When you have discolored teeth, you may miss moments you should be enjoying because you’re trying to hide your smile. But we think that you should have a smile you’re excited to show off. Dr. Leah Butler of Butler Family Dentistry discusses your Strongsville, OH cosmetic dentistry options for a whiter smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening
When you think of getting a whiter smile at the dentist, professional teeth whitening is usually what comes to mind. Professional teeth whitening has many benefits compared to over the counter options. Drugstore whitening solutions are one size fits all and can cause sensitivity if the bleaching agent comes into contact with your soft tissue. They can also provide blotchy and uneven results.
At our office, we offer both in-office and take-home options. In-office teeth whitening is often ideal for a special event where you need whiter teeth ASAP. In about an hour, you’ll have a smile that’s up to eight shades whiter. We take great care to protect the soft tissue in your mouth and avoid issues with sensitivity.
Take-home teeth whitening is a more gradual process. Impressions are taken to make custom bleaching trays that perfectly fit your mouth. Professional-grade bleaching gel is also provided. Since they’re custom, the trays provide even distribution for the gel. You’ll wear them for a few hours each day. Dr. Butler will have a cosmetic consultation with you to determine how long your length of treatment will be.
Porcelain Veneers
Not all discoloration can be taken care of with traditional whitening methods. Porcelain veneers offer an alternative for stains caused by things like genetics or medication. Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of your teeth. The material is designed to be durable and stain-resistant, making for a long-lasting solution.
To get veneers, we first remove some of your tooth structure. We want to make sure the veneers lay flat and flush with the rest of your teeth. Impressions are taken so your veneers can be custom-made. When they’re ready, we’ll fit them to your teeth and make any adjustments needed. If you’re satisfied, we’ll permanently bond them to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you want an economical solution and aren’t ready for a permanent change, dental bonding could be the option for you. The bonding material is color-matched to the shade of white you’re looking for. It’s also a malleable material, taking care of cosmetic chips while it’s helping you get a whiter smile.
A minimal amount of tooth structure is removed to ensure the bonding material adheres to the tooth. It’s molded to the shape of your tooth to make sure it looks natural. When you’re happy, the material will be cured and hardened. It’s then polished to match the natural sheen of the rest of your teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Strongsville, Ohio
Are you ready to get a whiter smile? Call us or schedule an appointment online.