When your teeth are discolored or stained, there are several ways to restore them to their natural color. But how do you know what approach is best? Should you use traditional tooth whitening methods , or cover the stained surfaces with porcelain veneers ? Which treatment will work best for your teeth?
The best way to whiten your teeth depends on what kind of staining your teeth have, and what your dentist feels would be the most effective treatment. Some minor staining, such as that from occasional coffee and tea usage, can be removed in a routine dental cleaning. More pervasive surface staining, such as nicotine stains or long-term discoloration from coffee, might require whitening treatments.
Most surface staining responds well to in-office whitening treatments. For these treatments, your dentist paints a strong whitening agent on your teeth. In some procedures, such as BioLase Laser Bleaching, the whitening agent is activated by a special, high-intensity light. Your teeth can be whitened dramatically in a single session, which usually takes about an hour.
Other staining responds better to take-home treatments. You receive specially made trays and a strong whitening agent, which you’ll apply at home. The whitening agent is placed in the trays, and then you wear the trays over your teeth for an hour at a time, or overnight.
Staining in your teeth that is intrinsic, or actually inside your tooth, is not likely to respond to whitening treatments. In these cases, porcelain veneers might be a better choice. These thin layers of porcelain are affixed to the fronts of your teeth, covering the stained teeth with a white, natural-looking surface that reflects light just like natural enamel.
In addition to helping correct deeply stained teeth, porcelain veneers are used for chipped, cracked, or pitted teeth, as well as to correct gaps and slightly misaligned teeth. Veneers are a versatile treatment, and can make dramatic changes to your smile.
An experienced cosmetic dentist can tell you what treatment will be best for your teeth after an initial consultation. Be sure to tell the dentist what results you want to see from your tooth whitening treatments or from porcelain veneers. Communication between you and your dentist is the best way to achieve the best results.
