Cosmetic Procedures for a Brighter, Whiter Smile
A bright, white smile is one of the most attractive physical features a person can have. Having visible stains, discoloration, or imperfections in your teeth can hurt your self-confidence. Fortunately, there are a variety of cosmetic dental procedures available to help you achieve a beautiful, radiant smile. At Great Lakes Dental, we offer several professional whitening and other cosmetic treatments to transform dull, stained teeth.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Before looking at the cosmetic solutions, it's helpful to understand what causes teeth to become discolored in the first place. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Consuming highly pigmented foods and beverages like berries, red wine, coffee, and tea over time
- Using tobacco products or exposure to heavy smoking environments
- Inadequate oral hygiene that allows plaque and tartar to build up
- Excessive fluoride use or ingestion during childhood
- Certain medications like antibiotics, antihistamines, and blood pressure drugs
- Dental trauma, injury, or disease that damages the inner layers of teeth
- Natural aging that causes the enamel to thin and reveal more of the yellowish dentin underneath
Even with diligent brushing and oral hygiene habits, it's nearly impossible for teeth to maintain their bright whiteness over time without professional treatment. Luckily, we offer several cosmetic dentistry services that can help you brighten your smile.
In-Office Whitening
Our in-office Zoom whitening uses modern techniques that can whiten teeth by several shades! Plus, our process gives you virtually no sensitivity.
Veneers
For teeth that are severely stained, misshapen, chipped, or impacted by other cosmetic imperfections, we may recommend treatments like veneers. Veneers are custom-designed semi-translucent covers for your teeth. These ultra-thin covers are bonded to the front of the teeth to dramatically improve teeth color, size, and shape. In as few as two short visits, patients experience a remarkable transformation from their former smile to a brand-new smile.
Crowns and Bridges
If you have a decayed, damaged, cracked, or missing tooth, a dental crown or bridge may be the solution. Dental crowns are designed to be a permanent covering, fitting over a damaged tooth. This covering restores the tooth to its natural shape and size while improving the strength and overall appearance of the affected tooth. A dental bridge is a custom device designed to fill a space previously occupied by a tooth. Dental bridges consist of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap with a replacement tooth in the middle.
Maintaining a Whiter Smile
After completing any type of whitening treatment, it's essential to avoid foods, drinks, and habits that can re-stain your teeth. We'll provide you with customized instructions for keeping your smile as bright as possible between touch-up treatments. Using a whitening toothpaste or mouth rinse and getting occasional professional cleanings can also help you maintain your radiant new smile.
If stains, discoloration, or other imperfections have left you feeling self-conscious about your smile, it's time to explore your cosmetic treatment options. The professional whitening and cosmetic services offered at Great Lakes Dental can dramatically enhance and revitalize the appearance of your teeth for a beautiful, more confident smile. Contact us today to schedule a cosmetic consultation!