Although seemingly everyone wishes they had perfectly bright white teeth, very few people come by them naturally. One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours is tinted more yellow or brown than pearly, you might be remembered for the wrong reasons.
Thankfully, your dentist offers cosmetic services that can address discoloration, like professional teeth whitening and veneers. But how do you pick the best treatment to meet your needs? Continue reading to learn more about both options so you can make an informed decision regarding upgrading your grin.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
If you’ve tried over-the-counter strips or gels that claim to lighten your teeth with no luck, you’re not alone! Many patients have tried unsuccessfully to obtain their ideal shade with store-bought products only to develop sensitivity due to overapplications.
Meanwhile, your dentist has access to professional-grade solutions that are specifically designed to minimize potential discomfort. A single in-office treatment can lift the color of your teeth by several shades for instantaneous results. Many providers also offer take-home kits that include ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted trays to achieve optimal outcomes from the comfort of your couch.
When Is Professional Teeth Whitening Best?
This treatment is ideal for addressing surface stains that develop in your enamel after repeated exposure to dark foods, drinks, or other substances. However, some blemishes are too deep or have other causes and can’t be addressed topically. These often require a different solution, like veneers.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells made of durable porcelain that are fixed to the front surface of your teeth to mask one or several aesthetic concerns. They address several problems like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, slight gaps, or somewhat crooked teeth and can last 15+ years with the right care. Plus, they can be customized to match the shade, shape, and size of your natural teeth for seamless results.
Your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth for these prosthetics to fit properly. Because it doesn’t regenerate, it’s considered an irreversible alteration to your teeth. You’ll need to have veneers or some other restoration in place moving forward to protect them.
When Are Veneers Best?
Extrinsic surface stains can usually be easily addressed with topical whitening services, but some are intrinsic and originate for other reasons. For example, some blemishes and flaws are caused by genetics, prescription medications, or over-exposure to fluoride as a child. When bleaching isn’t enough to reach your smile goals, your dentist might recommend veneers instead.
If you still feel uncertain about which direction to take, your dentist can help you decide once you’ve arrived for your consultation. Either way, you’ll soon have bright white teeth to show off to all your family and friends!
About the Practice
At Troisi Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from a team of experts who provide a full range of services to streamline their dental care. With 10+ years of combined experience, they can handle everything from preventative treatments to more complex procedures and restorations. They take the time to get to know your unique needs and concerns and then customize treatment plans to meet them. Their comfortable practice is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. You can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (757) 548-1611.