During this time of year, you may have sent out holiday cards for your long-distance friends and family. When you took your pictures, did you feel totally confident in your smile? If not, you’re not alone. Many patients have concerns with stains on their pearly whites, stubborn blemishes, misaligned teeth, and more. Luckily, your team at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, has cosmetic treatments that can help you improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence. You can add having these cosmetic treatments done to your list of New Year’s resolutions.
Understanding The Reasons For Discoloration
It’s a natural part of aging and daily life for your teeth to become discolored over time. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to have thinner enamel, making their pearly whites appear less vibrant. In other cases, your teeth can become stained over time from the foods we eat, beverages we drink, and other lifestyle habits. You may be able to decrease discoloration with a proper oral hygiene routine, but your teeth may not always stay perfectly white. Extrinsic discoloration can be caused by factors such as food and drink, like our daily coffees, that have natural chemicals in them that stain your teeth. Intrinsic discoloration may be due to certain medications or injuries to your dental structures. It’s important to know the cause of these stains so the right cosmetic treatment can be used to address them.
How Teeth Whitening Can Help
We offer in-office and at home professional teeth whitening options that can help you address the stains on your teeth. An in-office treatment can often be completed in about an hour or less and leaves you with a more vibrant smile. A bleaching agent is applied to your teeth and activated with a special light to break down the stains. If you prefer to do this by yourself, we can send you home with a personalized treatment kit that includes trays and a whitening agent that you will wear every day. This at home treatment is safer and may be more effective than over-the-counter products because it is tailored to your needs.
Conceal Stubborn Stains With Bonding Or Veneers
If the stains on your pearly whites are caused by intrinsic factors, they may not be able to be removed with a bleaching treatment. Instead, your dentist can find alternative treatments such as cosmetic bonding or veneers to improve the look of the blemishes. Cosmetic bonding is a non-invasive option that involves adding composite resin to the area. Porcelain veneers are a more extensive treatment option that requires adding a porcelain shell over your natural tooth. Your dentist can help you discover which option is more beneficial for your needs.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team Today
Our team offers several cosmetic treatments that can help you improve your smile’s appearance. To learn more, schedule an appointment with Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, today at 515-965-0230.
