When you have discolored teeth, you may spend more time trying to hide your smile than you do enjoying the moment. We think you should have a smile you always want to show off! At Apex Dental, a Northborough, MA dentist, we have a variety of teeth whitening solutions to help with discolored teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening
When you think about treating discolored teeth at the dentist, this is probably what comes to mind. Professional teeth whitening definitely has an edge compared to over the counter solutions. Drugstore whitening kits are often one size fits all, causing sensitivity when the bleaching agent meets the soft tissue. They also can result in uneven, blotchy results.
At our office, we offer in-office and take-home options. In the office, we offer Zoom teeth whitening. In about an hour we can send you home with teeth up to eight shades whiter. This is ideal if you need a whiter smile for an event coming up. The Zoom whitening gel is applied to your teeth after the soft tissue is protected. A special light then activates the bleaching agent in the gel.
For take-home teeth whitening, we’ll start by getting impressions of your teeth. Custom-made bleaching trays are made from them. You’ll have a professional-grade whitening gel to use in these, and they provide even distribution that’s made for your smile. This is a more gradual process, and you’ll wear the trays for a certain number of hours each day for a couple of weeks.
Porcelain Veneers
Not all discoloration can be taken care of with the usual whitening methods. Porcelain veneers are a solution for discoloration caused by things like genetics or medication. Veneers are made of thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of the teeth. They’re designed to be durable and stain-resistant to provide a long-lasting solution.
To get veneers, a small amount of tooth structure is removed first. We want to make sure your veneers lay flush with the rest of your smile. Impressions are taken so the veneers can be custom-made. When they’re ready, we’ll get them fitted to your teeth and make small adjustments as needed. If you’re satisfied, they’re then permanently bonded to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you’re looking for an economical option and aren’t ready for a permanent one, dental bonding could be the solution for you. The bonding material is a composite resin that can be color-matched to the shade of white you desire. It’s malleable, so it can help take care of cosmetic chips and cracks while whitening.
Before dental bonding, a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed to ensure the material adheres to the tooth. It’s then molded into the shape of your tooth to make sure it looks natural. Once you’re satisfied, the material is cured, hardened, and then polished to match that sheen of the rest of your smile.
Treating Discolored Teeth at Your Northborough, Massachusetts Dentist
Are you ready to get a smile that you want to show off? Call us or schedule an appointment online.