If you are seeking a brighter smile, you may think professional teeth whitening will do the trick. While teeth whitening can effectively lift several shades from discolored teeth, your results depend on the cause of your dental staining.
Types of Dental Discoloration
- Extrinsic (External) Staining: This type of discoloration is due to the consumption of dark liquids like coffee or wine, tobacco use, and insufficient oral hygiene.
- Intrinsic (Permanent) Staining: This type of discoloration permeates the teeth and can be caused by medications, illness, or genetics.
Professional Teeth Whitening
If you have extrinsic staining with no structural issues, professional teeth whitening is the simplest way to renew your smile. Options include chairside whitening in the dentist’s office or a take-home whitening system that uses custom trays to deliver a professional-strength whitening gel.
Porcelain Veneers
For intrinsic dental stains, porcelain veneers are the best way to conceal this discoloration. Thin shells that are crafted from an impression of your smile are secured to the front of teeth.
Combining Teeth Whitening and Veneers
Porcelain veneers also address other minor imperfections such as small chips, cracks, and mild misalignment. If you have external discoloration as well as structural flaws, your teeth can be whitened at one visit or over the course of two weeks at home, and then veneers can be shade matched to your whiter teeth for a total transformation.
Improve Your Smile – Call the Scottsdale Dental Office of Dr. Marcia Blazer
We have a solution that will meet your specific needs. Our team is committed to helping our patients achieve a beautiful and confident smile.