When you go to your Birmingham, AL dentist looking for a whiter smile, professional teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are the top two options. But what’s the difference and what’s the better one for your case? Dr. Bruce Spink of Spink Dentistry explains both options.
Professional Teeth Whitening: What to Know
When you think about getting whiter teeth at the dentist, professional teeth whitening is probably what comes to mind. It has many benefits compared to over the counter whitening solutions. Drugstore whitening kits are one size fits all and can result in sensitivity if they come into contact with the gums. Their quality isn’t professional-grade, and you often end up with splotchy or uneven results.
At our office, we offer two different types of teeth whitening. First, Zoom teeth whitening is an in-office option. It’s ideal for getting whiter teeth quickly, like if you have an event coming up. In about an hour at our office, you can get teeth up to eight shades whiter. We make sure the soft tissues are protected, then paint a whitening gel on your teeth. The bleaching agent is then activated by a special light.
If you’d like to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home, our KoR teeth whitening system allows that. It’s a more gradual process than in-office whitening. Impressions are taken to make bleaching trays that perfectly fit your teeth. A professional-grade whitening gel is put in them for even distribution. You’ll wear them for a few hours each day for a couple of weeks, or as long as Dr. Spink believes you’ll need them to reach your cosmetic goals.
All About Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a more permanent whitening solution that can take care of other dental issues as well. They’re made of thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of the tooth. This material is designed to be durable and stain-resistant, giving you a solution that lasts for years to come.
For veneers, a small amount of your tooth structure is removed. We want to make sure that the veneers lay flat and flush with the rest of your smile. Impressions are taken so that the veneers can be custom-made for your specific teeth. When they’re ready, we’ll fit them to your smile and make any small adjustments you need. If you’re satisfied, they’ll be permanently bonded to your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are ideal for stains and discoloration that can’t be taken care of with traditional whitening solutions. If you have a “dead” tooth or stains that were caused by things like genetics or medication. Whitening gels often can’t take care of these kinds of staining, even with the strongest of formulas.
Cosmetic Solutions From Your Birmingham, Alabama Dentist
We want you to have a white smile that you’re always ready to show off. Call us or schedule an appointment online.