If you were given medications such as Tetracycline or Doxycycline as a child and are now dealing with tooth discoloration as an adult, you are not alone. We now know that giving these medications to children while their teeth are still developing (before the age of eight) can cause tooth discoloration. Great, so now we know: but what can you do about your discolored teeth? Fortunately, advances in cosmetic dentistry now make it possible for virtually everyone to have a bright and beautiful smile.
There are several options for achieving whiter teeth. The option that is most suited for you will depend on the cause and severity of your tooth discoloration. After a thorough evaluation, your dentist can determine the best cosmetic dental solution suited to meet your particular needs. The easiest way to achieve whiter teeth is to use some method of tooth whitening. Although there are many over-the-counter tooth whitening kits available, they all vary in effectiveness. If not done properly, whitening your teeth can negatively affect your long-term dental health. For this reason, the American Dental Association recommends that you whiten your teeth only under the supervision of dentist. Many dental practices offer teeth whitening kits that can be used at home as well as in-office treatments that provide immediate results. Again, your dentist can best tell you which method is best suited for your particular case.
Sometimes, if teeth are severely discolored, teeth whitening may not be effective for whitening your teeth. However, there are still options for obtaining a brighter, whiter smile. If you have individual teeth that are discolored, a tooth colored crown may be placed over them to improve their appearance. If several or all of your teeth are severely discolored, porcelain veneers may be the best cosmetic dental solution to help you achieve your best smile.
Pure Dental Health in Midtown Atlanta offers a full array of advanced cosmetic dental procedures including a “Whitening For Life” program . If you are currently unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to tooth discoloration, schedule a smile consultation with Pure Dental Health today.
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