Has your once luminescent smile gone from dazzling to a bit dull? Sometimes it can feel like it happened overnight. However, for many people who experience this common dental concern, there are variables at play—often over a long period of time—that can diminish the brightness of your smile. From daily habits and food choices to genetics and medications, it is no wonder why it can take additional effort and treatment to revitalize your pearly whites.
Some of the most common causes of teeth staining, yellowing, and discoloration include:
- Dark-pigmented foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, berries, tomato sauce, curry, and red wine)
- Inconsistent dental hygiene
- Smoking and tobacco products
- Certain prescribed antibiotic medications (ex: tetracycline)
- Genetics
- Tooth enamel thinning with age
Fortunately, there are a variety of cosmetic dental options designed to “undo” the effects of staining by improving the color or concealing the affected teeth. Our Lexington cosmetic dentist, Jenny Miller, DMD, offers treatment plans tailored to each patient’s aesthetic goals, including professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns.
Teeth Whitening
In-office Zoom!® teeth whitening can be an efficient and convenient way to brighten teeth by up to 10 shades in just one office visit, lasting anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Alternatively, take-home KöR teeth whitening custom-made trays can lighten teeth by up to 16 shades over a longer period of time, but may require more frequent touch-ups.
Porcelain Veneers
Ultra-thin, tooth-colored porcelain veneers are bonded to the front surface of a tooth to conceal stains and other dental concerns, such as chipped or cracked teeth. Although thin enough to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, dental-grade porcelain is so durable and strong that veneers can often last 20 years or longer with proper care.
Dental Crowns
Similar to veneers, porcelain dental crowns are bonded to the teeth, but offer a stronger hold by fully covering and encircling the teeth. Dental crowns offer the same natural-looking benefits of veneers but are generally recommended for weakened teeth in need of additional support.
For more information about which treatment is most ideal for your tooth stains or discoloration, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Hamburg Expressions today!
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