Teeth stains and discoloration are difficult to remove, especially with just tooth brushing alone. Whitening toothpastes and other products that you can buy over-the-counter can even cause more harm to your teeth than good. But, if you want a whiter smile this spring, there are a few things you can do! First, consult with your dentist – Dr. Calcagno and Dr. Heimer offer free cosmetic consultations to help you determine the best treatment for your individual situation. Everyone’s teeth are different so whitening treatments won’t produce the same results across the board, but using modern technology your dentist can even show you what your smile will look like.
How To Brighten Your Smile
- Whitening
For stains and discoloration on the outer layers of your teeth (known as extrinsic stains), teeth whitening could give you a bright, white smile. Kor whitening combines in-office whitening and take-home whitening trays from your dentist, deep bleaching your teeth and removing much of the discoloration.
- Bonding
Using composite-resin (a tooth-colored material), your dentist can use bonding to cover deep stains. Bonding is actually used for many cosmetic purposes – reshaping your teeth, filling gaps, etc. – and the material, composite-resin, is also used for dental fillings!
- Dental Crowns
When you’re dealing with severe discoloration, teeth whitening may not be able to brighten your smile completely (or at all, depending on the type of stains). Your dentist may recommend placing a dental crown over your discolored tooth to create that seamless smile you’re looking for.
- Porcelain Veneers
Last, but certainly not least, if you’re struggling with extremely severe staining across many of your teeth – porcelain veneers may be the option for you. Veneers fit over your smile and are bonded to create strength and stability.