If you’re unhappy with the color of your smile, you’ve likely tried a few OTC whitening products. Sadly, you didn’t achieve the results you wanted. In fact, you might not have noticed any improvement at all. OTC kits are ineffective because they don’t contain high concentrations of whitening agents. The only way to get the bright, beautiful smile you desire is with the help of your cosmetic dentist in Fargo. They’ll find the source of the discoloration to determine if you’re a candidate for teeth whitening or veneers.
Types of Tooth Discoloration
Did you know there is more than one type of discoloration? Your teeth can have a blue-gray or yellow-brown color, which is caused by specific factors. As a result, there isn’t a “one size fits all” treatment plan. Your cosmetic dentist will evaluate your smile to determine the underlying cause of the stains, such as:
- Extrinsic Stains: They are caused by your diet and other factors that can stain your enamel, like poor dental habits or smoking.
- Intrinsic Stains: Unlike extrinsic stains, intrinsic ones originate from below the enamel. They are often caused by certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride.
- Age-Related Stains: Your enamel will thin as you age, which means more of your yellowish dentin will be visible.
Treating Tooth Discoloration
You might believe teeth whitening in Fargo is the only way to treat discoloration, but there is another option. Although professional whitening systems are more effective than ever, they may not resolve intrinsic stains. Instead, veneers may be right for you, especially if you’d like to correct other aesthetic issues as well. Here’s what you need to know to choose between teeth whitening and veneers in Fargo.
Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening systems can get the teeth up to 8 shades whiter. The whitening agents are specially formulated to deeply penetrate the enamel to resolve discoloration. Typically, whitening treatments are recommended for patients with extrinsic or certain age-related stains. Now, you can achieve in-office results from your couch using an at-home kit from your dentist.
Porcelain Veneers
A veneer is a custom-made shell that’s bonded to the front surface of a tooth to cover several imperfections, like discoloration. Although it might seem like an invasive solution for discoloration, a veneer offers other benefits as well. Not only can it cover extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related stains, but it will also cover other flaws, like chips, cracks, or gaps. Your smile is improved overall, not just the color of your teeth.
Get a Brighter Smile Today
Stop wasting money on ineffective whitening strips and pastes. Get the exact results you want with the help of your cosmetic dentist. They have the personalized solutions you need to reveal a stunning smile.
About Dr. Stacy Goodwill
Dr. Goodwill has over 20 years of experience helping patients reach their smile-related goals. After earning her dental degree, she continued her training in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants. She has extensive qualifications and experience to create the confident smile you deserve. Contact our office today to see if veneers or teeth whitening is best for you.