Over time, your teeth may grow dull, yellow, or stained. This could occur due to poor oral habits, consuming foods and beverages that stain, or factors outside of your control, like aging or medication side effects. Tooth discoloration can make you feel self-conscious about the way that your smile looks.
You can schedule a cosmetic consultation appointment to discuss treatments that can give you a whiter smile. Dr. Fabrizio Dall’Olmo, a dental professional serving patients in Santa Monica, CA, outlines three ways that you can get a brighter smile and achieve your cosmetic dental goals with your dentist.
Teeth Whitening Treatment
Brushing your teeth can get rid of surface stains from your smile. But deep tooth discoloration cannot be removed with your typical oral hygiene routine, but your dentist can provide targeted teeth whitening treatment in their office.
This procedure involves your dentist applying a whitening gel to the affected teeth, which will penetrate the tooth enamel to bleach your smile. The close monitoring of this process by a dental professional allows you to achieve your ideal tooth color while minimizing potential side effects like gum irritation. You may need more than one whitening session to accomplish your smile goals, but your dentist can give you more details about your unique cosmetic dental treatment plan during a consultation.
Dental Bonding
Dentists can also give patients a brighter tooth color using dental bonding. This cosmetic procedure uses composite resin that is sculpted according to a patient’s smile goals, including covering stains and whitening teeth.
The process begins by preparing the surface of the affected teeth by etching into the enamel. For optimal comfort, your dentist may provide you with a local anesthetic. Then they will apply the resin to the teeth and mold it for an enhanced smile.
They cure and harden the resin with a specialized light and polish it for a beautiful, natural finish. This treatment can provide cosmetic benefits for three to ten years with proper care and maintenance. Bonding may be subject to staining, so be careful when consuming foods and beverages that contain staining agents.
Porcelain Veneers
For long-term cosmetic enhancement, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. These cap-like shells adhere to the front of your teeth to build a whiter and more even smile.
The fixtures are custom-made according to your smile goals as well as the appearance of your natural teeth, ensuring that you get the best-looking results for your smile. Veneers resist stains and can last for fifteen or more years on your smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services Available in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Dall’Olmo offers teeth bonding and other cosmetic dentistry treatments to patients in Santa Monica, CA. Our practice also specializes in implant, restorative, and general dentistry, including periodontal care, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our team of dental experts, contact our office by phone at 310.736.1051 or reach a member of our staff online.