Bleaching
Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth. Some
people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while other patients
just want a whiter shade.
Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be
caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be
caused by your genetic make-up or simply getting older.
Bleaching can be
performed by your dentist in the office or, under dental supervision, at home.
Many patients enjoy bleaching at
home because it is more convenient.
Treatment begins when your dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to ensure
the
correct amount of whitening solution-10 percent to 20 percent carbamide
peroxide-is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically,
whitening at home takes two or three weeks, depending on the desired shade you
wish to achieve. Whitening in the office may call for two to six 45-minute
visits to your dentist's office.
Bonding
Bonding is tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of
teeth. Requiring a single office visit, bonding lasts several years. Bonding is
more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration. When
teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the
material of choice. Bonding also is used as a tooth-colored filling for small
cavities and broken or chipped surfaces. Additionally, it can be used to close
spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change
its color and shape.
Crowns, also known as caps, are used in cases where
other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy
of all cosmetic restorations, but are the most time consuming.
Veneers
Veneers are placed over the front teeth to change color or shape of your
teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped,
discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Veneers are thin
pieces of porcelain or plastic cemented over the front of your teeth. Little or
no anesthesia is needed. Veneers are used to treat some of the same
problems as bonding.
This treatment is an alternative to crowns,
which are more expensive. The procedure requires your dentist to take an
impression of your tooth. Before the custom-made veneer is glued directly onto
the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth to compensate for the added
thickness of the veneer. Once the cement is between the veneer and your tooth, a
light beam is used to harden it.
Porcelain veneers require more than one
visit because they are fabricated in a laboratory. Veneers have a longer
life expectancy and color stability than bonding.
Contouring and reshaping
Tooth reshaping and contouring, is a procedure to correct crooked teeth,
chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in a single session.
Tooth reshaping and dental contouring, is commonly used to alter the length,
shape or position of your teeth. Contouring teeth
may also help correct small
problems with bite. It is common for bonding to be combined with tooth
reshaping.
This procedure is ideal for candidates with normal healthy
teeth, but who want subtle changes to their smile. Your dentist will take X-rays
to evaluate the size and location of the pulp of each tooth to ensure that
there's enough bone between the teeth to support them.
Which procedure is right for me?
Your dentist can answer many of the questions you may have about techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and desired result you want often dictates the best procedure. If you are considering a treatment, there are a few questions you can ask your dentist before deciding if a particular procedure is right for you.
Your dentist will answer questions you may have about the procedure, maintenance and price to help you choose the treatment that best suits you.