Unfortunately, many of us notice at some point in life that our teeth do not look as white as they once did. But can yellow teeth become white again? In this article, we discuss dental cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening that can make your teeth appear whiter and stain-free.
Can Yellow Teeth Become White Again?
Modern dentistry offers several methods that can help make stained and discolored teeth whiter. Let us look at some of these cosmetic procedures in more detail:
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening typically uses hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent that penetrates the enamel of teeth and destroys dark particles that cause teeth to appear stained or discolored. Teeth whitening can deliver fantastic results, with teeth becoming up to 8 shades whiter in just one dental visit.
There are two types of professional teeth whitening: an in-office treatment and whitening kits for use at home (also provided by your dentist). Both these methods are considered safe for your teeth, as the whitening solution is prepared for each patient with their oral health condition and goals in mind.
Some people may opt for over-the-counter whitening solutions because they are less expensive than professional treatments. However, we do not recommend using over-the-counter whitening kits, as they are not custom-made for you and might harm your teeth and gums, destroying the enamel and making them look much worse than prior to the treatment.
Dental Bonding
In cases where stains and discoloration on your teeth do not respond to bleaching agents in teeth whitening solutions, your doctor might suggest dental bonding. However, this procedure will not make your natural teeth whiter; it will just mask the imperfections.
The procedure of dental bonding employs a resin composite that is applied on the surface of the tooth and then hardened with a special light. Bonding is used to cover up that part of the tooth where staining is the most noticeable. It is typically not used to cover the entire tooth.
The color of dental bonding material can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth, making the smile look unified in shade and tone.
Dental Veneers
Similar to dental bonding, dental veneers are helpful in cases when the stains can not be removed by bleaching. However, if stains and discoloration on the teeth are not local but instead affect the entire surface of one or multiple teeth, this cosmetic procedure might be a better solution than dental bonding.
Dental veneers are typically made of porcelain (or resin composite in some cases). They are attached to the entire front surface of a tooth like a shell. Veneers look very natural due to the slight translucency of the material, which is similar to the enamel of natural teeth. Also, you can choose the color of your veneers.
A disadvantage of dental veneers is that this procedure is not reversible. This means that once you decide to get veneers, you must wear them for the rest of your life. The reason for that is that a portion of enamel is removed from the tooth before veneer application, and a tooth can not survive without its enamel or a veneer protecting it.
Professional Dental Cleanings
The gentlest and safest method to make your teeth look whiter is to get regular professional dental cleanings. In fact, a simple dental cleaning might be sufficient for removing surface discoloration from the teeth. This procedure will not bleach your teeth, but it can return their original appearance. Thus, many dentists may recommend cleaning before deciding on more complicated procedures, such as whitening.
During a professional dental cleaning, plaque and tartar on the teeth over time are thoroughly removed with special dental instruments. Plaque and tartar can make teeth appear more yellow or darker in color. Thus, when these deposits are removed from the teeth, their original color can be revealed.
If you have dental cleanings every six months, as recommended, you can avoid staining and oral health problems as well. Plaque and tartar are the leading causes of cavities and gum disease. A professional dental cleaning will benefit not only the appearance of your teeth but their health, too.
Make an Appointment at Innovative Smiles Today
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist at the Innovative Smiles dental office today. Our specialists will determine the cause and type of stain and discoloration on your teeth. Following that, they will offer you an effective course of action to make your smile bright again.
