Two Dental Treatments That Can Make Your Teeth Look More Attractive

Even if your teeth are cavity-free, you may still be uncomfortable with the state of your mouth. Many people suffer from unsightly dental blemishes that cause them to feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth.

Nonetheless, cosmetic dental applications are available to improve the look of the teeth without sacrificing dental health. Here are two treatments that your dentist may provide to make your teeth look more attractive.

Professional Dental Bleaching

Dental bleaching, which is also called teeth whitening, uses chemical bleaching agents to remove stains from the teeth. As you eat or drink, your teeth are exposed to the pigments in the ingested items. The colorants can become trapped in the pores of the tooth enamel, where they may accumulate to cause dental discoloration.

Dental whitening products contain safe levels of peroxide-based ingredients that remove trapped stains and improve the color of the teeth. When whitening the teeth, the dentist covers or coats the soft tissues of the mouth to protect them from any chemical irritants in the whitening solution. They then apply the solution to the teeth and allow it to rest in place for the designated period. The dentist may also expose the coated teeth to a bright light to enhance the whitening effects of the bleaching agents.

A single professional teeth-whitening session can improve the color of the teeth by several shades. However, multiple sessions may be needed to extensively whiten teeth that are significantly discolored.

Veneers

Regardless of the cosmetic issues of your teeth, veneers are likely to help remedy them. The small tooth-shaped shells are attached to the front surfaces of the teeth to hide any imperfections. Veneers may be used to correct the look of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, cracked, chipped, or even slightly misaligned.

Veneers are often made of porcelain or resin. Porcelain veneers tend to be more durable due to the hardiness of the material.

The devices are custom designed from an impression of the mouth. Thus, they fit the dimensions of the wearer's mouth precisely.

To apply veneers, the dentist prepares the teeth by removing a tiny portion of tooth material from the front of the teeth. This removal ensures that the veneers fit flush and naturally in the mouth. The veneers are then cemented into place.

Due to the alteration of the natural teeth, veneer applications are considered permanent. However, if a veneer becomes damaged, the dentist can remove and replace the device.

If you would like to improve the look of your smile, contact a cosmetic dentist in your local area.