Having discolored teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. But there are more options than you may realize to get a whiter smile. Dr. Raymond Ribitch of Mid Michigan Smiles, a dentist in Mt. Pleasant, MI, discusses the options available to you at our practice.
Professional Teeth Whitening
When you think of whitening your smile at the dentist, this is probably what comes to mind. Professional teeth whitening comes with many advantages compared to over the counter options. Drugstore whitening solutions are often one size fits all. This can lead to blotchy or uneven results and sensitivity to your gums if the bleaching agent comes into contact with them.
At Mid Michigan Smiles, we offer Zoom teeth whitening. This procedure is done in our office and is completed in an hour or two. It’s ideal to get whiter teeth quickly, especially if you have an event coming up like a wedding or party. When you’re done with a whitening session at our office, you’ll have teeth that are up to eight shades whiter.
To start the procedure, we’ll protect your gums and soft tissue from sensitivity. The whitening gel is then carefully applied to your smile. The bleaching agent in the gel is activated by a special light to deeply penetrate your tooth and take care of those stains. Gel is reapplied and then exposed to the light multiple times to get the ideal results.
Porcelain Veneers
There are some discolorations that traditional whitening techniques can’t treat. Porcelain veneers offer a solution to teeth that are stained due to things like genetics or certain medication. Veneers are made of a thin shell of dental ceramic that goes over the front and sides of your teeth. The material is designed to be durable and stain-resistant for a more permanent solution.
To get veneers, a small amount of your tooth structure will be removed. We want the veneers to lay flat and line up correctly with the rest of your smile. Impressions are taken and the veneers are custom-made for your teeth. When they’re ready, they’ll be fitted to make sure they’re comfortable and look the way you want. If you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you’re looking for an economical option that isn’t permanent, dental bonding is a great alternative to porcelain veneers. The bonding material is made of a composite resin that’s color-matched to the shade you want. It’s malleable and molded to look natural on your tooth. It can help with cosmetic chips or cracks while giving you a whiter smile as well!
For bonding, a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed to make sure the bonding material adheres properly. The resin is molded to match your natural teeth. When you’re happy with how it looks, the material is cured and hardened by a special light. It’s then polished so that it matches the natural sheen of the rest of your teeth.
Treating Discolored Teeth at Your Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Dentist
Are you ready to get a white smile that you’re ready to show off? Call us or schedule an appointment online.