Do you have stained teeth? We may develop unsightly brown or yellow stains for a number of reasons, from our diet choices to our smoking habits. But what solutions do we offer for stained smiles? While store bought systems may offer less-than-dazzling results and cause tooth sensitivity, we have a professional system to brighten smiles in Astoria, NY, by several shades.
Cosmetic At-Home Options
Our treatment is designed to remove stains and brighten teeth by several shades, while also minimizing tooth sensitivity in the process. We first create a set of custom plastic trays, which fit comfortably. We send you home with the trays, along with a powerful bleaching gel. Each day, you will fill the trays with the gel and wear them for about 30 to 45 minutes. The trays help spread the gel evenly over your teeth, offering a much brighter smile in a period of a week to ten days. If you have discoloration, then talk to us about our at-home system.
Bonding and Veneers for Permanent Discoloration
Most whitening treatments are meant to address extrinsic stains, or the discoloration that forms on the surface of the teeth, often the result of a diet high in sugary foods and drinks, beverages with dark pigments, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. However, intrinsic stains, also known as permanent stains, form underneath the enamel. They may be caused by injury, tetracycline use at a young age, or fluorosis. While our home-based solution can address minor intrinsic staining, serious discoloration may benefit from another option. With dental bonding, we use the same composite resin employed in tooth-colored fillings to mask these types of stains. We also have veneers, thin shells of porcelain that cover the front of the teeth and mask a number of cosmetic issues instantly.
Can I Avoid Teeth Stains?
While discoloration forms over time, you can absolutely take steps to minimize the severity of future stains. First, remember that you can keep your trays and gel for touch-ups in the coming months. We also recommend brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing before bed, which limits plaque buildup and keeps teeth brighter. You should see us every six months for a cleaning, in which we remove all plaque and polish your smile. Finally, try to consume healthier foods and drink more water, as sugary and starchy foods, and drinks with dark pigments, can dull your smile’s brightness. If you have any questions, then please let us know.
Interested in Cosmetic Dentistry?
If you would like a brighter and more esthetically-pleasing smile, then talk to our team about cosmetic dentistry. For more information on improving smile beauty, then schedule a consultation with us by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
