One of the most common complaints that our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists hear from new patients is that their teeth have started to look dark, dull, or stained. For many people, these aesthetic changes are simply byproducts of getting older, and accumulating dental wear and tear.
The good news is that you absolutely do not need to settle for an older looking smile forever. While we all know that it’s impossible to actually turn back the hands of time, you can totally take years off of the appearance of your smile. When it comes to whitening and brightening your teeth, you have options!
Perhaps the simplest, and most straightforward, way to lighten dental enamel is to undergo professional whitening treatments. This option uses a topical whitening gel to coat the dental enamel. The gel goes to work minimizing entrenched stains, and helping to restore your smile to its previous level of whiteness. Generally speaking, people love this treatment option because it is non-invasive, quick, effective, and affordable.
You could, alternatively, cover your dental enamel with a restorative substance to achieve a quick transformation:
- Dental bonding covers existing enamel with custom-shaded dental resin. The entire treatment process can be completed in just one appointment!
- A porcelain veneer is an individually-crafted restoration—about as thick as a contact lens—that is permanently attached to the patient’s tooth surface. Once in place, the veneer gives the tooth a whole new appearance.
Depending on the type and level of staining you’re dealing with, as well as your budget and treatment timeline, you may end up using one solution or multiple treatments in combination. Our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists are here to help you navigate the world of aesthetic dentistry, and, ultimately, choose the perfect dental treatments for your life! Give us a call to get started with a personal consultation!