Seemingly everyone wishes they had a sparkling white smile to show off, though even perfectly healthy teeth are more ivory than snowy-hued. That means you’ll likely need your dentist’s help to achieve your ideal shade, especially if your teeth are riddled with stubborn stains.
There are multiple ways to perfect the color of your grin, like professional teeth whitening services or placing porcelain veneers. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, continue reading to learn more so you can make an educated decision!
When Is Teeth Whitening Best?
Countless people have developed dental discoloration after years of exposing their pearly whites to foods and drinks that stain. Pigmented particles can cling to your enamel and eventually leave behind extrinsic blemishes that can usually be effectively removed with topical teeth whitening. You might feel tempted to try over-the-counter products, but these often contain diluted ingredients that don’t provide the desired results.
Your dentist can apply ultra-concentrated bleach to your teeth in-office and speed up the whitening process with an ultra-violet light to potentially lighten them by up to eight shades in a single visit. However, if you prefer more gradual results from home, many providers also offer take-home kits with professional-grade gels and custom-fitted trays for optimal results designed to mitigate potential sensitivity.
When Are Veneers Best?
Teeth whitening is perfect for addressing surface stains, but some blemishes seep into or originate in the lower layer of your teeth. They’re not always caused by consuming certain foods but can result from genetics, prescription medications, or overexposure to fluoride when your teeth are still developing.
Topical treatments may not be strong enough to reach under the surface, but your dentist can mask imperfections with porcelain veneers. These thin, ceramic shells are customized to be the same size, shape, and shade as your natural teeth. Then, they are bonded over their front surfaces to hide flaws. They’re often used to improve the appearance of one or several issues like chips, cracks, discoloration, slight gaps, and mild overcrowding.
Which Treatment is Right for Me?
You must consult your dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dental procedure to ensure you’re a good candidate. They’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and goals, then examine your mouth to verify your dental condition. Then, they can suggest appropriate solutions based on their findings.
Whether you opt for teeth whitening or veneers, soon you’ll have a much brighter smile you can’t wait to show off!
About the Practice
Patients at Coombs, Ross & Sourlis Family Dentistry of Rock Hill benefit from a team of dentists who share more than four decades of combined experience. They work together to provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and veneers. They welcome people of all ages and utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while providing accurate results intended to last. If you’re interesting in improving the appearance of your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (803) 324-5301.