Nov
Teeth whitening is a universally popular procedure. Men and women of every age appreciate the beauty of a brilliant, white smile. Unfortunately, whitening teeth is not always as simple as it sounds. Over-the-counter treatments, and even most professional solutions, are often ineffective for deep stains and internal staining. That is why residents of Longview, Hallsville, and other surrounding communities turn to Dr. Bruyere!
In our office, we utilize the advanced KöR Deep Bleaching system, which is more effective against more types of stains than most alternatives. It can lighten teeth up to 16 shades, and results can be maintained for life. KöR is highly effective for most patients with deep, “set in” stains, and discoloration caused by tetracycline.
Teeth often darken after a root canal procedure. This type of discoloration is virtually impossible to treat externally, even with KöR. The stains are not on the surface, or even embedded in the enamel. They originate in the middle of the tooth, often beginning before the root canal procedure.
Infection in the middle of the tooth causes vessels, nerves, proteins, and other tissues to deteriorate. As they break down, they turn very dark, staining the hard tooth material around them. Other factors, such as medication used during root canal therapy, can also contribute to darkening. The solution is a procedure known as walking bleach.
Dr. Bruyere begins by opening the affected tooth and filling the root canal chamber with specially formulated bleach. The tooth is sealed, and the stains gradually dissolve over several days. The process can be repeated if necessary. When the tooth has reached the desired shade of brightness, the bleach is removed and a temporary filling replaced. After three weeks, the procedure is completed with a permanent, cosmetic filling.
In the rare event that a discolored tooth cannot be lightened, it can be covered with a beautiful porcelain veneer. The porcelain is colored to match surrounding teeth for a flawlessly natural appearance. Alternately, all visible teeth can be treated with veneers if you want to alter the natural color. This is a popular option with patients seeking ultra-white “Hollywood” smiles.
If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth for any reason, don’t give up – Dr. Bruyere has a lovely solution for you! Call (903) 708-6116 and schedule your appointment today.