This is part 3 of our series explaining aspects of cosmetic dentistry. If you missed them, you can find the first post here and the second post here.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth can become stained and discolored over time, and teeth whitening can offer patients a chance to look younger by restoring the whiteness of their smile.

Not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening, so it’s important to consult with a dentist first. Healthy teeth and gums are a must before teeth whitening can be done. Additionally, tooth discoloration can happen for many different reasons, and not all can be addressed through whitening methods. It’s also important to note that dental treatments such as crowns, veneers, and bonding will not whiten along with the patient’s natural teeth.

Twin Dental offers our patients a couple of different whitening options, including whitening trays and strips. Whitening trays are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth, helping to hold the whitening gel exactly where needed, whereas whitening strips have the benefit of being started on the same day. Speak with Dr. Dave or Dr. Mike about which method is right for your needs.

Most patients will see results after a couple of applications. How long the whitening lasts depends on the desired whiteness, amount of discoloration and lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking beverages which can cause teeth staining. Our practice offers a “whitening for life” program that includes whitening touch-up kits every six months. See our teeth whitening page for more details.

Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a dependable method for those who would like minor corrective treatments for problems like fractures, discolored teeth, and gaps in teeth. With traditional veneers, the dentist would begin by removing a small amount of enamel—approximately 1 millimeter—prior to fixing the veneers to your teeth. Twin Dental is proud to offer Lumineers, which are ultra-thin porcelain veneers that do not require the removal of any of your tooth enamel. Once the veneers are in place, it is practically impossible to differentiate them from your real teeth.

Taking care of porcelain veneers requires nothing extraordinary. Regular flossing and brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste will keep them healthy and strong. The patient will probably be sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages momentarily, although this will only remain for a couple of days while the patient adjusts to the changes to their teeth.

Over the course of the last three blogs, we’ve talked about a number of cosmetic dental options. If you’d like to set up a visit with Dr. Dave or Dr. Mike to discuss any of these services further, you can contact us here.