Dental restorations are options to restore or replace damaged or missing teeth.
Dental restorations can help with tooth decay, weakening of previous dental work, and dental trauma. Visit your dentist; they’ll recommend the best option for you and ensure that your dental restorations are correctly installed.
The dental restorations dentists use are:
- Dental Fillings – They are the most common restoration option. The dentist will use your preferred material to fill in small cavities in your teeth.
- Implants – These are anchoring posts that are either made of titanium mixture or titanium metal. They serve as a replacement for missing tooth roots and are made to look and feel like natural teeth.
- Bridges – This is a combination of three to four dental crowns to cover the gaps left by one or more missing teeth. Crowns or implants anchor them on either side.
- Crowns – Teeth with significant wear and tear benefits from dental crowns. Also called “tooth caps,” crowns cover the tooth down to the gum line.
- Composite Bonding – Dentists use a composite resin when you chip your front teeth to restore their appearance and structure.
- Onlays and Inlays – These are restorations made in the laboratory. These are options for teeth damage that are not suitable for dental fillings and dental crowns.
Types of Dental Whitening
If you want to restore your teeth to their former glory and confidently strike a conversation with a smile, there are various whitening options for you to try.
Say goodbye to teeth discoloration with any of these teeth whitening systems:
Whitening Kits
These are available in your dentist’s office, and they require a dentist’s prescription due to the amount of peroxide they contain.
This kit includes a peroxide whitening gel that reacts faster and lightens the teeth better. It may also include a customized tray that perfectly fits your mouth and creates a seal around your teeth or gum margin, which will protect your gums and make sure the teeth whitening gel stays on your teeth.
Whitening Strips
You won’t need a dentist’s prescription to buy these. You can get them online or in pharmacies.
They don’t work as well as whitening kits or in-office teeth whitening systems because they contain lower amounts of peroxide. Still, don’t put them past the teeth area to avoid injuring your gums.
Laser Whitening
Aside from peroxide, other dental offices offer laser whitening. It is a very effective teeth whitening method; you’ll already notice whiter teeth after one appointment. However, this is the more expensive option compared to other whitening methods.
Whitening Toothpaste
They’re not as efficient in whitening teeth as the other options. However, you can still use them to remove surface stains on your teeth. They do this by being more abrasive than regular toothpaste. Ask your dentist if they have any recommendations. You can easily find them in supermarkets.
Is Dental Whitening Safe and Effective for Dental Restorations?
Now to the more pressing question: is teeth whitening safe and effective on dental restorations?
The answer is no. Teeth whitening systems are only effective on natural teeth.
During teeth whitening procedures, peroxides penetrate the enamel and break down the stains to make them less noticeable. Unfortunately, these chemicals are not strong enough to penetrate the material of dental restorations.
But don’t lose hope just yet. If you have a dental restoration like veneers that still shows some parts of your natural teeth, you can still give whitening a try. Your dentist will present you with other options if you still want to push through.
Another option dentists recommend is the replacement of old dental restorations. It will keep your artificial teeth from standing out for an even whiter smile.
How Can You Get Started?
You can start by looking for a clinic near you. You can also search the internet to see if they offer the teeth whitening service you’re looking for.
After finding your preferred clinic, set an appointment with them. The dentist will begin by assessing your overall oral health. Then, they will discuss their treatment plan for you, which may include teeth cleaning and replacing old dental restorations. They will also recommend different whitening procedures and help you decide which one is best for you.
Sunrise Dentistry Is Here for You
We offer holistic dentistry in Durango, CO.
Our team practices conventional and natural treatments to give our clients the dental care they deserve. If you want to know different ways on how to whiten teeth, we’ve got you!
Don’t let teeth discoloration hold you back. Schedule an appointment with us today.
