A beautiful smile is everything. According to a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, attractive teeth portray happiness, youth, confidence, and success. Not to mention, a friendly smile can be contagious. Unfortunately, Dentistry Today reports over 25% of people don’t like showing their teeth. Although various factors can affect their appearance, tooth discoloration is a common concern. A cosmetic dentist can restore a vibrant smile with teeth whitening; however, it’s not right for all stains. Here’s what you need to know to achieve the bright, stunning smile you deserve.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Teeth naturally come in several shades from genetics, but other things influence their color, too. Age is a common culprit because of enamel loss over the years, which can make your teeth appear yellow. Some stains are caused by years of bad habits, like not brushing twice a day, smoking, or drinking too much coffee. Although some stains are preventable, others result from issues you can’t control, like antibiotic exposure or developmental defects. As a result, not all stains can be treated equally. A whitening treatment is effective for surface stains, such as from poor oral hygiene or smoking, but it won’t have any effect on those originating from the tooth structure. Thankfully, you can still revamp your smile with veneers.
Teeth Whitening VS Porcelain Veneers
Modern whitening systems are effective in improving the color of the teeth by up to 8 shades. They are specially formulated to penetrate the enamel without damaging the tooth. When used for intrinsic stains, like those caused by age or coffee, you can enjoy a whiter smile after just one appointment. Your results can last for several months to years with the proper aftercare, like maintaining your oral hygiene. While whitening treatments are proven successful, they can’t resolve extrinsic stains, like those caused by medications.
Cover Dark Stains with Veneers
You may not believe veneers are a solution for discoloration, but their versatility can hide several imperfections at once. A veneer is a thin shell that’s bonded to the front surface of a tooth to enhance its size, shape, and color. Besides covering stubborn tooth discoloration, you can also fix gaps and chips. Since porcelain is stain-resistant, you don’t need to worry about your new smile ever losing its shine because veneers can last for a decade or longer.
While veneers are a great solution, a small amount of enamel must be removed. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend them to whiten teeth under certain circumstances, or if you want to make significant improvements.
Whether teeth whitening or veneers, your cosmetic dentist can give you a smile you’ll be proud to share with the world.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Brooke Buller earned her dental degree from The Ohio State University. She strives to build strong relationships with her patients to help them achieve their best smiles. If you’re ready to love the smile you see in the mirror, contact our office today to schedule your consultation for cosmetic dentistry.