Maybe you hesitate to wear white because it highlights how discolored your teeth are. Maybe you smile with your lips covering your yellow teeth because you do not want them to show. If you are feeling self-conscious about the shade of your teeth, you may think your only option is to whiten them.
While professional whitening works for most patients, it does not necessarily help everyone. In this post, you will learn more about this treatment, an alternative that can brighten your smile, and why it is important to talk to your cosmetic dentist about your concerns.
When Professional Whitening Fails
Unfortunately, in some circumstances, the bleaching ingredients in whitening do not have an effect on teeth. For instance, if your discoloration is medicinally caused, professional treatment will not work. In addition, those who have genetically darker teeth may not respond to this procedure.
In these or other situations where whitening cannot be used on teeth, there is another option available—porcelain veneers.
Color Correction with Veneers
Thin sheets of porcelain can be fabricated to hide discolored teeth that will not respond to whitening. A tiny layer of enamel is removed to make space for this covering, which resembles real teeth exactly. Although this more invasive procedure involves permanent change to your natural tooth, it lasts significantly longer than even professional whitening, which typically starts to fade within three years. Veneers, on the other hand, can go up to 15 or even 20 years before needing replacement.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
If you have tried whitening kits from the store before and failed to see the results you wanted, you may mistakenly think that your teeth will require veneers. However, store-bought whitening treatments are much, much weaker than what your dentist has. Professional whitening may still be an option for you!
Without advanced training, it can be difficult to identify whether teeth will respond to whitening treatment or not prior to trying; however, your dentist can examine you and ask you questions about your medical and dental history, your medications, and other important information that will let them know if you are a good candidate for whitening treatment or if veneers are the best choice for your smile. Be sure to explain your goals and hopes you have for treatment so they can deliver exactly what you are looking for.
In the end, regardless of whether you undergo professional whitening or need porcelain veneers, you are sure to feel more confident about your smile. By having brighter teeth, you can let them show without worrying that discoloration is drawing the wrong kind of attention. So get started by contacting your cosmetic dentist today!
About the Practice
At Pioneer Greens Dentistry, Dr. Claire and Dr. Chris Haag have decades of experience treating patients who want to have a brighter smile. Offering both teeth whitening and veneers, we customize each person’s treatment plan to their goals and needs. Are you interested in meeting with us to discuss the coloration of your teeth? Reach out to us online or by calling our Lincoln office at 402-483-7502.