4 Ways to Whiten Teeth: Considering the Options 

Achieving a bright, white smile improves your confidence and helps you leave lasting impressions on others. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, and for a good reason. However, your needs and goals are unique, so it’s essential to choose the right method for your specific situation. We have four great ways to whiten teeth, one of which will be right for you. 

To determine which one best suits your smile, call 509-707-8696 today to schedule a consultation. Your dentist will walk you through the options and answer all of your questions. 

Some important factors we consider when helping you choose the best teeth whitening method:

• Your current tooth color and desired outcome
• Tooth sensitivity
• Existing dental work
• Your budget
• The time commitment you are willing to make

Before your consultation, check out our overview of the teeth whitening methods we offer, along with their benefits and potential drawbacks. 

Professional Whitening Treatment

Our professional whitening treatment involves applying a high-concentration peroxide gel to your teeth. You can get a treatment in our office, or we can provide you with custom-fitted trays and professional-grade gel to use at home. Some patients like to start with an office treatment, then maintain their results with home whitening. 

Pros:

• Professional-strength solution works better than drugstore products.
• A dental professional is available to address concerns or questions.
• Custom-fitted trays ensure even application.

Possible Cons:

• Pro products cost more compared to over-the-counter whitening products.
• You may experience temporary tooth sensitivity.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of your teeth. Your dentist roughens the tooth surface, applies a conditioning liquid, then shapes and hardens the resin to match your natural teeth.

Pros:

• The process is quick and relatively inexpensive. Depending on the number of teeth, it can be completed in a single visit. 
• You can cover minor imperfections along with discoloration.
• It’s a minimally invasive procedure.

Possible Cons:

• Bonding material may stain over time.
• Bonding doesn’t last as long as veneers or crowns.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. With our state-of-the-art CEREC technology, we can create and place your veneers in a single visit. Since they are made in-house, there are no worries about miscommunication or other problems with an outside lab. It also eliminates the need for multiple appointments.

Pros:

• You’ll see dramatic, long-lasting results.
• You can correct multiple cosmetic issues simultaneously.
• Veneers are stain-resistant.
• At our office, it can be a single-visit procedure with CEREC technology.

Possible Cons:

• Veneers are more expensive than other options.
• Your dentist will need to remove some tooth enamel.
• It’s an irreversible procedure, since enamel is removed from teeth. 

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that’s placed over the entire visible portion of your tooth. The process involves reducing the size of your natural tooth to make room for the crown. Your dentist will take a digital impression of the prepared tooth to create a custom crown. As with veneers, our CEREC technology allows us to make crowns for you right in our office. There’s no need to wear a temporary crown or wait a week or more to get it. 

Pros:

• A crown provides full coverage and protection.
• It can address severe discoloration and structural issues like a cracked tooth. 
• A crown is a long-lasting solution.

Possible cons:

• This procedure is the most invasive option, requiring more of the tooth’s structure to be removed.
• Crowns have a higher cost compared to other methods.

Your dentist will assess your unique dental situation, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable whitening method for you. Whether you choose a simple whitening treatment or a more comprehensive solution like veneers or crowns, we’ll guide you through the process, ensuring excellent results.

Ready to whiten teeth? Call Skyview Dental at 509-707-8696 today to schedule an appointment in Moses Lake, WA.