Even the most diligent dental patients tend to experience dental staining and discoloration from time to time. While this type of aesthetic issue can certainly be annoying, it doesn’t’ have to be permanent. Our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists offer a number of effective and convenient treatment options to lighten existing discoloration.
If you have noticed that your smile is starting to look dull or discolored, the first thing that you may want to do is to complete a professional dental cleaning. Many people are surprised at just how much brighter their smiles look after a thorough cleaning. This will also help to prep your teeth for any additional aesthetic treatments, as it will remove plaque and tartar that coats your enamel.
One popular whitening treatment is professional dental whitening. During treatment, our dentist applies a topical whitening formulation to the patient’s dental enamel. This whitening gel is much more potent and effective than over-the-counter options. As the gel activates it goes into the tooth structure and lifts entrenched discoloration, helping to restore the tooth to its previous level of whiteness.
Another option is to cover unsightly enamel with restorative substances, like composite resin or porcelain. Dental bonding allows our team to cover natural enamel with custom-shaded composite resin. You could alternatively cover teeth with individually crafted porcelain veneers. These exceptionally thin aesthetic restorations are attached to the visible tooth surface so as to completely transform the appearance of the tooth. You can use veneers to improve individual teeth or to transform your entire smile.
When you meet with our Saint Louis dentists, we’ll be able to give you a better idea of what type of whitening treatment might work for your smile. We’ll consider the current state of your smile as well as your long-term dental goals. Give us a call to learn more and to schedule a personal consultation!