When you are like the five in seven dental patients who wish that their smiles were whiter, it is important to consider the different treatment options available for getting a gleaming grin.
Of course, there is the traditional whitening technique which is offered by all dental teams and can be offered on a lesser scale using over-the-counter mouthwash and toothpaste, but these can often heighten any already existing sensitivity. Not to mention that over-the-counter treatments are usually only designed to help with surface staining and cannot make a dent in yellowing caused by smoking.
Is there an alternative way to get white teeth? Yes, there is – simply ask your dentist about veneers Wagga.
Never heard of them? Read on for a brief guide to this versatile cosmetic procedure!
What are they made from?
In an average dental surgery, any covering will be made from either porcelain, composite or a mixture of the two. However, depending on the budget you have available, you can also choose which covering material you would prefer to have.
These materials offer two advantages; the natural colour of composite or porcelain can be colour-matched to your teeth, offering a seamless cosmetic option or it can be lightened if you want a brighter smile. Also, both composite and porcelain are less porous than enamel, so staining is unlikely to occur and that whiter smile will last longer.
How are they fitted?
Customised to your teeth, they are fitted using gentle sanding of the enamel at the front of your tooth and are then affixed using a dental cement.
Depending on how many you are having fitted, this procedure can take up to an hour or your dental team may decide to space out the appointments. Either way, the fitting is painless and requires no numbing injections.
Do they last long?
Oh yes!
Provided that you maintain good oral hygiene, keep up to date with your dental visits and avoid smoking or drinking excessive quantities of alcohol, your porcelain or composite coverings can last upwards of twenty years.
If you have a history of gum disease, it is worth discussing this with your dental team prior to the fitting; swollen gums can shorten the lifespan of many cosmetic procedures and coverings are no exception. If you are worried that one of your coverings is loose, contact your dental team for an assessment.
Do they need any aftercare?
One of the reasons why these nifty little coverings are so popular is due to their easy aftercare.
Once fitted, you can go about your day as normal and they have no additional care requirements. Simply brush, see your dentist every 6 months and keep an eye out for gum disease and they will be fine.
Can they be replaced?
If your porcelain covering comes loose, your dental team should be able to replace it with an application of dental cement, provided it has not fallen off due to decay or a break in the tooth.
This cosmetic procedure can also reduce tooth sensitivity as it covers the enamel which is porous.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.