Do you dream of having a brighter, whiter smile? You’re not alone.
It’s natural and normal for teeth to turn yellow over time. At first, you may not really notice the change. Then one day, you look in the mirror, and the teeth smiling back at you barely look like your own.
Drinking coffee and other dark liquids, smoking, and taking certain medications can make dental staining worse. But even outside of these factors, genetics and aging can make yellowing teeth an inescapable reality. Well, without cosmetic dentistry, that is.
Cosmetic dentists, like those at Orange City Modern Dentistry, offer several treatments that can transform stained or yellow teeth into a brighter, whiter smile you’ll be proud of.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
The first, most approachable solution for discolored teeth is a take-home whitening kit from your dentist. No, this is not the same as whitening strips you can buy over the counter at the pharmacy. And it’s definitely not the same as a “natural” whitening solution from the health food store.
Here are a few reasons we always recommend a professional whitening kit over DIY methods:
Dental Sensitivity
Maybe you know someone who has experienced tooth sensitivity after using whitening strips or another DIY tooth whitening remedy. Sometimes, this happens because the strips don’t fit your teeth perfectly, and some of the solution comes into contact with your gums. It can also occur if you have untreated decay or cavities that become irritated by the chemicals in the whitening solution.
When you opt for a professional whitening kit, your cosmetic dentistry specialist will first look over your teeth to ensure they’re healthy enough for treatment. If you have any concerns that need to be addressed, we’ll address them before we give you the whitening kit, which will minimize the risk of discomfort. Plus, each kit includes custom trays made to fit your own teeth which reduces the risk of spill-overs that can cause irritation.
Safety
Some DIY teeth whitening methods, even those said to be “natural,” are not necessarily safe. You may be at risk for side effects if you apply too much of the solution or if you accidentally swallow some of it.
The whitening solutions in custom kits are specially formulated with the perfect concentrations of compounds to whiten your teeth safely and effectively. We know exactly how strong the bleaching gel is and what it contains – and we’ve determined that it’s safe when used as directed.
Consistent Results
Whitening strips and other DIY methods often lead to spotty results. For example, your front teeth, which come into direct contact with the strip, might be lightened by a few shades. But the teeth right next to them may stay a bit darker. Or you may be left with spots of buildup. This is certainly not what most people are aiming for when they begin a whitening treatment.
Professional whitening kits consist of a bleaching gel and custom created trays for your mouth. The trays fit closely around your teeth, ensuring the whitening gel is in complete contact with all surfaces of your teeth. This leads to more even, consistent results and, ultimately, a smile you’ll be proud to share.
Fast Results
Are you tired of using whitening toothpaste day after day and never really noticing a change? Other DIY methods can seem like they take forever to work, too, or they may deliver results that only seem to last for a few days.
With professional whitening kits, you see results within just a couple of weeks. Actually, some patients notice their teeth becoming whiter within a few days, although it takes a little longer to see the full effects. As long as you wear your trays daily as instructed, you’ll get results, whether your teeth are slightly yellow or badly stained.
Porcelain Veneers
Whitening kits are effective in reducing most cases of yellowing, and they can also remove mild stains. However, if you have more severe dental staining, a whitening solution may not get rid of it completely. In these cases, cosmetic dentists often recommend porcelain veneers.
Veneers are like little caps or covers that fit just over the front, visible portion of your tooth. When someone looks at your smile, they see the veneer, not your natural tooth.
The veneers we use are made from porcelain, so they’re very strong and durable. Your dentist can adjust the shade to fit your preferences. While Hollywood stars are often known for having bright white veneers, we can absolutely make yours look more natural if that’s what you’d prefer.
Veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic dentistry option. In other words, once you have them applied, you have to keep them in place for the rest of your life. This is because we have to remove a thin layer of tooth enamel before applying the veneer.
The good news is that veneers are easy to care for and live with. While you’ll want to avoid the crunchiest foods, like ice and shelled nuts, you can keep eating pretty much everything else. You can also continue brushing and flossing your teeth like normal. And your dentist will look over your veneers every six months at your standard cleaning appointments.
Here are a few other benefits of veneers:
- They can hide more than just staining. Veneers also camouflage chipped, small, or slightly crooked teeth.
- They give “permanent” results. You don’t have to repeat the treatment every few years as with whitening kits.
- They resist staining. Porcelain is resistant to stains, so you can enjoy coffee and red wine without worry.
- They look real. Today’s veneers don’t look like “fake teeth,” so nobody but you and your dentist needs to know you have them.
Metal-Free Restorations
Perhaps you have a tooth that has darkened after trauma, illness, or decay. Or maybe you have an existing metal crown that bothers you every time you look in the mirror. In cases like these, we suggest talking to your dentist about metal-free restorations.
Restorations include:
Crowns
A crown is like a cap or cover for the whole tooth. We often crown teeth that have been weakened by severe decay. We also apply a crown after a root canal or if a tooth has been badly cracked or chipped.
Instead of metal crowns, which are obvious in the mouth, we use metal-free crowns that blend in with the surrounding teeth. Not only are these more aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also ideal for those with allergies and sensitivities to metals.
Inlays
An inlay is a type of filling that sits inside the tooth. We pre-mold the material before inserting it into the empty space. If you have a cavity that is centered on your tooth and not along an edge, we’ll likely suggest a tooth-colored inlay. You won’t even see it when we’re done!
Onlays
When decay stretches across the tooth, we often have to use a type of restoration called an onlay. As with inlays, we opt for tooth-colored material for a more natural look.
From onlays to whitening trays, we make appearance a priority at Orange City Modern Dentistry. If you’re tired of hiding your smile, contact us to learn more about these cosmetic dentistry options. Whether your teeth have yellowed or you’re in need of a crown, we’re happy to help.