Cosmetic Dentistry aims to address issues that take away from the appearance of your teeth. Stains are one of the common things that people complain about when it comes to the appearance of their teeth. Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth, they will eventually pick up some discoloration.
Teeth are regularly exposed to tannins in foods and beverages that can stain them. Habits like smoking also change the color of a person's teeth. Cosmetic dentistry addresses stains and discoloration by either removing them with a bleaching agent or covering up the tooth with a restoration so any stains on it are not visible.
The treatment approach that the dentist decides to go with depends on the reason the patient's teeth are stained. Bleaching agents work well on stains caused by aging, tannins and smoking. They are not as effective when it comes to stains caused by tetracycline antibiotics or those caused by overexposure to fluoride.
Teeth whitening: These are effective on most types of stains, and a typical session only lasts an hour. It uses bleaching agents like hydrogen carbamide and hydrogen peroxide to oxide stains and remove them. These treatments are usually performed using custom mouth trays that the patient bites down on after the bleaching product is spread on them. A single teeth whitening session can improve the color of a person's teeth by up to eight shades.
Veneers: These are tooth-shaped covers that are cemented to the front of a tooth. They are color-matched with the rest of the patient's teeth and hide stains. When a person wearing veneers smiles, all that others see is what looks like a perfectly normal tooth. Veneers are arguably the most powerful dental restoration when it comes to transforming a person's smile. Installing veneers often requires the removal of enamel.
Composite bonding: This is an affordable solution that works great when it comes to removing stains from teeth surfaces. The putty-like material is applied to the tooth and it covers up deformities and stains. The dentist shapes the material as needed and hardens it with a curing light. Composite bonding is one of the least invasive treatments that can improve the appearance of teeth.
Crowns: Crowns can be used to address stains when it affects all sides of the tooth. The crown goes over the visible part of the tooth, and it creates the appearance of a white tooth without stains. Just as is the case with veneers, the installation of crowns requires the removal of enamel from all sides of the tooth. This is a permanent alteration and it cannot be reversed. The tooth will always need to be protected with a dental crown moving forward.
Do not let stains and discoloration ruin the appearance of your teeth. There are various ways that our dentist can restore the color of your teeth and enhance your smile. Call or visit our Pasadena to start the process.
Request an appointment here: https://okamotoandbigleydentistry.com or call Okamoto and Bigley Dentistry at (626) 472-2178 for an appointment in our Pasadena office.
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