5 Ways to Correct Tooth Discoloration From A Napa Cosmetic Dentist

Regardless of the alignment and health of your teeth, teeth discoloration can diminish the overall appearance of your smile. Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa offers a variety of treatment options that are available to address mild to chronic tooth staining. Depending on the severity of discoloration, a person may consider selecting from one of these five dental treatment options:

1) Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening products are the most effective systems for bleaching away stains and discoloration. Compared to over-the-counter options, a professional teeth whitening system is more effective and will work faster and stronger.

Bleaching works for certain types of tooth discoloration, but not all of them. But in most cases, it’s one of the first and most cost-effective steps to take before moving on to something like veneers or dental bonding.

Professional teeth whitening can be performed in-office in a single appointment or as a custom, take-home set of whitening trays.

2) ICON Resin Infiltration

ICON Resin Infiltration of white-spot lesions is a minimally invasive treatment for post-ortho white-spot lesions and certain congenital hypocalcified enamel lesions. White spots on teeth are a unique cosmetic challenge. Usually, they don’t respond to whitening products the same way as the rest of your healthy tooth enamel. In fact, these white spots may become even whiter. But with ICON, the white lesion itself is targeted. The tooth-colored composite infiltrates the porous enamel so that your lesion takes on the same shade as the healthy enamel around it. The procedure only takes one appointment to complete.

3) Cosmetic Bonding

When discoloration is paired with a surface flaw, such as pitted enamel, gum recession, chips, or gaps between teeth, cosmetic bonding may be a great solution. Cosmetic bonding uses a composite resin that is applied directly to the tooth. By covering the flaw with composite, you’re essentially protecting and repairing your tooth the same as getting a small, white filling.

• For a comparison between cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers, click here.

The process: Dental bonding, or cosmetic bonding, uses a composite resin that is applied directly to the tooth. The material is color-matched to blend seamlessly with your smile and is shaped, sculpted, and hardened with ultraviolet light to mimic healthy tooth enamel. A cosmetic bonding treatment typically only takes one appointment, and with proper care, it may last up to 10 years.

4) Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are preferred when the entire front surface of a tooth poses a concern. For instance, if your tooth is misshaped or has severe internal staining. Since the entire tooth color is atypical, bleaching it out may not be as effective as whitening a healthy tooth. When whitening doesn’t provide the results you’re looking for, Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa may suggest veneers if the staining and discoloration are severe.

• For more in-depth information regarding the benefits and steps of getting porcelain veneers, click here.

The process: During the first visit, Dr. Sasha will prepare your teeth to ensure a strong bond and proper positioning of the veneers. 3D digital scanning is used to assist with designing your custom veneers. Once the veneer shape, color, and size are decided upon, temporary veneers are placed. At the second visit, the temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent ones are applied with cement using ultraviolet light. With proper care, porcelain veneers may last up to 15-25 years.

5) Full Crowns

A crown or “cap” is a full-coverage restoration that places a new layer of protection over the entire tooth. Usually, crowns are recommended if a tooth has serious structural damage. For example, if the tooth has large cavities, weak enamel, aggressive wear, or a previous root canal. Dental crowns are durable, long-lasting, and can be fabricated with various materials. Dr. Sasha can help you determine the choice that best meets your unique needs, including special considerations regarding cost, durability, and appearance.

The process: Designing, fabricating, and installing a high-quality, fully custom crown typically requires two visits. At the first visit, 3D digital scanning is used to assist with designing your custom crown to ensure it is properly positioned between the adjacent teeth and doesn't interfere with your bite. A temporary crown will be placed while your permanent one is being made in our dental lab. Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa will receive your crown, and once it passes our meticulous inspection and quality control measures, an appointment is scheduled to cement the permanent crown into place. This process typically takes less than 2 weeks.

Get a Professional Opinion

Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa provides a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental services. Dr. Sasha will meet with you personally to determine what the best option is for your unique situation. To schedule an appointment, call (707)-257-7771 today or conveniently fill out our online contact form.