Our smile is often the first thing others notice about us, and so having sparklingly white teeth is seen as an attractive feature in our world today. If yours are stained or discolored, this can leave you feeling self-conscious and like you don’t measure up. Fortunately, your dentist can lighten your grin with different cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. How do you know, though, which treatment is best for you? Keep reading to learn more about each option to help guide your decision!
Treatment #1: Teeth Whitening
If you’re looking for a fast, convenient way to brighten your smile then teeth whitening may be the way to go. While there are plenty of over-the-counter products that may tempt you, these often contain abrasive ingredients that cause tooth sensitivity. Your dentist, meanwhile, has access to professional-grade bleaching agents that don’t cause discomfort. Many even offer take-home kits with customized trays so you get more accurate results from the comfort of your own home.
The results of your whitening procedure can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. You can extend the impact by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth twice every day to eliminate unhealthy bacteria and any food particles that might cause problems.
Not all discoloration can be bleached away, however. Some people have splotches on their teeth due to genetics, prescription medications, or other medical conditions. Because these originate internally and don’t simply reside on the surface, you might be better off with porcelain veneers.
Treatment #2: Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that are customized to match, or lighten, the shade of your natural pearly whites. They’re affixed to the front of your teeth and can mask several types of minor aesthetic flaws such as small gaps, slight overcrowding, chips, cracks, and discoloration. These durable covers look and feel natural and can last 10+ years with the right care.
For veneers to line up against your gums, however, your dentist will need to remove some of the protective enamel from your teeth, first. Because it doesn’t regenerate, this is considered a permanent change, and your tooth will be weaker as a result. Thankfully, veneers are strong enough to resist additional stains and injuries and can protect the underlying tooth. They are considered a permanent change, so if you aren’t ready for that commitment then veneers may not be the best fit for you.
Only your dentist can make an official recommendation to enhance your grin based on your current dental condition. Either way, you can soon have the shining bright smile that you deserve!
About the Author
Dr. Gregory D. Martin takes pride in providing families with comprehensive general and cosmetic services to build happy, beautiful grins. He received his undergraduate degree at Texas Wesleyan University and then began postgraduate studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, D.C. Now, he uses state-of-the-art technology to offer only the most contemporary treatments for long-lasting results. If you’d like whiter teeth, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (817) 481-1041.