THESE 3 METHODS WILL GET YOUR TEETH WHITER; BUT AT A PRICE!!!
Dr Trevor Kwagala
Dental Surgeon at Basil's Dental Clinic/mobile dentistry enthusiast.
Everyone wants a sparkling million-dollar smile because they feel it will get them that job promotion or that spouse or that elusive business deal. The normal color of teeth varies across races and is affected by various factors, such as skin complexion, eye color, hair color, etc. so generally speaking, its safe to say that not everyone is designed to have white teeth. But just in case you feel the need to, here is how your dentist will give you a whiter grill.
VENEERS
These are thin laminates that are bonded onto the outer surface of your teeth. Very common in Hollywood, they are usually the least invasive way of having a brand-new smile. No prep veneers for example, mean that the outer part of the tooth is not trimmed to create room for the veneer. Other veneer types may require a certain level of tooth reduction to fit them on the tooth for a natural and beautiful look. Important points to note; veneers can be very costly, mostly if one is considering doing them for a full mouth. They are also very delicate, meaning you will have to be careful with what you bite, chew on; involvement in contact sports, etc; and eventually, they will need to be replaced because they do wear over time.
FULL COVERAGE CROWNS
Sometimes, it is not feasible anymore to try and place veneers; for example, if the teeth are discolored and broken down by bacteria or acid, it may be necessary to use a full coverage crown on the tooth. Some of these are made from the same material as veneers and are able to appear just as beautiful. They are stronger and usually more long lasting than veneers. Important points to note. Tooth reduction is a must when it comes to having crowns done. The teeth have to be trimmed down and shaped a certain way to be able to support the crown. They will cost more than veneers, and even more if the intention is to have full mouth crowns done.
BLEACHING.
Certain times, we opt to bleach teeth that have picked up stains over the years. Bleaching involves placing a strong chemical on the tooth surface, which breaks down the stains through a process called oxidation, thereby leaving the tooth brighter than it was before. Bleaching might take 2,3 or even 5 appointments to achieve a satisfactory result that the client is happy with. Bleaching can also be done at home, using special bleaching kits that are available on the market for home use. This should only be done following careful instructions given by your dentist to prevent the occurrence of adverse events. Important points to note; You may experience hypersensitivity of the teeth to cold or hot substances, tooth resorption in certain cases; and there is always a chance of relapse, meaning you would have to go through the entire process again.
Bottom Line; Whitening teeth is usually a cosmetic decision and should be undertaken with greatest consideration.