Tooth discoloration is one of the most common dental imperfections. Fortunately, it is also one of the easiest to address. There are a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments that address esthetic flaws, like discolored teeth, to give patients the white, attractive teeth they desire.
The experienced team of dentists at Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group can perform an examination to determine which of the cosmetic dentistry options for discolored teeth may be best-suited to each of our Boston, MA, patients.
Teeth Whitening
When the teeth have become discolored or surface stains are present, teeth whitening is typically the first treatment to consider. Professional teeth whitening uses powerful bleaching ingredients to dramatically improve tooth color almost instantly. Teeth whitening can enhance the color of the teeth by up to eight shades in under an hour, making it a much more effective option than over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Teeth whitening is generally the best option for patients with widespread tooth discoloration, and those with extrinsic dental stains (stains that exist on the outer layer of tooth enamel).
Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is another treatment that can help our Boston patients improve the appearance of discolored teeth. Dental bonding does not actually whiten tooth enamel, but instead covers up discolored teeth or dental stains so that teeth look whiter.
During treatment, a tooth-colored compound is shaped to the facial surface of a tooth (or teeth) to conceal imperfections. Dental bonding may be appropriate when only a tooth, or small set of teeth, has been compromised by discoloration, or when we need to address intrinsic stains that don’t respond to teeth whitening.
Porcelain Veneers
As with dental bonding, porcelain veneers conceal discoloration and dental stains, rather than actually bleaching the teeth. However, porcelain veneers are durable prosthetics that are fabricated in a dental laboratory before being bonded to the front of the teeth.
Porcelain veneers can be customized by size, shape, and color. They are carefully designed to complement a patient’s facial features and blend in with any untreated teeth.
With proper care, veneers can last 15 years or more. Porcelain veneers are a great cosmetic dentistry treatment option for patients with intrinsic discoloration, or those who have additional dental flaws that need to be addressed, such as chips, cracks, fractures, or minor misalignment problems.
Lumineers
Lumineers are virtually the same as porcelain veneers. The only thing that sets them apart is the fact that they are even thinner prosthetics. Lumineers require virtually no preparation, whereas porcelain veneers treatment requires the removal of a thin layer of tooth enamel. Because Lumineers do not alter the structure of the teeth in any significant way, this treatment is completely reversible. Lumineers are a good option to consider when patients want to address discoloration and other esthetic imperfections, but are hesitant to permanently alter the teeth for porcelain veneers.
Contact Our Practice
Tooth discoloration can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of the smile, but there are many cosmetic dentistry treatments that can address this concern. To learn more about the comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry services offered at Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group, send us a message at your earliest convenience, or call (617) 582-2491.
