There are countless solutions available that promise to whiten up your discolored teeth. Both professional and over-the-counter solutions can be effective depending on the amount of discoloration, its cause, and the general health of your teeth. But how are you supposed to know whether professional teeth whitening is the right choice for you?
When you visit your dentist, he or she can help you to determine if your teeth will benefit from whitening treatments. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about slapping one solution on every problem, but taking the time to understand why your teeth are discolored and which treatment options will work best for your individual circumstances.
Consider the Cause
One of the most important factors to consider is whether the cause of the discoloration is intrinsic or extrinsic. Extrinsic causes are relatively simple; this is the discoloration you see from smoking or eating/drinking specific foods. Extrinsic teeth discoloration can also be caused by your dental hygiene habits. Most extrinsic discoloration can easily be improved with professional teeth whitening.
However, if your teeth are discolored due to an intrinsic cause such as disease or genetics, whitening might not benefit you. Whitening generally helps teeth to look their natural best — if your natural best isn’t as white as you prefer, you may be better off talking to your dentist about porcelain veneers or other approaches. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles, you won’t have any shortage of viable treatment options.
Schedule an Exam
Your teeth need to be healthy in order for whitening to be successful. It’s always best to schedule a routine examination to ensure your teeth are in the right condition for whitening treatment. Psychological and other medical issues can sometimes affect the health and appearance of your teeth; it is critical you rule out underlying conditions of teeth discoloration before you move on to the whitening phase.
The benefits of an exam are two-fold: You get to determine whether professional teeth whitening is right for you, and you have an opportunity to catch health problems before they escalate. When searching for cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles, always look for a dentist you’d trust with all dental health problems.
When you’re ready for a whiter, brighter smiles, Crystal Dental is here to help. We’re a leading provider of cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles and surrounding areas with highly skilled dentists trained in the latest teeth whitening procedures. Our promise to you is simple: We want you to have a beautiful, long-lasting smile you’re happy to show off for years to come.
For more information or for a location near you please visit www.crystaldentalcenters.com or contact us at 213.748.8448 with any questions.