There are plenty of ways that our Long Island cosmetic dentist can improve the overall appearance of your smile and the health of your mouth. In terms of the appearance of the smile, there are two extremely popular options in the field of cosmetic dentistry: teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Both can work wonders for the smile, but sometimes one option works better than another in certain situations. Let’s look at the causes of tooth discoloration and whether teeth whitening or porcelain veneers is the better option for you.
Stains and discoloration of the teeth can occur in different ways. Sometimes it’s the result of smoking or chewing tobacco. It could also be the result of certain beverages, like red wine, coffee, tea, and cola. In general, though, your teeth are bound to become discolored as you age due to the exposure of the teeth to multiple staining agents.
In most cases, the best way to deal with these dental stains is teeth whitening. A teeth whitening treatment will involve the use of a bleaching agent applied to the teeth. This bleaching agent will be able to whiten a smile by many shades.
For severe staining, Long Island teeth whitening treatments may not be the best option. It is a better idea in such matters to get porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that can be fixed onto the front surfaces of the teeth.
In addition to stains on the teeth, porcelain veneers have other uses. If you have teeth that are slightly chipped or cracked, porcelain veneers can be used to mask those little bits of damage. If your teeth are slightly uneven or misaligned, porcelain veneers can also play a role in perfecting your smile.
If you have wondered about teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, or if you would like more information on how your dentist can enhance the beauty of your smile and the health of your mouth, be sure to contact our Astoria cosmetic dentistry office today.
