Having discolored teeth can make you want to hide your smile instead of showing it off. You should have a smile that you’re proud for everyone to see. Dr. Melissa Elliott of Harford County Dentistry, a dentist in Fallston, MD, discusses the many options you have to get a whiter smile.
Professional teeth whitening is what you probably think of when you think of getting a whiter smile. At Harford County Dentistry, we’re proud to offer Zoom!™ Teeth Whitening. The effects of professional whitening are much better than that of over the counter products. Over the counter products are often one size fits all and can give an uneven treatment or cause sensitivity when the bleaching agent comes into contact with your gums.
Zoom whitening involves a special bleaching agent that’s activated by the Zoom light. Dr. Elliott will carefully apply the paste to your teeth, taking care to avoid getting it on gums or soft tissue. You’ll get protective glasses and sit for about an hour with the bleaching light on your teeth to activate the gel. This hour will give you teeth that are up to eight shades whiter than when you came into the office.
In addition, Dr. Elliott will provide you with whitening trays that are customized to your smile for touch-ups on your teeth. The effects of professional teeth whitening can last for years to come, depending on your lifestyle choices. Things like smoking tobacco or frequently drinking coffee make your teeth more likely to develop stains.
Sometimes, you may have stains on your teeth that are resistant to traditional teeth whitening methods. Particularly, stains that come from genetics or medications can create spots on the teeth that are hard to remove. Porcelain veneers make a good solution for people with this kind of staining. Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that cover the front and sides of the teeth.
Since veneers go over your teeth, they’re ideal for more stubborn stains. Porcelain veneers are also known for their durability and stain-resistance. A small amount of the front of your tooth is removed to make room. An impression of your smile is taken and custom veneers are made for your teeth. They’re color-matched to the rest of your smile, or can be made any shade of white you’d like. They’re permanently bonded to your tooth and feel and look natural.
Dental crowns are similar to porcelain veneers, except they go over the entire tooth. They can also be color-matched and are made of durable dental ceramic. Dental crowns are typically known for being used as the final restoration for a dental implant or to give a tooth extra stability after a root canal has been performed.
For a dental crown, more of your tooth surface has to be removed to accommodate the restoration. The crown will be custom-made to blend in with the rest of your teeth. If you have any teeth that are chipped or cracked in addition to being discolored, a crown can give you both the whitening you want while getting back the full functionality of your tooth.
Ready to get an even, beautiful white smile? Call us or schedule an appointment online.
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