Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments to Whiten Teeth

Whitening your smile has never been easier or safer, and several cosmetic dentistry treatments are available. To determine which cosmetic dentistry treatment will be most effective for you, it is important to understand what causes teeth stains, their severities, and how each teeth whitening treatment works.

Whitening teeth with cosmetic dentistry

Many understand the benefits that professional, in-office teeth whitening offers. Still, some need to become more familiar with how often they should seek teeth whitening and what options are available for severe stains that cannot be removed by over-the-counter teeth whitening products. The following is an overview of how cosmetic dentistry can address stains of all severity levels.

What causes teeth stains?

Teeth stains are most commonly the result of poor oral hygiene, a diet that contains a large amount of sugar and other carbohydrates, and infrequent check-up visits with the cosmetic dentist. Therefore, every individual should evaluate their daily oral routine (hygiene and consumption) to determine areas that may contribute to teeth stains.

Teeth stains result when plaque and tartar develop on the surface of teeth enamel. Also, the natural shade of teeth is more yellowish than white, so teeth that are not the ideal white shade can develop despite good oral hygiene and a proper diet over time.

When to choose professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening is an in-office procedure that involves safely applying a bleaching agent to natural teeth to improve the color shade. This is the most highly recommended form of treatment for mild to moderate stains, as dentists can ensure that the procedure is performed safely without damaging the enamel or the gums. The results can also last for more than a year, which is significantly longer than alternative methods of teeth whitening. Take-home whitening kits from a dentist may also be available, which are often more reliable than over-the-counter kits.

How to whiten teeth that are severely stained

Professional in-office teeth whitening works well for mild to moderate stains, but more extensive treatment may be necessary for severe stains. Dental bonding and veneers are two other ways a cosmetic dentist may treat teeth discoloration. Both effectively remove stains, and the results can last for years.

How to keep teeth white long term

Adopting a diet beneficial to oral health, reducing intake of colored soft drinks, coffee, and tea, and drinking water throughout the day can help prevent tooth stains. Also, brushing two or three times a day and flossing regularly can reduce the risk of plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of teeth. Most dentists also recommend a check-up visit and routine cleaning every four to six months to maintain good oral health and keep teeth white.

How to choose between teeth whitening, dental veneers, and dental bonding

Professional, in-office teeth whitening, dental veneers, and dental bonding are the three most popular methods for straightening a stained smile. Here is more information about each solution and how to choose the most effective option.

Who makes an ideal candidate for teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a great way to brighten your smile if you have mild to moderate tooth stains. The ideal patient also has healthy dental enamel. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of teeth sensitivity and damage to the enamel. The dentist can help determine if you are an ideal candidate during a consultation visit. They may recommend restorative procedures or a dental cleaning before teeth whitening if necessary.

Who makes an ideal candidate for dental veneers?

Dental veneers are more appropriate for addressing severe teeth stains that a teeth whitening procedure cannot adequately address. There are also many other uses for dental veneers, such as creating an even smile (i.e., lengthening teeth that are too short), filling in gaps between teeth, and fixing chipped and cracked front teeth. Dental veneers are also a more costly option. However, the results are widely considered superior to similar procedures, which usually last for over a decade.

Who makes an ideal candidate for dental bonding?

Dental bonding often achieves a similar purpose as dental veneers, except the cost is usually far more affordable. Although, the results do not last as long as porcelain veneers. Dental bonding may be recommended to address teeth stains if they are moderate to severe and the patient prefers a more affordable initial solution than what they would otherwise pay with dental veneers.

Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation today

You can arrange a time to visit with our cosmetic dentistry team by giving us a call today. We are happy to answer your questions over the phone. We can also explain all available treatment options during the consultation and guide you through every step of the treatment process.

Are you considering cosmetic dentistry in the Albuquerque area? Get more information at https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or by calling our office at (505) 634-5029.

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