When you have discolored teeth, you may spend too much time trying your hide your smile when you should be having fun. We think you should have a smile that you’re ready to always show off. Dr. Georgia Haddad of Beach Cities Dental Group discusses the Oxnard cosmetic dentistry solutions that can take care of your discolored teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening
When you think about getting a whiter smile at your dentist, professional teeth whitening is probably what comes to mind. Professional whitening has many benefits compared to over the counter solutions. Drugstore whitening solutions are often one size fits all and can cause sensitivity in the soft tissue. They often provide uneven and splotchy results.
At our office, we offer both at-home and in-office whitening solutions. In the office, we have Zoom! teeth whitening. A whitening gel is painted on your teeth and a special light then activates the bleaching agent in the gel. This solution is ideal when you need a whiter smile quickly, like for an event. Your teeth can be up to eight shades whiter in just an hour at our office.
Take-home teeth whitening is a more gradual process. Custom bleaching trays are made from molds of your smile. A whitening gel is put in them and provides an even whitening treatment that’s made for your smile. You’ll wear them for a few hours a night for a certain number of days to get the shade of white you desire.
Porcelain Veneers
Certain staining isn’t responsive to traditional teeth whitening techniques. Porcelain veneers offer an alternative for teeth stained by things like genetics or medications. Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of the teeth. The material is designed to be both durable and stain-resistant for a long-lasting solution.
To get veneers, a small amount of tooth structure is removed. We want to make sure the veneers lay flat and flush with the rest of your smile. Impressions are taken so that the veneers can be custom-made. When they’re ready, we’ll fit them to your smile and make small adjustments if needed. Once you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you’re looking for a solution that’s cost-effective and you aren’t ready for a permanent restoration, dental bonding may be the best option for you. The bonding material can be color-matched to whatever shade of white you’re looking for. The material is also malleable and can take care of cosmetic chips and cracks while it’s whitening.
For dental bonding, a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed so that the bonding material can adhere to the tooth. It’s molded to match the natural shape of your teeth. When you’re satisfied that it looks natural, a special light is used to harden and cure the material. It’s then polished so that it matches the sheen of the rest of your smile.
At Beach Cities Dental Group, we offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry options to give you a whiter smile. Call us or schedule an appointment online.