Over time, stains can appear for a number of different reasons. Our teeth go from a bright white to yellow or brown. In order to remove these stains and help people in Gary, IN, enjoy their brightest possible smiles, we may suggest cosmetic dentistry. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at four different treatment options designed to brighten smiles!
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you need results fast, then you may benefit from our in-office procedure, which can often brighten smiles in as little as two hours by several shades. The treatment involves first placing a protective covering over your lips and gums. We then apply the bleaching gel to the teeth and use a light to activate the gel, breaking up and removing discoloration. A great choice if you need quick results before a job interview, wedding, or date!
At-Home Teeth Whitening
For more substantial results, and to reduce tooth sensitivity, we may prescribe our home-based treatment option. When you come to the office, we take detailed impressions of your teeth to create a set of plastic trays. We then send you home with the trays and a powerful bleaching gel. The gel is placed into the tray and worn for 30 to 45 minutes daily. The trays will fit comfortably and spread the gel across the teeth evenly. Over a period of a week to ten days, discoloration will be removed and your smile brightened by multiple shades! You then keep the trays and any leftover gel for touch-ups in the future.
Dental Bonding
The treatments above remove extrinsic stains, or surface discoloration, but what about intrinsic stains? Intrinsic discoloration actually forms below the tooth enamel, often a result of injury to the teeth, fluorosis, or exposure to tetracycline. While minor intrinsic discoloration can often be removed with our trays and gel, severe staining may need to be masked. With dental bonding, we use the same lifelike composite resin employed in our tooth-colored fillings to mask these stains in just one visit!
Porcelain Veneers
For a more lifelike option to mask intrinsic stains, we may place a veneer. A thin shell of porcelain, a veneer instantly changes the shape and color of the teeth, allowing us to address damage or issues with the shape and surface, masking them in just two visits. We may combine them with bonding, reserving veneers for the front-facing teeth and employing bonding for the side and rear. If you have any questions about keeping your smile bright, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Discoloration?
We can help you achieve a brighter smile, often in as little as one visit. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, schedule your visit with Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Gary, IN, today by calling 219-938-2637.