Every Dentist Needs Your Help Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Discolored teeth are a reality for many people. They can cause embarrassment, and sometimes the nature of the discoloration can put people at risk for tooth loss. Perhaps you have discolored teeth and wonder whether there is anything you can do about them. The following points will help you understand cosmetic dentistry options that can correct discolorations and give you a smile you can be proud of. 

Dental Crowns

Some people think of dental crowns as solutions for decaying teeth. However, dental crowns can also be utilized for discolored teeth that have structural damage. For example, a chipped tooth that is stained would likely be a good fit for a crown. Perhaps you have metal crowns in your mouth and dislike the fact that the crowns are obvious. Your dentist might be able to remove your existing crowns and replace them with crowns that are the same color as your natural teeth. 

Veneers

These are thin tooth coverings. They are ideal when tooth structures are strong. Your dentist may not choose veneers as a solution if there is significant decay present. This is because the tooth coverings may not provide the structural support needed to protect your teeth. You may want to consider veneers if you have stained teeth but no major dental problems. Some people favor veneers because they allow them to correct minor misalignments without needing orthodontic care. This tooth solution also gives teeth the "pearly white" appearance that many people desire. 

Teeth Whitening

This is one of the easiest ways to get whiter teeth. However, teeth whitening is not effective for all discolorations. For example, stains that have penetrated deep into the enamel might require several whitening sessions, and discolorations that exist due to decay will likely still be evident after whitening sessions. If your teeth are stained due to your love of certain foods and beverages, then you will likely need to continue to get whitening treatments unless you change your eating habits. Examples of foods and beverages that can cause tooth stains are coffee and tomato-based pasta sauce. 

A cosmetic dental services provider is a good resource to use to determine which services are best for your situation. They can also help you understand how to prevent future discolorations. If you have a lifestyle habit such as smoking tobacco that is contributing to your discolored teeth, they can help you find a solution for your discolored teeth.