Do you suffer from unsightly teeth stains? Dental discoloration can dull your smile and erode your confidence. Fortunately, with cosmetic dentistry, you can obtain a brighter, more beautiful smile. Your Rochester dentist, Dr. Gilly Calcagno, offers our patients professional teeth whitening options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stained Teeth
Question: What causes stained teeth?
Answer: There are actually two distinct types of teeth stain: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of our teeth, caused by the foods and drinks we consume, along with the use of tobacco products. Intrinsic stains form in the inner tooth structure, caused by trauma or the use of certain medications, such as tetracycline.
Question: Does my Rochester dentist offer professional teeth whitening?
Answer: Yes. To address extrinsic stains, Dr. Calcagno offers both at-home and in-office teeth whitening. Our office-based system uses a bleaching gel and special light to brighten smiles in under an hour. The at-home system uses a bleaching gel and whitening trays worn overnight or between one and two weeks.
Question: What are porcelain veneers?
Answer: To mask permanent intrinsic stains, your Rochester dentist can place a thin shell of porcelain over the front of the tooth. Veneers look natural and instantly rejuvenate your smile. Veneers can also correct the appearance of misalignment, repair cracked or chipped teeth, close gaps between teeth, and reshape malformed or damaged teeth.
Question: Can dental bonding address stained teeth?
Answer: Yes. Bonding may be recommended for teeth bearing intrinsic discoloration. Several layers of composite resin will be applied to the tooth. The resin can be shaded to ensure the bonding agent blends seamlessly with your smile. As the material cures, Dr. Calcagno will sculpt and mold the tooth. Dental bonding also repairs broken, fractured, pitted, or worn down teeth. For many patients, dental bonding offers a cost-effective alternative to porcelain veneers.
About Dr. Calcagno:
Dr. Gilly Calcagno is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Minnesota Dental Association, and is active in local dental implant study clubs. To schedule a consultation, call Calcagno Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry today at (507) 281-3659.
