3 Ways to Treat Discolored Teeth
Over time your pearly white smile may have become discolored for various reasons. Lifestyle, diet, and other factors have left you displeased with the color of your teeth. Here are three methods for restoring your pearly white smile.
CHOOSE THE METHOD TO TREAT DISCOLORED TEETH THAT’S BEST FOR YOU
- Teeth Whitening
Perfect for minor surface stains, simple teeth whitening procedures can be completed at a dentist’s office or in your very own home. As the least expensive method of teeth discoloration correction, many patients opt for this treatment. If you choose to use an in-office treatment, a dentist will apply whitening gel to the surface of your teeth and shine an ultraviolet light to activate the gel. This special light makes the whitening process go faster, taking as little time as 20 minutes. By choosing an in-office teeth discoloration treatment, you will have the guidance of professionals who will take proper care of your gums and teeth in order to limit irritation and future problems.
In-home teeth whitening treatments provide the convenience of whitening without having to leave your house. With options varying from trays to whitening strips, you can find the method that is easiest for you. While this treatment is more convenient and less expensive, the smaller amount of whitening agent concentration in the gel leads to a more gradual treatment and a longer whitening process.
- Dental Bonding
For deeper stains and flaws, dental bonding may be the best treatment for discolored teeth. In this process, your dentist will use a color guide in order to choose a shade of resin that matches the natural whiteness of your teeth. Once selected, the dentist will roughen your teeth and apply a conditioning liquid. This process helps the bonding material stick to your teeth for longevity. Next, the surface of your tooth is covered with the selected resin, which is then hardened with an ultraviolet light. This resin works to cover discoloration while looking natural next to the rest of your teeth. This process takes, on average, 30-60 minutes.
Some advantages of dental bonding include that it’s an easy process completed in one office visit, anesthesia is not required, and it removes only a small amount of tooth enamel. Disadvantages include that it is not the longest lasting method and that, while highly unlikely, the bonding material can chip or break if teeth are not taken care of properly.
- Porcelain Veneers
For the highest quality and longest lasting white teeth, porcelain veneers are the best option as they completely cover your smile. To apply the veneers, your dentist will first remove a small amount of enamel. Then, impressions are taken and a professional creates thin tooth-colored shells that fit your teeth. After a few weeks, the veneers will be ready and your dentist then cements them over the surface of your tooth. The porcelain material matches the color and texture of your teeth for a natural looking smile. This process is longer and more expensive than other discoloration treatments, requiring several trips to the dentist.
There are many advantages for choosing porcelain veneers, including a more natural look, protection for gum tissues, stain resistance, and long lasting whiteness. While veneers produce the best results for discoloration treatment, they are also the most expensive option, non-repairable, and may lead to temperature sensitivity.
Each of these three options will help to treat your discolored teeth and bring out your best smile. It is important to consult your dentist in order to find out which treatment may be best for you. Consult your dentist today and begin the process to treat your discolored teeth and show off your new pearly whites.