If you have discoloration on your teeth you may feel self-conscious about your smile. Instead of avoiding pictures or hiding your smile when you meet new people, why not seek cosmetic treatments? There are a number of ways to brighten your smile, from teeth whitening to simple, daily dental maintenance. Find out what you need to know about combating teeth stains.
Brighten Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry
- Professional teeth whitening: If you have stained teeth then we can remove the discoloration with a cosmetic treatment. After taking impressions of your teeth we will create a set of trays. The doctor prescribes a bleaching gel that the patient places in the trays. Each day the trays are worn for a set amount of time. After one to two weeks patients can expect a smile brightened by multiple shades.
- Porcelain veneers: In some cases discoloration may be severe enough that it doesn’t respond to traditional whitening methods. In these situations the dentist may suggest placing a restoration over the tooth. Made from porcelain, these thin shells change the appearance of the teeth and cover up unsightly stains.
- Dental Bonding: Made from a composite resin, the bonding material can be used to mask stains and repair chipped teeth. The entire procedure can be completed in a single visit. In some cases, this may be accost-effective alternative to veneers.
- Brushing and flossing: You need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. By doing so you remove food particles and harmful bacteria, reducing the severity of plaque buildup and also decreasing the risk of discoloration.
- Changing your diet: You can also reduce the severity of future teeth stains by cutting back on drinks that contain dark pigments, such as soda, tea, coffee, and red wine. Instead, drink more water and substitute healthy snacks for sugary chips and candy.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
