Do you have a single tooth that is darker than the rest or teeth that are looking a bit yellow in general? If so, you will likely be seeking out professional help to whiten your teeth. Here are some options that can help you get the smile that you have wanted for quite some time.

Professional Laser and Gel Whitening

Is your problem that your teeth are a bit stained? Then you will be better off with professional whitening to improve the color of your teeth. Professional whitening is typically done in one of two ways. You'll receive treatment in an office where your teeth are whitened with lasers, or you'll be sent home with a peroxide gel that needs to be applied to the teeth. While the peroxide gel is an excellent way to get white teeth, it takes a bit of time for the process to work. Laser treatment is more expensive, but it provides instant results that you can see by the time you leave the dentist's office. 

You'll want to use professional laser or gel whitening when you have stains caused by smoking, eating certain dark foods that caused stains, or other organic problems. It's not best for discoloration caused by trauma.

Veneers and Bonding

Veneers and bonding are used to cover up discoloration that cannot be fixed by the previously mentioned whitening method. For example, if you have a single tooth that was discolored due to impact damage or a tooth that had a root canal and is now darker than the rest. The most affordable option of the two is dental bonding, which works by covering the affected teeth with a resin material. Bonding can be performed in a single visit as well, which is great for people looking for instant results. 

Veneers are an option where you can cover the problematic teeth with a thin porcelain shell. The process involves removing a thin portion of enamel from the surface of the tooth, which creates a surface that the veneers can be attached to. While veneers will cost more money to have placed on your teeth, they provide a natural look that can't be beat. They will also cover other cosmetic problems with your teeth, such as chips or jagged edges. 

Need more information about either of these two methods? Reach out to a cosmetic dentist for a consultation. They'll advise you on the cosmetic dental procedure that will work best for you.