Your smile is an important feature of your appearance. Cosmetic imperfections such as tooth chips and discoloration make many men and women avoid smiling, which impacts your self-confidence and the way others perceive you. Teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are both excellent options for addressing tooth stains. Whichever one is right for you depends on your oral health and cosmetic goals. Some may benefit from a combination of both veneers and tooth whitening.
Tooth discoloration can be caused by lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking habits but can also develop due to medications, poor oral health, and genetics. Before getting cosmetic dentistry, you must have good oral health. Gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems need to be treated first because they’ll impact your results. Receding gums can reveal the edges of porcelain veneers, for example. Dr. Warr, our Salt Lake City dentist, will make sure your teeth and gums are healthy during your initial exam and consultation.
A Brighter Smile with Teeth Whitening
Zoom!® Teeth Whitening offers multiple benefits at Warr Dental. This professional whitening treatment is done in just 90 minutes and leaves you with a brighter smile right away. The process is comfortable and uses a whitening agent combined with a curing light for faster results up to several shades whiter.
Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, toothpaste, and others can increase your tooth sensitivity and provide uneven, unpredictable results. Dr. Warr will send you home with customized whitening trays to offer more whitening and also to use in the future for touch-ups.
Teeth whitening is great for those who have tooth stains or overall discoloration and healthy teeth and gums.
Porcelain Veneers for Whiter Teeth
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or a composite material that is placed over one or more of your existing teeth. They do require some enamel reduction to make room for the shells and are made to match the shade of your natural teeth. A combination of porcelain veneers and teeth whitening can be done to brighten your overall smile. Veneers also address other cosmetic concerns such as chips, gaps, broken teeth, crooked teeth, uneven teeth, and more.
The process takes two visits to our SLC dentist. Your teeth will be prepared for the thin shells. Then a lab uses an impression of your teeth to customize your veneers, which are placed during your second appointment.
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and look like your natural teeth by mimicking the shine of your tooth enamel. They can address multiple problems at once and are often a part of a “smile makeover.” Daily brushing and flossing along with regular exams and cleanings can help your veneers last up to a decade or longer.
Contact Warr Dental in Salt Lake City
If you struggle with tooth discoloration and stains, contact our Salt Lake City dentist today at (801) 355-5385 to schedule your consultation or ask questions. Warr Dental serves patients in surrounding Utah areas, including West Valley City and Draper.