Treating a Discolored Smile

Having discolored teeth can make you extremely self-conscious about your smile. We want you to be proud to show that smile off! Luckily, there are many options to take care of discolored teeth. Dr. S. Jeremy Tu of Design Dental, a cosmetic dentistry provider in Cedar Rapids, IA, discusses the options available at our office.cosmetic dentistry in cedar rapids, ia

Professional Teeth Whitening

When you think of getting a whiter smile at your dental office, this is probably what comes to mind. Professional teeth whitening offers many benefits over drugstore options. Over-the-counter whitening products are one size fits all and can lead to uneven results or sensitivity where the bleaching agent comes into contact with the gums and soft tissue.

At Design Dental, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening options. In-office whitening is usually used to get results quickly, like for an upcoming event. Over the span of an hour, you can get a smile that’s up to eight shades whiter. A protective treatment is placed on your lips and gums, and then a professional-grade bleaching gel is applied to the teeth. Depending on your cosmetic goals, this can be performed up to three times in an hour.

Take-home kits are a more gradual process. First, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to create customized whitening trays. A professional-grade bleaching gel is put in the trays, leading to even coverage without sensitivity due to the perfect fit. The trays are worn for a few hours each night. Dr. Tu can help determine how long you’ll have to use them to meet your goals.

Porcelain Veneers

Not all discoloration or stains are able to be treated with traditional whitening techniques. Stains caused by genetics and certain medications may not respond to bleaching. Porcelain veneers offer a quality alternative. They’re made of thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of the teeth. The material is designed to be durable and stain-resistant.

To get veneers, some tooth structure will be removed to ensure the veneers lay flush with the rest of your teeth. Impressions will be taken so the veneers can be made specifically for your teeth. When you’re ready, they’ll be fitted to your teeth to ensure they’re comfortable and fit the way they should. Once you’re satisfied, the veneers will be permanently bonded to your teeth.

Dental Bonding

If you’re not ready for a permanent solution and want something economical, dental bonding may be the right choice for you. The bonding material is made of a composite resin that’s color-matched to the rest of your smile, or a shade you specify. It’s a malleable material that will be molded to the shape of your tooth. It also allows you to take care of cosmetic chips in your teeth.

During the bonding process, a minimal amount of tooth structure will be removed so the resin can adhere properly. The material will be molded so that it looks natural. Once you approve of how it looks, a special light is used to cure and harden the resin. It’s then polished so that it matches the sheen of your natural teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Get the whiter smile you’ve been looking for. Call us or schedule an appointment online.