Discolored teeth can make you struggle with confidence. We want you to have a smile you feel good about showing off. Drs. Randall and Melissa Stewart of Stewart Dental Group, dentists in Charlotte, NC, discuss the whitening techniques available at our office.
Professional Teeth Whitening
This is what you probably think of when you think about getting whiter teeth at your dentist. Professional teeth whitening offers many benefits over the whitening solutions you can get over the counter. Drugstore whitening solutions are often one size fits all and you risk the bleaching agent coming into contact with your gums. Your results can also be uneven and splotchy.
At our dental practice, we offer KOR teeth whitening. This consists of both in-office and take-home whitening treatments. To start, we’ll take impressions to make custom whitening trays for your teeth. They’re filled with professional-grade whitening gel and you’ll wear them overnight for two weeks to start your whitening journey.
These trays are designed to seal out saliva to avoid it interfering with your whitening treatment. Saliva can break down peroxide, which is one of the main active ingredients in the whitening gel. The trays get refrigerated to make sure the active ingredients stay active. After the first two weeks, you’ll incorporate both in-office and take-home treatments.
Porcelain Veneers
Not all stains can be taken care of with traditional whitening techniques. Porcelain veneers are ideal for any discoloration caused by things like medication or genetics. Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of your teeth. The material is designed to be durable and stain-resistant.
To get veneers, we’ll first remove a small amount of your tooth structure. We want to make sure the veneers lay flat and flush with the rest of your teeth. Impressions are taken for the veneers to be custom-made. When they’re ready, we’ll fit them to your teeth and make sure they’re comfortable. If you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
If you’re looking for an economical solution and aren’t ready to commit to a permanent one, dental bonding can help. The bonding material is made of a composite resin that’s color-matched to the shade of white you’re looking for. It’s malleable so it can take care of cosmetic cracks and chips while it’s whitening.
A minimal amount of tooth structure is removed to ensure the material adheres to the tooth. It’s then molded into the shape of the tooth to look natural. When you’re satisfied, the material is cured and hardened. It’s polished to make sure it matches the natural sheen of your teeth.
Treatment for Discolored Teeth at Your Charlotte, North Carolina Dentist
Get a smile that you’re ready to show off. Call us or schedule an appointment online.