Having discolored teeth can make you want to hide your smile when you should be showing it off. Luckily, there are a variety of ways you can get a whiter smile. At Westborough Dental Associates, a dentist in Westborough, MA, describes the options available at our office.
Professional Teeth Whitening
This is what you traditionally think of when you want to get a whiter smile. Over the counter products for teeth whitening are often considered one size fits all. This can lead to uneven and blotchy results. If the strips or trays you’re using are too big, you also risk the bleaching agent coming into contact with your gums and causing sensitivity.
At Westborough Dental Associates, we offer customized take-home whitening kits. Unlike over the counter products, the bleaching trays are created based off of impressions of your teeth. This ensures that you get the perfect fit without causing any problems with sensitivity. They also help you get results that are nice and even.
After discussing your cosmetic goals for your smile, our office will prepare a customized treatment plan for you. You’ll fill the bleaching trays with professional-grade whitening gel and wear them for an hour or two each day. This will gradually whiten your smile throughout the course of a few weeks. We’ll recommend the amount of time your treatment should take for the results you’re looking for.
Porcelain Veneers
Not all tooth discoloration can be treated with traditional whitening methods. If your teeth are discolored due to genetics or certain medications, they may be resistant to bleaching gels. Porcelain veneers offer a quality alternative. They’re made of high-quality dental ceramic and are thin shells that cover the front and sides of your teeth. Veneers are designed to be durable and stain-resistant and are meant to be a permanent solution.
If you decide veneers are right for you, a small portion of your tooth structure will be removed to make room for them. Veneers should lay flat with the rest of your teeth. Impressions are taken so they can be custom-made for your smile. We’ll fit them and make sure you have the look and feel you desire. Once you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you’re looking for an economical option or aren’t ready for the permanence of porcelain veneers, dental bonding may be your best option. The bonding material is made of a biocompatible resin that can be colored to any shade you like. The resin is malleable and can be shaped, making it a good choice for taking care of any cosmetic chips as well.
The resin will be colored to your liking and applied to the teeth after a small amount of tooth structure is removed. This is to make the resin adhere as well as possible. When you’re happy with the results, a special light is used to cure and harden the resin. It’s then polished to match the sheen of your natural teeth.
Treating Discolored Teeth at Your Westborough, Massachusetts Dentist
Looking to get a whiter smile? Call us or schedule an appointment online.