Saint Louis Cosmetic Dentist Answers Patient Questions About Cosmetic Dental Whitening

Written by Dr. Grayem on Nov 19, 2013

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your smile is starting to look darker or stained? If so, you are in good company. Many adult dental patients complain that their dental enamel starts to look less luminous as time goes on. Our Saint Louis cosmetic dentist office can help you regain a bright, white smile with cosmetic dentistry treatments. Let’s learn more about the different factors associated with dental whitening!

Q: How does dental discoloration develop in the first place?

A: Dental discoloration generally develops over time. Staining substances like wine, coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate can discolor dental enamel. Additionally, as dental enamel ages, it becomes thinner and more susceptible to staining. Thin dental enamel also makes your teeth look dark, because dentin is able to show through the enamel.

Q: I have tried dental whitening in the past, and it didn’t work. What can I do?

A: If your teeth have been resistant to professional whitening treatments, you still have cosmetic dentistry options. Dental veneers have helped numerous patients with whitening-resistant teeth achieve white and bright smiles again. Because veneers are designed to cover dental enamel (rather than change it), they can make even the most damaged teeth look brand new.

Q: How long do the results of whitening treatments last?

A: Professional teeth whitening treatments deliver results that generally last for about a year before the patient requires touch-up whitening treatments. Dental veneers are naturally stain resistant, so they will remain bright and white for years.

No matter what your current dental situation, our Saint Louis cosmetic dentist office can help you elevate your smile with state-of-the-art treatments. If you are ready to get started improving your smile, please call our office, or contact us online, in order to get the information you need to move forward!