cosmetic dentistry

Taking Care of Discolored Teeth

Yellow, discolored teeth mean a smile that you want to try to hide instead of show off. Tooth discoloration happens naturally with age and can also come because of the food and drink we consume, as well as certain medications. At Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely, and Associates, cosmetic dentists in Annapolis, MD, we offer multiple ways to treat discolored teeth.

Traditional Teeth Whitening

Our office offers multiple offerings for professional teeth whitening services. First, Zoom Teeth Whitening is one of the most prominent systems. A gel with pH-balance hydrogen peroxide is painted on the teeth and activated with a special light. Your lips and gums are covered to protect them. Sitting with the light activating the gel for about 45 minutes will give you an instantly whiter smile. The results only get better in the few days after treatment.

Next, we have KöR Teeth Whitening. This is one of the few traditional whitening services that can improve even tetracycline-stained teeth. It uses refrigeration and the science of Tri-Barrel™ Hydremide® Peroxide Technology. This allows bleaching agents to stay on the surface of the teeth for an extended period of time. Your dentist will tell you the amount of weeks to wear the KöR-Seal™ trays at home. An in-office treatment at the end finishes the process.

While KöR is considered a permanent solve for discolored teeth, you may need touch-ups throughout the years. Periodic touches help combat the changes that come with aging and your lifestyle choices, such as smoking or drinking coffee frequently.

Lastly, we offer GLO Science Professional for whitening. Their products focus specifically on minimizing sensitivity and to protect tooth enamel while whitening your teeth. Custom bleaching trays will be made for you to use for at-home whitening for about two weeks. The results can last for at least several months, but can last for years with proper care.

Porcelain Veneers

Even though KöR Teeth Whitening is designed to be permanent and can take on medication-stained teeth, you may want a solution that you know is set for life. Porcelain veneers can give you that solution. Porcelain veneers also take care of other issues you may have with your teeth, such as if they’re chipped or worn from age.

Veneers are made from a thin shell of dental ceramic that covers the front and sides of your teeth. The ceramic is designed to look and feel like natural teeth, but is also designed to be stain-resistant. They can help you keep white teeth if you’re a big coffee or tea drinker. We also offer dental veneers made of a composite resin.

This cosmetic restoration is meant to last many years, as long as you take care of them properly. If you brush and floss regularly, as well as visit your Annapolis cosmetic dentist twice a year, they can last you a lifetime. While they usually cost more than teeth whitening, they can also be longer-lasting and fix additional problems that traditional whitening can’t.