, which permanently changes teeth. A tooth that has been restored with veneers will always need a restoration to protect it.
Also called caps, these prosthetics are used to cover up the visible part of a tooth. The crown hides all the imperfections on the tooth and protects it from bite forces. Crowns are typically used to treat discolored teeth when the stains are not responsive to whitening treatments. For example, the white stains that develop on teeth due to overexposure to fluoride do not respond to bleaching agents.
Ready for an improved smile? Call or visit our Grayslake clinic to get the process started.
Request an appointment here: https://grayslake.brightsmile-dental.net or call Bright Smile Dental at (847) 993-8023 for an appointment in our Grayslake office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Searching for a dentist near me often begins with convenience, but the range of services offered should be a top priority. A comprehensive dental practice not only addresses routine care but also provides advanced treatments to support long-term oral health. From preventive visits to restorative and cosmetic procedures, having access to the right services under…
If you have recently gotten a sleep apnea diagnosis, you will want to learn about the treatment options and how they work. CPAP devices are the most popular, but dental appliances are also a non-surgical option to consider. Continue reading to learn about the effectiveness of oral devices for sleep apnea treatment.Dental appliances for treating…
Partial dentures are a great way to improve your smile, oral health, and ability to function by replacing missing teeth. It is helpful to have a full understanding of what partial dentures are and why they are often the more preferable treatment solution for patients to decide if treatment is right for you.This review defines…
Looking for more information on oral surgery procedures? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, oral surgical procedures involve the incision, excision, or reflection of tissue that exposes the normally sterile areas of the oral cavity. A few examples of oral surgery procedures include implant surgery, tooth extractions, and performing any necessary gum…
Searching for a dentist near me often begins with convenience, but the range of services…
If you have recently gotten a sleep apnea diagnosis, you will want to learn about…
It is helpful to have a full understanding of what partial dentures are and why…
Keep in mind that this type of graft is typically used as a scaffold to…
Understanding the key differences between a dentist and an orthodontist can help patients determine which…