If the color of your teeth is darker then you prefer it to be, there are multiple dental applications that may be used to improve the whiteness. Dental services that are applied to enhance the appearance of the teeth are considered cosmetic. Here are several cosmetic dental applications that can make your teeth appear whiter.

Chemical Whitening

Chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide may be safely used to bleach away dental stains. Dental bleaching agents are applied to the outer surface of the teeth and left in place for the recommended period before for being rinsed away. Although chemical whitening can be performed at home, it is most effective when performed in a dental office.

Once a dentist applies a whitening product to the teeth, they often subject the coated tooth enamel to a specialized ultraviolet light that enhances the effectiveness of the chemical whitener. When a teeth whitening agent is applied by a dental professional, the patient is less likely to develop negative side effects, such as dental sensitivity.

If a consumer uses a teeth-whitening kit that has been purchased over-the-counter, they may leave the product on the teeth too long or use it too frequently. The resulting sensitivity can cause pain whenever the teeth are exposed to severe changes in temperature or pressure. In some cases, the teeth may be permanently damaged, inciting chronic sensitivity that may only be improved through a root canal procedure. During a root canal, the nerves of the teeth are removed.

Nevertheless, when applied properly, a chemical whitening product is an effective way to remove food-based stains that have become trapped within the pores of the tooth enamel. The whitening process is quick and simple. Additionally, it may be repeated according to the product's instructions until the desired level of whitening is achieved.  

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers may also be used to whiten the teeth. Veneers are individual tooth-shaped shells that are made of resin or porcelain. They are applied to the front surface of the teeth to conceal discoloration and other dental imperfections.

Like other porcelain and resin dental devices, veneers can be colored to the desired shade. If only a single tooth is discolored, the veneer color can be matched to the predominant shade of the patient's other teeth. However, if a full set of porcelain veneers is being used to whiten the teeth, the color of the veneers may be selected in the whitest shade possible.

To learn more ways to improve the color of your teeth, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in your local area.