You look in the mirror and what you see when you smile is not the gleaming, sparkling white smile you desire. Instead, it is a bit dim and discolored. If this describes your experience, you are a wonderful candidate for teeth whitening solutions. While you may assume cosmetic teeth bleaching is your only option – and it is a wonderful solution – we encourage you to consider the many ways to achieve and maintain a whiter smile for a clearer understanding of your choices.
Choose Traditional Teeth Whitening
Do you suffer primarily from stains on the outer surfaces of your teeth? Perhaps you are a serious coffee drinker or have simply noticed that your teeth appear a bit lackluster compared to a few years ago. If this is the case, we may suggest at-home whitening treatment. You will wear custom-fitted trays into which you will administer bleaching gel. After approximately two weeks, your smile will look dramatically brighter and whiter.
Consider Porcelain Veneers
Have you experienced serious staining that we feel is too deep for teeth whitening? This is often the result of medication side effects, which create intrinsic stains – or those stains deep within your teeth that we cannot treat with traditional bleaching. For this concern, consider porcelain veneers. These are thin, translucent, ceramic shells that we will bond to the visible part of your teeth. The veneers will camouflage the discoloration and nearly any other aesthetic issues you dislike.
Care For Your Teeth
Whether you have undergone whitening, have veneers, or if you are still sporting a natural smile free of whitening treatments, daily care is essential. Brushing your teeth a minimum of twice daily will remove staining agents from your teeth. However, we encourage you to brush 30 minutes after a meal or after drinking a staining beverage, such as red wine or coffee, to prevent stain development. Fortunately, veneers are stain-resistant and teeth whitening is long-lasting, so as long as you continue good home hygiene, you may continue to enjoy a white, lovely smile.
ABOUT YOUR WEST ALLIS COSMETIC DENTIST:
Located in West Allis, WI, Michael E. Flynn, DDS, and his talented team of dental care professionals proudly welcome patients from West Allis, Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and all Western Milwaukee communities. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call Stubbs Family Dentistry today at 414-541-8250.
