Esthetic Series: Whitening

At-Home Whitening

Over time, your teeth darken as minerals penetrate their outer enamel layer. This darkening can be caused by foods and beverages that stain, such as coffee, colas, teas, red wine, and berries. Tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, can cause teeth to take on a yellowish brown hue. The natural aging process can also cause your teeth to darken. We can prescribe a home whitening system that will safely lighten these stains, giving you a whiter, brighter smile. A specially formulated whitening gel, designed to be highly effective, yet safe, gently forces oxygen through the enamel of your teeth. The process virtually erases stains and brightens your teeth, without damaging your tooth enamel or your gums.

Designing your whitening system

First, we thoroughly examine your teeth and your mouth to make sure at-home whitening is an appropriate option for you. We then take impressions of your teeth, and use the impressions to make models of your teeth. Using these models, we make a personalized whitening tray that fits tightly over your teeth, allowing us to achieve optimum results. At home, you’ll fill the tray with the whitening gel and place the tray over your teeth, keeping it in place for several hours each day. You can wear the whitening trays while you sleep, or if you prefer, you can wear them as you go about your day. Typically, you’ll begin to see results in two to three weeks. We’ll monitor your progress on a regular basis, ensuring that your gums aren’t becoming irritated and your teeth are whitening as desired. When the process is complete, your smile will be noticeably whiter and brighter.

Maintaining your new whiter smile

Let us know if you experience some sensitivity during or following the whitening process. This is normal, and should subside shortly. We can suggest toothpaste that will alleviate the sensitivity. Avoid foods and beverages that stain, like coffee, cola, tea, berries and red wine, or brush or rinse with water after consuming them. See us periodically for touch-ups to remove new stains.

Esthetic Series: Veneers

Veneers cover and protect

When teeth are stained, dark, chipped, or misaligned, laminate veneers may be a good choice to brighten your smile. A veneer is an ultra-thin sheet of porcelain that covers the front of a tooth. Veneers also can be used to close spaces between teeth, lengthen small teeth or to cover misshapen teeth. When teeth are chipped or beginning to wear, veneers can protect them from damage and restore their original appearance.

The procedure

Getting veneers usually takes only two office visits. First, we examine your teeth and may take x-rays. Next, we lightly prepare the surface of the teeth so that the thin veneers won’t look too thick or bulky. Because such a small amount of tooth is removed, most people don’t need an anesthetic. After preparation, we take an impression of your teeth. The mold is sent to a lab where the accrual thin veneers are made. On your second office visit, we place the veneers onto your teeth to make sure they are a good fit. We prepare the teeth for final bonding. Then, we shine a special light onto the placed veneers that hardens the cement to secure the veneers to the teeth. We check your bite and make any minor adjustments. Thin veneers are very strong and with proper home care, can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer.

Your bright future

Current research indicates that you could live into the century mark. Taking good care of your teeth now may be money in the bank for the future. The lighter and brighter color of the veneers is permanent, and you can go home with the smile of your dreams.