San Francisco and Marin CA
Many people search out cosmetic dentists like ours in San Francisco in search of a dazzling white smile. Some have wasted their money on disappointing over-the-counter whitening strips before turning to cosmetic dentistry for professional whitening. Cosmetic dentistry can drastically whiten teeth in as little time as a lunch break from work. Let’s take a look today at why teeth turn yellow or dingy and how cosmetic dentistry can help turn back the hands of time.
How do teeth become discolored?
Teeth can become discolored because of various factors, including:
- Staining — Enjoying certain foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, dark sodas and red wine can stain the enamel over time. This is extrinsic (external) staining.
- Tobacco use — Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to significant extrinsic tooth discoloration.
- Aging — Over time, tooth enamel naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
- Poor oral hygiene — Poor oral hygiene habits can result in plaque buildup, contributing to discoloration.
- Medical Conditions — Certain medical conditions and medications can cause internal (or intrinsic) tooth discoloration.
- Trauma — Traumatic events can cause intrinsic discoloration, too.
How can cosmetic dentistry help?
Cosmetic dentistry, fortunately, offers several solutions to address both extrinsic and intrinsic tooth discoloration.
Some of the more popular cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
- Teeth whitening — Professional teeth whitening is, by far, the most commonly requested cosmetic procedure in our Marin cosmetic dentistry office. It is one of the most effective ways to improve tooth color. We use bleaching agents, which can be used either in the office or at home to lighten the shade of the teeth, removing extrinsic stains and discoloration.
- Porcelain veneers — We often recommend porcelain veneers for intrinsic staining. Veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells that we bond to the front surfaces of teeth to hide imperfections and improve the teeth’s appearance. Porcelain veneers can also be used on multiple teeth to make a more uniform smile.
- Dental bonding — Dental bonding works similarly to veneers, except bonding involves our cosmetic dentist in San Francisco applying a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of the teeth and then shaping and polishing it to improve their appearance.
- Dental crowns — We may suggest dental crowns for severe discoloration or damage. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover an entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength and appearance.
Cosmetic dentist in the Bay Area
Cosmetic dentistry can significantly improve and enhance your tooth color, helping you achieve a brighter, more confident smile. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call our experienced Bay Area cosmetic dentist at Glen Park Dental at (415) 799-3900, or reach us online today.
