Can My Teeth Be Whitened? Teeth Whitening Or Cosmetic Veneers
Considering teeth whitening? Brisbane is full of people just like you who are wondering if it really works. Effective treatments for discoloured teeth are readily available but not all smiles will respond well to teeth whitening treatments. But don’t despair! There are alternatives including cosmetic veneers. Read on to learn what is involved with each option and which is the right one for you.
When to book a treatment for teeth whitening
Certain foods, lifestyle choices and age can cause teeth discolouration. Foods such as coffee, red wine, tea and soft drinks are known causes. Smoking is also a common problem for extrinsic staining – this is when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) is stained. Such discolouration problems can be minimised with teeth whitening treatments such as “in-chair” Zoom Teeth Whitening.
Zoom Teeth Whitening is a clinic dentistry treatment. The appointment involves the use of an intense white light that activates cleaning agents in your teeth.
This type of teeth whitening treatment is much safer than over-the-counter kits that contain high levels of chemicals. Zoom Whitening Treatments take between 60 and 90 minutes and deliver excellent results. Your appointment will begin with a whitening gel administered to your teeth, which is activated by an ultra violet light. There are eight whitening shades to choose from. Your dentist will talk through the options with you.
When teeth whitening does not work
There are times when teeth whitening will not work. Black teeth, for example, will not respond well to any treatment for teeth whitening. Common causes for black teeth occur when the enamel is severely damaged, when a tooth dies or when excess tartar build-up has stained the tooth. This is when you should opt for cosmetic veneers or perhaps a crown.
What is a cosmetic veneer?
Dental porcelain veneers are very thin covers made to fit over your existing teeth. They are shaped a little like a fingernail and are typically used for the front incisors. Black molars however, are commonly covered with crowns. A crown will cover the entire tooth and is made of precious metal or ceramic; the latter being the most common choice. Black and weakened teeth will not respond well to teeth whitening treatments. Veneers or crowns however, will cover teeth discolouration completely; ceramic being the most natural way possible.