The concept of getting a smile makeover is appealing to many people. If you are unhappy with the way your teeth look, you may also be interested in undergoing treatment. With a few visits to the dentist’s office, you could restore your smile and enjoy good oral health. Some makeovers, such as a teeth-whitening treatment, are cosmetic. If the stains on your teeth are bothering you, your dentist can offer a solution.
The causes of discoloration
It is not uncommon for a person to struggle with stained teeth. This can happen by drinking and eating certain types of beverages and foods. Wine, cola, and coffee can discolor teeth. The same thing can happen by eating berries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce. Smoking and other tobacco products can also stain teeth.
Poor oral hygiene can also lead a person to seek a smile makeover. Not brushing and flossing regularly can cause stains to build up on teeth. People should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. It is also helpful to rinse with mouthwash daily.
Store-bought teeth whitening
People with discolored teeth may first look to over-the-counter products. Teeth-whitening options may come in toothpaste, mouthwash, and whitening strips. These have a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which slowly breaks down stains. With continued use, the user’s teeth may become a few shades whiter after several weeks.
Take-home trays
For a faster-acting smile makeover, a person may prefer to get treatment from the dentist. One option is whitening trays. The dentist will begin by taking impressions of the patient’s teeth. Then, using this model, the dentist can create a set of trays that will hold the teeth-whitening gel. The trays are like mouthguards, which fit over the person’s teeth.
The hydrogen peroxide in the gel is more highly concentrated than what is found in store-bought products. Patients can get whiter teeth faster, and the results can be longer-lasting. People who choose this treatment will wear the trays overnight for several weeks or months.
In-office teeth whitening
Another smile makeover solution is teeth whitening at the dentist’s office. This method should deliver more prompt results. The patient can improve the whiteness of their teeth by several shades. The treatment requires only one or two visits, which will last less than an hour.
For this treatment, the patient gets comfortable in the dental chair. The dentist prepares a mouthpiece and fills it with a whitening product, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Once the dentist places the gel on the patient’s teeth, the ingredients start to work. The peroxide penetrates the teeth and breaks down the molecules that cause the staining.
Let a smile makeover whiten your teeth
Yellow, gray, or brown stains on your teeth can be embarrassing. To revive your smile, you should look into a teeth-whitening treatment. Your dentist can recommend an option that makes the most sense for your needs and goals. You can enjoy the smile you have been looking for and stop hiding your teeth.
Request an appointment or call Smiles Dental Care at 650-563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.
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FAQs
The dentist prepares a mouthpiece and fills it with a whitening product, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Once the dentist places the gel on the patient's teeth, the ingredients start to work. The peroxide penetrates the teeth and breaks down the molecules that cause the staining.
How does smile whitening work? ›
Since teeth are porous, the whitening gel is absorbed by the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth. The active ingredient in whitening gels is hydrogen peroxide, which removes stains and is then safely absorbed by the body.
What does a smile makeover involve? ›
Cosmetic dentists focus on oral health to provide patients with a proud smile. Some cosmetic procedures may include veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants, teeth shaping, and crowns. Cosmetic dentistry may change the shade, shape, or alignment of a patient's natural teeth.
How do cosmetic dentists whiten teeth? ›
The front surface of the tooth is coated with a whitening solution. The solution contains a bleaching agent, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. A laser or curing light is usually used to activate the peroxide. After applying the solution, we leave it for about 30 to 60 minutes.
What is the least expensive smile makeover? ›
Dental bonding treatments are the most affordable and minimally invasive alternative to more invasive smile makeover procedures. Read on to learn more about how dental bonding can transform the entire look and feel of your teeth in a single dental appointment.
How much does a smile makeover cost in the US? ›
Smile Makeover
| Teeth whitening | $350 -$450 |
|---|
| Tooth color cosmetic bonding | $250 -$450 |
| Zirconia Crown | $1900 – 2800 |
| Smile makeover | $3500-$15000 |
| Teeth-in-a-day with 4 dental implants | $13500-$24000 |
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This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.
How long does my smile whitening last? ›
No matter what type of tooth whitening process you use, it won't last forever. At-home products may give minimal-to-great results that last for a few months. Professional dental procedures may extend that time up to 2-3 years. Read on to learn the effects of whitening procedures and products to consider.
How long does teeth whitening last? ›
With proper care, your brighter smile can last for 1-3 years. A single session may last anywhere between 40 minutes to an hour. The procedure requires applying a specially formulated gel that contains anywhere between 25% to 40% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten the teeth.
What are the disadvantages of smile makeover? ›
The main con of getting a smile makeover is that there is potential for discomfort. A lot of the procedures involved in the process can induce sensitivity or slight feelings of pain. Two procedures that are known to cause discomfort are dental implant placement and gum reshaping, both of which require oral surgery.
A smile makeover is suitable for all ages. Teens correct orthodontic issues, adults enhance aesthetics in their twenties or thirties, and middle-aged or older individuals seek rejuvenation. Consult a cosmetic dentist for personalized advice at any age.
Is a smile makeover worth it? ›
If badly damaged, diseased, or missing teeth are the guiding force behind your desire for a new smile, then the answer is a resounding YES. Fixing these problematic teeth isn't a “nice-to-have”. This is so much more than a cosmetic issue.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.
How do most celebrities whiten their teeth? ›
For celebrity-level whiteness, cosmetic dentists will usually use one of three different procedures: professional whitening treatments, veneers, or crowns.
How painful is teeth whitening at the dentist? ›
With proper care and precaution, patients should not feel pain during teeth whitening procedures. In some cases, tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur when the bleaching solution is applied for too long.
What is the difference between a smile makeover and a full mouth reconstruction? ›
A combination of cosmetic dental procedures is used in a smile makeover. These procedures help enhance your smile so it is more aesthetically pleasing. The full mouth dental reconstruction involves a variety of dental procedures to restore the function as well as the aesthetics of your smile.
