You’re not alone if you’re feeling self-conscious about stained teeth. After all, the quality of your smile is one of the first things others notice when they meet you, and enamel that’s tinted more yellow or brown than pearly white is less likely to make a positive impression.
Thankfully, many dentists offer cosmetic services, such as teeth whitening or placing veneers, to enhance the shade of your grin and boost your confidence in your appearance. Continue reading to learn about both treatments to help you decide which one is right for you!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Frequent or prolonged exposure to darkly tinted foods and drinks is one of the leading causes of dental discoloration. Fortunately, extrinsic stains that exist in the outermost layer of enamel often respond well to topical teeth whitening.
For this procedure, your dentist can apply professional-strength bleach to your teeth, then accelerate the whitening process by exposing them to a special ultraviolet light. This can often be a simple and effective way to lighten your smile by several shades in a single visit, and is often recommended for those who want to look their best for an upcoming event, such as a wedding, reunion, graduation, or other momentous occasion.
How Do Veneers Work?
Although teeth whitening can help many patients reach their aesthetic goals, it’s not necessarily the best way to meet everyone’s unique needs. For instance, if the blemishes on your teeth have seeped into or began in the lower layer of dentin, then they might not respond to topical bleach.
But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing your dentist can do to improve the color of your teeth. Many providers also offer porcelain veneers, which are thin, ceramic shells that are cemented over the fronts of your teeth. The material is customized to be the right tone, size, and shape to hide one or more imperfections, including stubborn stains, to boost your confidence.
Which Treatment is Right for Me?
It’s natural to wonder whether you’re a better candidate for teeth whitening or veneers, but the truth is only your dentist can provide a professional recommendation based on your unique situation and current dental condition.
For example, if you’re seeking more immediate results and your teeth are largely healthy, they may be more likely to suggest whitening to help you meet your goals in time. But if you have multiple imperfections in your grin or are seeking a longer-term solution, veneers might be right for you.
Thankfully, both treatment options can be used to treat dental stains so you can have the bright, sparkling smile you’ve always dreamed of.
About the Practice
Patients at Dental Designs of Maryland- Columbia, MD benefit from a team of providers who take pride in helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including veneers and in-office teeth whitening procedures, using state-of-the-art technology for accurate, comfortable results meant to last. If you want to treat dental stains, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call the office at (443) 542-9519.