When you look in the mirror, are you dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile? Do your teeth look dark and aged? If so, you are not alone. Tooth discoloration is a common complaint as the years pass. While it is unavoidable due to the aging process, several factors can influence the severity of the changes, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, and the foods and drinks you consume. Although it may feel like you have no choice but to live with the changes, you can restore your smile with your Median dentist.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Now, you can find several types of over-the-counter whitening products at your local store, such as toothpastes, strips, and mouthwashes. If your discoloration is minimal, they can be effective for producing slight improvement. However, if you want your teeth to become several shades whiter, you will need an alternative solution. While they are affordable and convenient, they do not contain professional-strength agents, so they cannot deeply penetrate the enamel.
Professional Teeth Whitening
To achieve drastic, noticeable results, you will need a professional whitening treatment that is only available from a dentist. The whitening agents are highly concentrated to deeply penetrate the enamel to resolve stubborn stains. Now, you can achieve high-quality results in-office or from the comfort of your home with take-home kits.
Porcelain Veneers
When living with severe discoloration or stains caused from medications, smoking, or other factors, traditional teeth whitening may not be effective. To restore the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers can be bonded to the front side of the teeth to cover the imperfections. In addition to hiding stains, they also improve the overall size, shape, and proportion of the teeth. As a result, they can be the perfect solution for resolving chips, cracks, and minor alignment issues using a simple and minimally invasive procedure.
All-Ceramic Restorations
In some cases, you may only have one or two teeth that are discolored, such as due to trauma, poor dental hygiene, or a past large metal filling. To treat the issue, an all-ceramic restoration can be placed over the tooth to restore its appearance and function. Using high-quality materials, the custom-made crown will look and function like a natural tooth while providing a long-term solution.
Stop Living with Tooth Discoloration
If you are tired of looking in the mirror or at pictures of a discolored smile, you do have options to restore your confidence. You will need to schedule a consultation with your dentist to find the underlying cause of the issue to develop an individualized treatment plan to achieve the results you want.
About Dr. Allan J. Milewski
Dr. Allan J. Milewski has been a trusted dentist in Medina since 1983. In addition to receiving his dental degree, he has completed several hours of continued education and remains an active member of various dental organizations, including the American Dental Association. He provides an array of comprehensive services, including cosmetic dentistry. If you have any questions about treating tooth discoloration, contact his office today to schedule a consultation.