Most areas of dentistry focus on preserving or restoring the health of a tooth. However, cosmetic dentists use dental applications to improve the appearance of a tooth. The preservation of the health and functionality of a tooth is certainly important. But the way that your teeth look can affect your confidence. 

One common cosmetic dental application is teeth whitening. Here are two ways that your cosmetic dentist can help brighten your smile:

Teeth-whitening Gels

Most teeth-whitening gels are made from a peroxide solution that helps bleach stains from the tooth enamel. As you eat and drink, pigments from your food and beverages can be absorbed by your teeth. In addition, deeply staining substances such as tobacco also expose your teeth to dark colorants. Over time, the stains build up, and the white color of your teeth gradually becomes yellow or even brown.

Whitening gels can usually effectively bleach away these types of stains. The gels used in a professional dental setting are generally the safest and most effective. Your cosmetic dentist may also use a special ultraviolet light to increase the whitening effect of these gels.

In addition to the gels that can only be applied by your dentist, you may be offered professional at-home whitening kits to help preserve the whitening that was achieved at your dental office. These at-home kits are generally dentist-approved but should only be used as directed.

Veneers

In some cases, a whitening gel may not be a suitable brightening option. For instance, discoloration that is due to a birth defect cannot be bleached away. In addition, yellowing or darkening that is a side effect of certain medications such as tetracycline does not respond to bleaching attempts.

Even some age-related yellowing cannot be whitened with a peroxide gel. Some of the yellowing that occurs over time is due to a gradual wearing away of the tooth enamel. The tooth enamel is the whitest part of a tooth. The underlying tooth component, which is called dentin, is naturally yellow.

Veneers can be used to whiten your teeth regardless of the reason for your dental discoloration. The veneers, which are thin slices of resin or porcelain, are cemented to the front surface of each tooth to alter the color of your teeth.

If you suffer from yellow teeth, there are cosmetic dental applications that can transform your smile. Contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today to schedule a consultation.