5 Ways a Dental Clinic Provides Teeth Whitening Services
Nov 10, 2022
Tooth discoloration is an unfortunately common concern for many people in the Scottsdale area and beyond. If you are included in this group, you understandably want to learn about effective teeth whitening solutions. Discoloration can be caused by the natural aging process, poor dental hygiene, tobacco products and even some foods and drinks. Dark sodas, tea, coffee, red wine and certain vegetables and fruits can cause staining and discoloration on your teeth.
By visiting your dentist in Scottsdale, you can learn about the effective teeth whitening solutions that are available to you. Before you decide how to proceed, however, it is important to consider a few important factors. These include cost, the time investment required and even results that the different solutions provide. What are some of the cosmetic dentistry solutions available that could give you the brilliant smile you want?
Teeth whitening products can be bought online and in local stores. However, these products are often not as effective as professional teeth whitening solutions. Because they are less effective, you may need to repeat the use of over-the-counter products many times. These products also often cause irritation and other concerns. Teeth whitening is available through your cosmetic or family dentist which can produce whiter results more quickly.
One of the more advanced professional treatments is GLO Professional Whitening. It uses a 24% to 30% hydrogen peroxide whitening gel coupled with LED lighting and heat to produce beautiful results. Only one treatment may be needed. In addition, the results may last far longer than what you can expect from store-bought products.
Some cosmetic dentistry offices may offer take-home whitening trays. This could be a low-cost dentist solution, or it may be recommended to maintain results of an in-office whitening treatment. If you opt for this solution, a special tray will be customized specifically to fit your mouth. This step can provide you with superior results than what you may have from store-bought tray products. Most take-home trays require a carbamide peroxide gel to be used in the tray. This produces slower results than the hydrogen peroxide solution that is used by a cosmetic dentist. However, it may not cause sensitivity. Trays can be messy for an untrained person to use, and the gel may get on your tongue or gums. Using a non-irritating whitening gel for take-home trays can help you to avoid sensitivity and other issues.
Your cosmetic dentist will provide specific usage instructions, and these instructions will be customized based on your unique situation. You may be told to wear your trays for up to 10 hours each day. The treatment could last for up to four weeks. Results will be based on how well your custom tray fits and the specific concentration of the carbamide peroxide gel.
As an alternative to whitening treatments, your dentist may recommend veneers. These are very thin slivers of either a resin product or porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth. Each veneer will be perfectly customized by shape, size and color. Veneers may be used on one or more teeth. They create a pristine façade over the tooth. Because of this, they can also be used to address issues like chipped teeth, uneven teeth and more. If discoloration is not your only concern, veneers may be recommended by your dentist as a more comprehensive solution.
Poor dental hygiene is a common cause of discoloration. In some cases, teeth that are discolored may require more significant treatment, such as a large filling. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that is perfectly designed to fit over the original tooth. It is cemented over the tooth to essentially restore the original look and functionality of that tooth. A dental crown is often used for a cracked or damaged tooth. However, it can also be used for a severely discolored tooth that may not respond well to whitening treatments.
Another solution for addressing severely discolored teeth caused by poor hygiene or injury is a dental implant. Like crowns and veneers, an implant can be used for one specific tooth or throughout the mouth. An implant requires the original tooth to be extracted as a first step. An artificial root will then be placed either onto or into the bone. This artificial root will hold the prosthetic tooth in place. This is a more expensive procedure. However, it may be suggested for patients who are dealing with significant discoloration, tooth damage or decay.
At Trinity Dental Care, we take pride in helping our patients look and feel their best. Whether you are dealing with stained, discolored or decaying teeth, we can help. Our cosmetic dentist can give you a brilliant smile that you are proud to show off. Several teeth whitening and cosmetic solutions are available at our Scottsdale best dental care clinic. The first step is to connect with our team to learn more about the treatments that may be right for you. To schedule a consultation, contact our cosmetic dentistry office today.