Smiling Options – Whitening, Veneers, & Cosmetic Dentistry

Many times every day your smile shows itself to others. It is the one thing that we tend to give freely. Therefore, having a white and beautiful smile makes a significant impression on those we meet.

To update your smile and spread cheer, consider some of the following options:

1. Whitening: Whitening can be done at home or in a dental office under supervision. “Generally speaking, you will see some results no matter what type of whitening you do,” says Dr. Judith Ko, your Hemet Valley, CA Top Dentist and Cosmetic Dental Professional. “Most people tend to get better results using a method recommended by a dentist only because we can prescribe a higher concentration material.” But no matter what type of whitening you choose, it will not whiten existing dental work or crowns and veneers.

2. Veneers: “Veneers are a great way to improve a smile that has minor chips or more permanent stains like those from medications,” says Dr. Ko. A veneer is a paper-thin piece of porcelain that is cemented to the front part of the tooth and can change the shape and color of a tooth.

3. Cosmetic dentistry: “Cosmetic dentistry includes not only whitening and veneers, but also white-colored fillings, anterior crowns and even tissue re-shaping,” adds Dr. Ko. Your cosmetic dentist will look at your entire smile and base their recommendations on the teeth that show when you smile and even laugh. Many people have large, wide smiles that show many teeth and so recommendation may be made to even back teeth or molars to enhance the patient’s smile. “While the color of your teeth is something that is noticed immediately, the gum tissue frames those teeth and is also noticeable,” says Dr. Ko. “So don’t underestimate the importance of a more shapely frame to your smile design.”

If you are considering any cosmetic dentistry, always ask to see photos of other patients who have had the same procedures done. Then move forward and smile!

What's the Best Way to Whiten My Teeth?

According to WebMD, the best and most inexpensive way to keep your teeth white and bright is to have regular dental visits. Having your teeth cleaned removes the stain that comes from normal eating and drinking. Stains occur when you drink coffee and tea and can even come from eating things like apples. While regular visits to your dentist keeps most smiles at their brightest, some people may need or want additional help.

"If your smile needs a boost, to get it to the shade you desire, there are a couple of methods that work well," says Dr. Judith Ko from her cosmetic dental practice located in Hemet, California. Trays can be formulated specifically for a particular mouth by your dentist. These trays are then filled with a whitening solution. The solutions are different from what you can purchase at your local pharmacy and produce a more dramatic result. The trays and solution can be applied to your teeth at home when it is convenient.

Another method of whitening is completed in the dental office. Many times referred to as 1-hour or in-office whitening, this method utilizes a stronger solution and is monitored by a professional when applied. "Both methods are great for giving you a whiter smile," Dr. Ko says.

With the holiday season fast approaching, wouldn't you like to have a brighter smile?