We see all kinds of patients and problems in our Las Vegas dental office. Still, the most popular procedure we offer is teeth whitening. A bright smile sheds years from a person’s perceived age, turning back the clock for a more youthful, healthy, vivacious image. However, even professional, dentist-supervised teeth whitening cannot correct all dental staining. If your teeth won’t lighten with over-the-counter or professional whitening systems, you are not without options. In today’s blog, you’ll learn why all systems do not work on all patients and alternative treatments that produce similar results.
Don’t leave your smile to fate. If you want to improve the overall appearance of your smile, or you simply want a professional teeth whitening option that will work well on your teeth, give Miracle Dental a call today. Our comfortable, high-tech dental office in Las Vegas, NV, offers a full scope of restorative and prosthetic dentistry, as well as purely cosmetic procedures. Your smile says what words cannot, so let us help you create a unique, head-turning, unforgettable smile that accurately conveys your personality. Call (702) 456-0056 today.
Why Teeth Whitening Does Not Work for Everyone
Some dental stains come from outside elements, like red wine stains or tobacco stains. Other stains originate from within a tooth, like fluorosis and tetracycline medication discoloration. At Miracle Dental, our dentists can identify whether a dental stain is extrinsic (from the outside) or intrinsic (from the inside). This knowledge will help the dentist decide on effective treatment to whiten your teeth.
The thickness of your tooth enamel has to do with genetics. People with thin enamel may naturally have yellowish teeth due to the dentin’s coloring showing through the semitranslucent enamel. Genetics also influence the undertones of tooth enamel, which extrinsic whitening systems cannot alter.
Dental work like fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and implant crowns will not whiten. Also, problems like gum recession and uneven enamel wear can make topical teeth whitening yield uneven, splotchy results. Dr. Pham or Dr. Tran can perform a comprehensive oral evaluation and explain the findings so that you better understand what professional teeth whitening solution will work, what will not work, and why.
What to Do Instead–Better Options for Tougher Cases
If your teeth are stained intrinsically, the dentist will recommend a restoration, such as dental bonding applied as a veneer, or porcelain veneers, which are created in a dental lab.
Porcelain veneers cover the front surface of front teeth, top and/or bottom, that show when a person smiles. Veneers are thin shells of layered porcelain, custom-made for a precision fit. They don’t look bulky, as crowns sometimes do on front teeth. Veneers can last 20+ years in patients who maintain good oral health.
Dental bonding is a chairside procedure, so you’ll enjoy same-day results. Bonding is a composite resin liquid that we tint to match existing tooth enamel or neighboring teeth. When exposed to a gentle curing light, the bonding hardens into a tough, but attractive finish. Bonding generally lasts 5 to 10 years before it needs to be replaced with new bonding or porcelain veneers.
Also, keeping up with six-month dental cleanings will allow us to remove surface stains regularly, so they don’t build up over time. When combined with our professional whitening system or cosmetic restorations, regular checkups and cleanings produce the best outcomes.
Managing Expectations: When Stains Return
Bonding and veneers are quite stain resistant. They are more stain-resistant than natural tooth enamel. Patients who undergo professional whitening will see stains return at some point. In fact, surface stains are one of the top cosmetic concerns for American adults. There are some things you can do to deter stains, though.
- Avoid dark foods and drinks: red wine, coffee, tea, red sauces, berries
- Use a straw for darkly colored drinks to limit enamel exposure
- Do not use tobacco of any kind
- Attend six-month checkups and dental cleanings
- Touch up with professional home whitening as needed
DID YOU KNOW?
Using whitening toothpaste and avoiding stain-causing beverages prolongs professional teeth whitening results.
Bright Smiles Begin with Your Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist
Our beautiful and welcoming dental office in Las Vegas, NV, serves residents and visitors. Drs. Pham and Tran customize dentistry to each patient, providing education and consultation as they guide you through creating a treatment plan. If extrinsic teeth whitening has not been effective, talk with us about alternative options. You can have the smile of your dreams. We’d like to show you how. Call Miracle Dental now at (702) 456-0056 for a professional teeth whitening consultation.
