This is the third part of our series on cosmetic dentistry. If you haven’t seen the others, you can find them here and here.
Over-The-Counter vs. In-Office Whitening
Teeth whitening can be done in your home or at the dentist’s office. According to many dental practitioners, whitening done in the dentist’s office is the more effective option and will deliver better results than the over-the-counter methods. In-office, Dr. Egbert, Dr. Reineck or Dr. Powers have the ability to solve any sort of dental issues the individual may be facing, such as tooth sensitivity and cavities. They will also ensure that the gums are protected against the whitening agents.
Even though store-bought brightening tools are relatively cheap, it’s best to speak with us before buying them.
An in-office brightening could require 1 to 3 visits, depending upon how severe the discoloration is. It’s done with a powerful whitening solution that is administered and then triggered through the use of a unique light that speeds up the whitening process. The patient can also have one of the doctors create a special mouthpiece that flawlessly matches their teeth for later use in at-home treatments, helping them maintain the brightening benefits.
It is important to remember that enamel brightening is not permanent, so be sure to talk to either of our doctors about future treatments.
Veneers
Dental veneers are a durable means for individuals who are interested in small restorative treatments for issues like fractures, gap teeth, and discolored teeth. Dr. Egbert, Dr. Reineck, Dr. Naylor or Dr. Powers will remove a small amount of tooth enamel—approximately one millimeter— prior to fixing the porcelain veneers to the patient’s teeth. After the veneers are finished, it’s almost impossible to discern them from your real teeth.
The upkeep of veneers necessitates nothing extraordinary. Normal brushing and flossing with non-abrasive toothpaste will keep them in good shape. The patient will usually be sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages in the short term, although this will only last for a few days as the patient gets acclimated to the alterations to their teeth.
We’ve talked about several cosmetic dental options in the last three articles. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Egbert, Dr. Reineck, Dr. Naylor or Dr. Powers to discuss these cosmetic options, you can do so here.