Westfield Veneers Dentist Explains Veneers as Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment

Dental veneers are a highly versatile cosmetic dentistry option—they can fix a variety of problems in a relatively short period of time. Our Westfield veneers dentists have helped people correct broken and chipped teeth, uneven teeth, crooked smiles, and many other unattractive dental issues. Today I’m going to be giving an in-depth explanation of how dental veneers can be used to brighten dull smiles. Although most people think of teeth whitening treatments when they consider whitening their smile, veneers are another option—often suitable for patients with teeth resistant to teeth whitening.

Teeth can become stained for a variety of reasons. There are number of environmental causes as well as biological factors that can affect the whiteness of dental enamel. Some of the most common culprits of staining are food, drink, and tobacco. Berries, red wine, coffee, and tea can all discolor teeth. Additionally, tobacco—both smoking and chewing tobacco—darkens dental enamel. Much of the time, the stains from food, drink, and tobacco are at least somewhat receptive to teeth whitening and bleaching treatments.

Unfortunately, there are a number of conditions for which teeth whitening treatments are neither desirable nor sufficient. Two examples are dental fluorosis and tetracycline stained teeth.

Dental fluorosis occurs when a child ingests or absorbs excessive fluoride as their permanent teeth are developing. High levels of fluoride cause permanent, adult teeth to develop with stains and potentially with deep groves and pits in the dental enamel. This condition is irreversible, and although it is not dangerous, it can be aesthetically unpleasing and difficult for patients to tolerate.

Tetracycline enamel staining is caused by the antibiotic tetracycline. Again, children are susceptible to this condition—if they use tetracycline when their permanent teeth are developing they could end up with dark or grayish dental enamel. Tetracycline stained teeth are resistant to teeth whitening treatments, and the condition is irreversible.

Dental veneers are thin, unobtrusive layers of white porcelain that are affixed directly to the dental enamel. Our Westfield veneers dentists use porcelain veneers to rejuvenate smiles that are not responsive to teeth whitening. Dental fluorosis and tetracycline stained teeth are permanent conditions, but using dental veneers a patient’s smile can transform into the smooth, white Hollywood smile they’ve always wanted.

Because veneers are so versatile they can be used to rectify many different cosmetic problems at once, so patients with dental fluorosis and uneven teeth can enjoy a stunningly straight and white smile with just one procedure. This technology has revolutionized cosmetic dentistry. We can improve many conditions that were previously considered untreatable. If you have any questions about dental veneers, teeth whitening, or your dental health, please feel free to give us a call—(908) 543-3215.