4 Subtle Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal
A tooth infection is not only painful, but dangerous if left untreated. Here are four subtle warning signs that a root canal might be on your horizon.
Hiding Discolored Teeth? 3 Treatments to Whiten Your Smile
Not everyone has perfectly white teeth naturally. Even the most assiduous brushing and flossing routine isn’t going to guarantee a snow-white smile. However, you can have the smile of your dreams after talking to your dentist about your smile goals.
At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr. Culotta Norton and Dr. Peter Grinc provide a range of services that can brighten your smile, including teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, and even dental veneers to give you the grin you deserve.
Why teeth get discolored
There are lots of ways teeth can be stained. The following is just a short list of some of the most common reasons for discolored or yellowed teeth:
- Genetics (some people are born with teeth that will naturally be darker)
- Medications or medical treatments (there are several that can discolor teeth)
- Foods (including soy sauce, tomato sauce, curry powder, and berries)
- Beverages (including tea, coffee, wine, dark sodas, and fruit juices)
- Plaque and tartar buildup on the front surfaces of your teeth
If you have tooth discoloration, don’t be ashamed. Just ask our team what can be done about it.
Three smile whitening options
Depending on the cause of your stained teeth, we work with you to find the best solution for your smile:
Tooth cleaning
If the discoloration is all on the surface, the solution may be as simple as a thorough dental cleaning. You can follow up at home with an improved oral hygiene routine, and keep your teeth looking shiny and bright between visits. (Remember, you should have a cleaning every six months.)
Tooth whitening
If your tooth discoloration is past the stage when a simple cleaning will help, teeth whitening can restore your smile’s brightness. You might even be able to get your teeth a little whiter than your natural shade.
We whiten your teeth in-office with Phillips Zoom!® for fast, easy results, or we can make you custom tooth-whitening trays to take home and use consistently for a prolonged white smile.
Veneers
If the stains on your teeth can’t be addressed with cleaning or whitening, veneers can give you a white even smile and also fix any other small imperfections, such as unevenness or gaps between teeth.
With veneers, we provide a smile made of wafer-thin porcelain shells that are permanently affixed to the front faces of your teeth. These can last up to 10 years or more if you keep your twice-annual dentist appointments and take good care of your teeth at home.
Are you ready for a whiter, brighter smile? Call our office at 202-833-1111 or request an appointment online today.
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