13 Mar What Causes Dulling and Discoloration of Teeth?
Not everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy bright, white teeth. Genetics, aging, medication, irregular or insufficient daily hygiene habits, smoking/tobacco use and diet can all contribute to dull or stained teeth. There are many ways to overcome a dull smile, and a consultation with Dr. Huriega will outline your best options, from whitening procedures to a more permanent solution like dental veneers.
In-office teeth whitening can lighten teeth up to eight shades in one visit. With Zoom in-office teeth whitening, your dental provider has access to the most powerful whitening agents available; trained staff; and the equipment needed to ensure a great result in one appointment. Touch-up kits are available for subsequent at home treatment as needed.
Intrinsic stains due to fluorosis, medications or those too stubborn to be removed during a standard cleaning by the hygienist, may better be treated with veneers. Veneers are very thin shells that are cemented to the front of teeth that are stained. Veneers are the least invasive cosmetic procedure that your cosmetic dentist can provide to correct many dental imperfections.
Dental bonding is another option that is more permanent than whitening, but not as extensive as veneers. With bonding, composite resin is used to cover stained teeth. The surfaces of the teeth are slightly roughed up to help the composite to better adhere to the teeth. A bonding agent is applied right before the composite resin. Bonding is added a little at a time, and hardened with a curing light or laser before the next coat is applied.
When the desired shape and shade are achieved, the treated teeth are polished to match surrounding teeth.
Teeth treated with bonding and veneers do not require any special care for day to day maintenance, however, care needs to be taken to avoid chipping or breaking. Do not bite into hard objects like ice or chew fingernails. This can weaken both dental bonding and veneers.
To maximize teeth whitening, limit beverages that stain like wine, coffee, tea, or soda and foods like blueberries. If you do consume these products, brushing teeth or rinsing with water as quickly as possible is recommended to maintain that “wow” smile.
No matter which treatment you determine is best for you, dull and discolored teeth will be history, and your smile makeover will be a great boost for your self-confidence. Contact our experienced team of cosmetic dentists today to schedule an appointment and learn how you can achieve a “wow” smile.