One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and many people consider bright white teeth to be an incredibly attractive feature. If yours are stained, it’s natural to feel self-conscious or anxious about spending time with others.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide different cosmetic services to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. For instance, teeth whitening and veneers are popular procedures that can lighten your grin by several shades. But how do you know which method is best for you? If you’re longing for a more dazzling smile, keep reading to learn more about each treatment so you can make an informed decision!
Procedure #1: Teeth Whitening
Years of exposing your teeth to darkly tinted ingredients like berries, coffee, tea, and wine can leave them looking more yellow or brown than white. If you’re frustrated by such surface stains, you’re not alone. Teeth whitening is the most requested cosmetic treatment in the U.S.; an estimated 35 million Americans will use the various products and services to brighten their grins this year alone. Although commercially available products exist, their bleaching agents have been known to cause tooth sensitivity and may not provide the desired results.
Your dentist, meanwhile, has access to professional-grade gels that include ingredients to minimize potential sensitivity. In a single, hour-long appointment, they can reliably lighten your teeth by up to 8 shades. If you’re short on time, you can also request a take-home kit that includes the same top-quality supplies and custom-fitted application trays. That way, you can get optimal results from the comfort of your home in as few as two weeks.
Procedure #2: Veneers
Extrinsic stains in the outermost layer of teeth are relatively easy to bleach away, but not all discoloration can be addressed this way. Intrinsic problems in the layer beneath your enamel, the dentin, require a different approach. They are often caused by overexposure to fluoride as a child, certain prescription medications, or genetics, which aren’t impacted by whitening products.
Instead, your dentist can provide porcelain veneers to improve your appearance. These thin, ceramic shells are customized to be the ideal shade, then bonded to the front surface of your teeth to hide flaws. They’re a versatile solution that can simultaneously address one or several aesthetic issues, including chips, cracks, stubborn stains, internal blemishes, or slightly gapped or crooked teeth.
If you’re still unsure of the best way to upgrade your grin, the best next step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rose and his team take pride in providing a full array of services to help people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Since then, he has continued his education through courses at the Misch Implant Institute and the prestigious Kois Center to stay on top of the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques. If you’re eager to enhance your appearance, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (702) 459-8998.