When you have discolored teeth, you tend to avoid things like speaking and laughing in public. You’re ashamed of your smile when you should want to show it off! Luckily, there are many solutions to correct discolored teeth. Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht of North Meridian Dental Excellence highlights the solutions cosmetic dentistry in Indianapolis, IN provides.
Professional Teeth Whitening
When you think about getting a whiter smile at your dentist, this is the solution you probably think of first. Professional teeth whitening has many benefits compared to over the counter options. Products from the drug store are often one size fits all. This leads to uneven, blotchy results and gum sensitivity where the bleaching agent comes into contact with soft tissue.
We offer both in-office and take-home tooth whitening options for your needs. In-office care is usually done in about an hour, making it ideal for a whiter smile ASAP. We protect the soft tissue and then apply a whitening gel to your teeth. A special light activates it to penetrate deeply. This process is repeated until you get your desired shade. If you have an event coming up, this is a great solution for a whiter smile fast.
Take-home teeth whitening is a more gradual process. Impressions will be taken to make custom whitening trays. This ensures the trays fit perfectly and distribute the gel evenly. A professional-grade whitening gel is used in them as they’re worn for an hour or so each night. Dr. Ahlbrecht will help determine how long you should continue doing this process to reach your desired results.
Porcelain Veneers
Not every form of discoloration responds to traditional whitening methods. If you have teeth stained due to genetics or medication, porcelain veneers may be your solution. Veneers are made of thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of your teeth. The material is made to be durable and stain-resistant to offer you a long-lasting solution.
To get veneers, we’ll first remove some of your tooth structure. We want to make sure the veneers lay flat and flush with the rest of your smile. Impressions are taken so that the veneers can be custom-made. When they’re ready, we’ll fit them to your teeth to make sure they look and feel the way they should. If you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to your teeth.
Dental Bonding
Even though we do provide dental crowns in Indianapolis In, there may be better options for you. If you’re looking for an economical solution and aren’t ready for a permanent one, dental bonding may be the best choice. The bonding material is made of a composite resin that’s malleable. It can be molded and shaped to your teeth, allowing it to take care of cosmetic chips and cracks while it’s whitening.
For bonding, a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed so that the material adheres to the tooth. It’s color-matched to the shade you desire and molded in the shape of your tooth so that it looks natural. Once you’re happy with the result, the material will be cured and hardened. It’s then polished so that it matches the shine of your natural teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana
Are you ready to get the whiter smile you desire? Call us or schedule an appointment online to get started.