Taking Care of Discolored Teeth

When you have a discolored smile, it can be hard to display it confidently. And we think you should always be ready to show off your smile. Dr. David Rever of Advanced Total Dental Care discusses the ways you can treat your discolored teeth in our office.

Professional Teeth Whitening

When you think about getting a whiter smile at your dental office, professional teeth whitening is probably what comes to mind. Professional whitening solutions have many benefits compared to over the counter ones. Drugstore whitening products are often one size fits all, causing sensitivity when they come into contact with the gums. They usually deliver splotchy, uneven results.

At our office, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening options. In-office whitening gives you quick results, like for an upcoming event. Your teeth can be up to eight shades whiter in around an hour. Your soft tissue will be protected before a hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to the teeth. It’s high-quality, making your teeth multiple shades whiter after the hour.

Take-home whitening is a more gradual process. Dr. Rever will take molds of your teeth to make custom whitening trays. He’ll also give you a professional-grade whitening solution to put in the trays. You will need to wear them for roughly one hour at night, and Dr. Rever will tell you how long to do this to reach your cosmetic goals.

Porcelain Veneers

Traditional whitening techniques may not be able to take care of all discolorations. Porcelain veneers are a suitable alternative for teeth stained by things like genetics or medication. Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of the tooth. Dental porcelain is made to be durable and stain-resistant.

To get veneers, a small amount of tooth structure is removed. We want to make sure they lay flat and flush with the rest of your smile. Impressions are taken so that the veneers can be custom-made to fit your teeth. When they’re ready, we’ll get them fitted to your teeth and any small adjustments may be made. When you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to your teeth.

Dental Bonding

If you’re looking for an economical solution and aren’t ready for something permanent, dental bonding may be the best choice for you. The bonding material can be color-matched to any shade of white you desire. It’s malleable as well, so it’s able to take care of cosmetic chips while whitening your teeth.

A minimal amount of tooth structure is removed to ensure the bonding material adheres to the tooth. The material is molded into the shape of the tooth to look natural. When you’re satisfied, the material is cured and hardened with a special light. It’s then polished to match the natural sheen of the rest of your teeth.