Discolored teeth can make you want to hide your smile when you should be showing it off. Luckily, there are multiple ways you can get a whiter smile. Dr. Uttma Dham of Westside Dental Center, a cosmetic dentist in Plantation, FL, explains the options available at our office.
Professional Teeth Whitening
This is probably what you usually think of when you think of teeth whitening at your dentist. Professional teeth whitening is highly preferred above over the counter options. The whitening options you can get at the drugstore are often one size fits all. This means uneven coverage and the danger of sensitivity if the bleaching agent comes into contact with your gums.
At Westside Dental Center, we use Zoom! and KöR teeth whitening in our office. We recommend what’s best for each patient’s particular case. In-office whitening is ideal for when you need whiter teeth quickly, like for an event. In an hour at our office, you get your teeth up to eight shades whiter! We protect your gums and soft tissue before spreading a whitening gel on your teeth. Protective eyewear is worn while a special light activates the bleaching agent.
We also offer take-home whitening kits for a more gradual process. Custom whitening trays are made from molds of your teeth to make trays that fit perfectly. A professional-grade whitening gel is placed into the trays. You wear these for a few hours each day for about a month, or whatever length Dr. Dham determines will get you the results you need.
Porcelain Veneers
There are some instances where traditional teeth whitening methods don’t suffice. Stains that happen due to things like genetics or medication are harder to treat. Porcelain veneers offer a quality alternative. Veneers are made of a thin shell of high-quality dental ceramic that goes over the front and sides of your teeth. The material is designed to be durable and stain-resistant.
To get porcelain veneers, we’ll shave off some of the front tooth structure to ensure the veneers will lay flat with the rest of your smile. Impressions are taken so that the veneers can be made specifically for your teeth. When they’re complete, we’ll fit them on your teeth to make sure they’re comfortable. Once you’re satisfied, we’ll permanently bond the veneers to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you’re looking for an economical option or aren’t ready for a permanent restoration, dental bonding could be the choice for you. The bonding material is made of a composite resin that’s color-matched to the shade you desire. It’s malleable and pliable, so it can be used to take care of any cosmetic chips or cracks as well.
A small amount of the tooth structure is removed to help make sure the bonding material adheres to the tooth. It’s molded to recreate the shape and size of the tooth. When done, a special light is used to harden the resin and it’s polished to match the natural sheen of the rest of your smile.
Tooth Whitening at Your Plantation, Florida Cosmetic Dentist
Are you ready to get a whiter smile? Call us or schedule an appointment online today!