Discolored teeth can be something that causes you to want to hide your smile when you should be showing it off. Luckily, your Washington DC dentist, Dr. Justin Deckard of DC Precision Dentistry, has multiple options to give you a whiter smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening
When you think about getting your teeth whitened at your dentist, this is probably what you imagine. Professional teeth whitening has many benefits over products you can get at the drugstore. Over the counter products are often one size fits all. This can lead to uneven, spotty results and sensitivity in your gums or lips because of the bleaching agent coming into contact with them.
At DC Precision Dentistry, we offer Zoom whitening treatment and both in-office and take-home options. In-office whitening is ideal for whitening teeth fast before an event or something. You can get teeth up to eight shades whiter in an hour. Your soft tissue will be protected from the bleaching agent. A whitening gel is applied to the teeth and you wear protective eye covering as a special light is used to activate the bleaching agent.
Take-home teeth whitening kits start with taking impressions of your teeth. Custom-made bleaching trays are made from these impressions. The professional-grade whitening gel is evenly placed in the trays that are a perfect fit for your teeth, protecting soft tissue. Take-home whitening is a more gradual process. You’ll wear them for a few hours each day over the course of a few weeks.
Porcelain Veneers
Traditional teeth whitening techniques may not be effective for every kind of discoloration. Stains from genetics and medication often don’t react to bleaching agents. Porcelain veneers can offer a solid alternative. Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of each tooth. This material is designed to be durable and stain-resistant for long-lasting results.
To get veneers, we first remove some of your tooth structure so the veneers lay evenly with the rest of your teeth. Impressions are taken so the veneers can be custom-made. When they’re ready, the veneers will be fitted to your teeth. We make sure they’re comfortable and look the way you want. If you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to the teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you need an alternative solution to traditional teeth whitening that’s economical or you aren’t ready for a permanent solution, dental bonding could be the right choice for you. The bonding material is made of a composite resin that’s color-matched to whatever shade you’d like. The material is malleable and can also be molded to take care of cosmetic chips as well.
A minimal amount of tooth structure is removed to make sure the resin adheres to the teeth. The material is molded to look like a natural tooth. Once you’re satisfied, a special light is used to cure and harden the resin. It’s then polished so that it matches the sheen of your natural teeth.
Treating Discolored Teeth at Your Washington DC Dentist
Are you ready to get the whiter smile you’re looking for? Call us or schedule an appointment online.