Teeth Whitening
Teeth naturally darken with age, however staining may be caused by various foods and beverages such as coffee, tea and berries, some drugs such as tetracycline, smoking, or a trauma to a tooth. There are various teeth whitening options available, including in-office and at-home bleaching.
Start a Great Daily Oral Health Regime Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss and clean between your teeth once a day
- Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist
- Limit stain-causing drinks such as red wine, tea and coffee
- Cease habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco.
Common Teeth Whitening Options
- In-office whitening
- At home whitening
- Whitening toothpastes
Veneers
Veneers are strong, thin pieces of ceramic or resin material that are bonded to the teeth. Veneers are used to repair chipped, decayed or stained teeth and may help in closing gaps between teeth.
Veneers can also be used for cosmetic reasons instead of crowns, which are more often used for badly damaged or decayed teeth. The tooth enamel needs to be ground down slightly in order to accommodate the veneer.
Bonding
Applying composite tooth bonding is a restorative procedure that uses tooth enamel-coloured composite resin (plastic) to repair teeth that are decayed, chipped, fractured or discoloured. Tooth gaps can also be closed. Unlike veneers, which require laboratory work, bonding is done in the dental office.
