For many people, achieving a smile makeover make be as simple as whitening their teeth. Whiter teeth can significantly improve the overall appearance of one’s smile, boosting self-confidence and making for a better overall first impression. Though teeth whitening is the most popular way to alter tooth color, cosmetic dentists use several other techniques to help patients achieve more dazzling smiles.
A cosmetic dentist may use various techniques to change the shade of a patient’s smile. Which techniques a dentist opts for depends on a number of factors, including the extent of the discoloration, the patient’s budget and the dentist’s experience.
Teeth whitening is obviously the most popular way to rid a smile of discoloration. It is also one of the most affordable. A dentist may perform tooth whitening in one of two ways: In-office or via take-home trays.
In-office teeth whitening delivers optimal results in relatively little time. Depending on the extent of discoloration, a patient may need to undergo one to two 60 to 90-minute sessions. The results are quite impressive too, as many patients enjoy a whiter smile for anywhere from two to 12 years following the final session.
Prescribed whitening trays are more convenient for many patients. However, because the solutions are not nearly as concentrated as those used in-office, it could take a patient anywhere from two to four weeks to obtain the desired outcome.
For some patients, the discoloration goes so deep that it does not respond to whitening. In these situations, a dentist may suggest a more complex procedure, such as veneers. These covers are extremely flexible in that a dentist can customize them to just about any individual’s mouth. The material can cover just about any flaw, including cracks, chips and extreme discoloration. The only downside to veneers is that the dentist has to file down multiple teeth to create impressions that result in the perfect fit.
Bonding involves applying an etching solution followed by a tooth-colored material (often composite resin), directly to the surface of the tooth. Bonding is often used to fill cracks and crevices in a tooth, but it can be used to hide discoloration as well. The restoration can last for years, which is why it is a popular smile makeover technique. Even patients with extreme tooth decay can enjoy a healthy-looking smile once more with bonding.
Crowns can also cover severe discoloration. Dental caps fall somewhere in between veneers and bonding, as they can hide decay, restore broken and worn teeth and drastically change the shape of a tooth. Crowns come in many materials, including tooth-colored options. They are typically extremely durable and, depending on the material a dentist uses, can last for years.
There are several smile makeover techniques a dentist may use to remove or hide discoloration and drastically improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. If you want to achieve a whiter, brighter smile, talk to a dentist about options that will work for your situation and budget.
Are you considering a smile makeover in the Huntersville area? Get more information at https://lakenormandentistry.com.
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