Methods Cosmetic Dentists Use To Make Teeth Color More Uniform
Achieving a uniform tooth color is one of the primary goals of cosmetic dentistry. Discoloration can occur due to various factors such as age, diet, medication, tobacco use, or even, in some cases, trauma. In cosmetic dentistry, several methods are available to address this concern and help patients gain confidence with a radiant smile. Read on to find out the sort of treatments your dentist may suggest.
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Dental Bleaching
One popular method that is often chosen by patients is professional teeth whitening, otherwise known as bleaching. Unlike home bleaching kits, professional whitening treatments administered by a dentist produce more noticeable results. What's more, they do so within a shorter period of time. This cosmetic dentistry procedure involves applying a high-concentration peroxide gel to the discolored tooth or teeth while protecting the gums. It is often preferred by patients who want to make all their teeth look whiter as opposed to making just one or two teeth match their neighbors. Either way, dentists can lighten teeth by several shades until the desired outcome is reached.
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Dental Veneers
In cosmetic dentistry, veneers consist of thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain or resin. They are bonded with a special adhesive to the front of the teeth, usually the incisors and canines. Veneers can mask discoloration but don't alter the color of the teeth beneath. They provide a uniform color across all visible teeth. This is a good option if you have chipped or cracked teeth as well as discolored ones because veneers can cover up such imperfections in one fell swoop.
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Dental Crowns
In certain cases, a dental crown may be recommended. This is typically the best option to address discoloration if the cause is due to decay. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the discolored teeth offering them protection from further decay. In some cases, root canals may need to be drilled out before the affected teeth can receive a crown. Whether or not this extra treatment is needed, dental crowns will be made in a laboratory from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, resin, or ceramic, to offer an exact color match of the patient's natural teeth.
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Composite Bonding
Finally, composite bonding is a cosmetic dentistry method that can deal with discoloration as well as alter the appearance of chipped teeth. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the tooth by your dentist. They will then shape to the desired form, before hardening it using a special curing light. Most patients end up with a uniform appearance from composite bonding with results that often exceed their expectations.