Discolored teeth can make you want to hide your smile when you should be showing it off. At Plantation Road Dental Care, Dr. Melanie Andrews, a provider of family dentistry in Destrehan, LA, offers multiple methods for you to whiten your smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening
This is probably what you think of when you think of getting your teeth whitened. At our office, we offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options. Professional teeth whitening provides much better results compared to over the counter methods. Over the counter products are one size fits all and can cause uneven results or sensitivity when the bleaching agent comes into contact with soft tissue.
For in-office teeth whitening, you’ll get teeth that are multiple shades whiter in one visit. We protect the gums and other soft tissue, and then apply a whitening gel to your teeth. A special light is used to activate the bleaching agent in the whitening gel. We can continue to perform the process multiple times throughout your visit to get you to the desired shade you want.
At-home teeth whitening is a more gradual process. We’ll take molds of your teeth so that custom dental trays can be made to hold your whitening gel. You’ll wear them for a few hours each day over the course of multiple weeks to gradually whiten your smile. We’ll help you create a personalized treatment plan to know the time it’ll take to get the results you’re looking for.
Porcelain Veneers
Not every discolored tooth can be treated with traditional whitening methods alone. Things like genetics or medication can cause stains that don’t respond to the usual bleaching agents. Porcelain veneers offer a suitable alternative. They’re shells made of high-quality dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of your teeth. Veneers are designed to be durable and stain-resistant, giving you a permanent solution.
For veneers, some of your tooth structure is removed to ensure the veneers lay flat with the rest of your teeth. Molds are taken of your smile and the veneers are customized to fit your mouth. When they arrive, we’ll attach the veneers to your teeth and make sure they look and feel the way you want. When you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to the teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you’re looking for a more economical option or aren’t ready to commit to a permanent solution, dental bonding may be the option for you. The bonding material is made of a biocompatible resin that can be color-matched to the rest of your smile, or whitened to the shade you prefer. It’s malleable and can be molded to take care of small chips in your teeth as well.
A minimal amount of tooth structure will be removed to make sure the resin adheres properly. It’ll be shaped over the front of your tooth until you’re satisfied with how it looks and feels. A special light is used to cure and harden the resin. Then, it’s polished to match the natural sheen of the rest of your smile.
Teeth Whitening and Family Dentistry in Destrehan, Louisiana
Are you ready to get the whiter smile you’re looking for? Call us or schedule an appointment online.