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 Brookfield clinic to get the process started.
Request an appointment here: https://www.tangdds.com or call Brookfield Family Dentistry:Thomas Tang DDS at (262) 200-8000 for an appointment in our Brookfield office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Cosmetic dentistry includes a range of services that improve the person’s smile by addressing cosmetic imperfections with the teeth, gums, jaw alignment, and more. It is helpful to have a good understanding of the more common services that are generally offered by cosmetic dentistry practices to determine if treatment is right for your needs.Every cosmetic…
Patients interested in undergoing cosmetic dentistry often have questions about the process. This article answers commonly asked questions to help you gain more insight into this type of procedure and its benefits.The following are the questions that patients often ask about cosmetic dentistry procedures:Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, snap-on…
You have had problems with a tooth before. From cavities to chips or even to breaks, dentists can treat a variety of issues. What happens if you knock teeth out altogether? Even though it may seem that you will have to go on with an unsightly gap in your mouth, your dentist can solve this…
A smile makeover can come in many forms. While you may think of this mostly as something that restores the look and function of teeth, gums can pose problems too. A common issue is what is known as a gummy smile. This occurs when more of a person’s gums than their teeth show when they…
Dentists recommend root canal treatment for damaged, diseased, or infected teeth. The treatment aims to eliminate bacteria within the tooth's pulp and save a patient's natural teeth. After a tooth matures, it no longer requires the pulp for nourishment. The dentist removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside, and seals it to prevent reinfection.Decay and…
Choosing dental implants is a great idea if you are looking into your tooth-replacement options because you are missing one or more of your teeth. This option is one that offers benefits that other replacement options do not, which is why so many patients are choosing implants to replace their missing teeth. Other replacement options…