If you suffer from discolored or stained teeth that have lost their luster, it might be time to visit a qualified cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry offers a multitude of treatments and procedures to restore the shine to your smile.

Teeth can change colors for many reasons, including trauma, aging, too much fluoride, tobacco use, or exposure to foods and drinks that are known to stain.

Your cosmetic dentist can address the discoloration caused by these offenders in a variety of ways:

• Professional teeth whitening treats surface stains quickly, leaving you with teeth that are as much as ten shades lighter. With proper care, the results of professional teeth whitening can last a year or more. Use a whitening toothpaste, avoid staining foods and beverages, and refrain from tobacco use to ensure the longest lasting results.
• Dental veneers are an excellent option for teeth with internal stains that are resistant to professional whitening. A wafer-thin layer of porcelain or composite resin is bonded to the surface of the tooth to cover the darkened tooth underneath. The placement of veneers requires the structure of your natural tooth to be altered, meaning it is a permanent option. With excellent care, veneers can last from ten to twenty years.
• Composite bonding uses tooth-colored bonding material to cover the surface of a discolored tooth, matching it to the color of the surrounding natural teeth. This treatment is especially good for single teeth that have changed color due to trauma or damage.

With advances in cosmetic dental technology, there is no reason to live life with a dark or dull smile. To find out more about how cosmetic dentistry can brighten your smile, consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist.