Cosmetic Dentistry

Whitening

Whitening your teeth is often the easiest way to improve your smile. Our office offers two forms of whitening, ZOOM and Whitening Trays. While they are both effective was of getting whiter teeth, ZOOM takes about 1 ½ hours and the trays take up to two weeks.

Crowns, bridges and bonding do not respond well to either whitening system. Although they may slightly lighten in color, most patients opt to have them replaced to match the new whiter tooth color.

The ZOOM system is done in our office by a hygienist. The procedure involves isolating the teeth to be whitened while protecting the gums and lips. A gel is then applied to the teeth and a special light activates the gel. We recommend patients avoid smoking and drinking dark liquids for about 24 hours after the procedure, as the teeth are porous and will be most susceptible to restaining during that time.

Whitening trays are a more affordable option and many patients like them because at-home "touch-ups" are at their leisure. To make the clear plastic trays, impressions are taken and an exact mold is made of your teeth. The trays are then custom made to fit securely around your teeth. Trays come with a whitening gel that you dispense into the tray. The gel our office uses requires patients to wear the trays 2 to 3 hours a day for about two weeks or until you are satisfied with the results.

Overall, 97 percent of patients who whiten have successful results. Whitening works by oxidizing the surface. Paint on whitening from the pharmacy work with an application of titanium dioxide (white paint substance) on the surface of the teeth. However, with both forms of whitening, the more you smoke or imbibe drinks that stain teeth (coffee, tea, soda & wine), the faster your teeth will return to their original color.

Resin Bonding

Resin bonding is a hard composite material made to match your existing tooth color. Resin bonding can be used to correct slight or severe defects in tooth shape, color or alignment. Although durable, bonding does not last as long as porcelain veneers and they do have a tendency to chip. Fortunately, most of the time, repairs are easy to make.

The resin bonding is done in our office and usually takes only one appointment. We recommend resin bonding for young patients who are still growing and for those patients who are concerned about the cost of porcelain veneers.

Removable Orthodontic Appliance

Our office uses removable orthodontic appliances to straighten both front and back teeth. Many times, after teeth are straightened with retainers we use resin bonding or porcelain veneers to create an optimum smile.

The more the appliance is worn, the more quickly the teeth will move.
For best results, patients should only remove the appliance when eating, brushing and flossing.

If the dentist agrees you are a good candidate for the appliance, we will take an impression of your teeth. A replica of your teeth will be sent to a technician who will construct the custom appliance. It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to make the appliance, typically made of a gum colored acrylic with metal wires. For most appliances regular checks are required to make sure your teeth are moving into the desired position at an appropriate pace.

Veneers

Like resin bondings, porcelain veneers can correct defects in tooth color, shape and alignment. They are typically only put on the teeth that show when you smile as their purpose is most often cosmetic. They can also be placed on teeth that are weak, damaged, or have small restoration.

Veneers are made of high-quality porcelain that fits over your natural tooth structure. They usually require significantly less drilling than crowns or onlays but they are made in a similar fashion. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared and impressions and models are made. The dentist will work closely with the lab technician to determine the most natural shape and size for each specific case. At the next appointment, about 10 days later, the veneers are strategically placed. The dentist will often have you back several weeks later to make any necessary adjustments.

Porcelain veneers are ideal for many patients because they most closely resemble natural teeth and they are stain resistant. They are very strong but patients should keep in mind that anything that can break natural teeth can break a veneer.