Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of existing teeth. They are custom made for each tooth and are only used for the front teeth. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as stained or discolored teeth, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. If you are uncomfortable with your smile and are seeking an improvement, porcelain veneers may provide a solution.

The procedure requires no anesthesia and takes one to two hours for the doctor to perform. First, a half-millimeter of enamel is removed from the front surface of the tooth. The tooth is then "roughed up" using phosphoric acid. Resin cement and the veneer are then applied to the tooth. The procedure takes at least two visits. Receiving porcelain veneers is a lifelong commitment. Even though they last 10-15 years, the veneers are permanent because of the half millimeter of enamel that is removed from the front of the teeth; this significantly alters the tooth structure. However those that do have porcelain veneers applied to their teeth gain a straight and even smile. Plus the color and shape of their teeth remain consistent.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening, or tooth bleaching, has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures today. This procedure is not just for the rich and famous, normal everyday individuals are undergoing this cosmetic procedure and gaining that winning smile. There are two types of teeth whitening procedures that are commonly used by cosmetic dentists. The most common procedure has been the in-home use of a bleaching gel and custom fitted trays. There are toothpastes people can purchase to whiten their teeth, but their results are not even close to what tooth bleaching can offer.

The second type of teeth whitening procedure, which is performed by dentists and involves using a highly concentrated bleaching gel, and lasers or intense light is used. The dentist performs the tooth whitening procedure by applying BriteSmile gel to your teeth and then using a laser or power light to activate the gel. This process takes 1-2 hours and the results are evident almost immediately after undergoing the procedure. The results of your teeth whitening can last for years, leaving you many opportunities to enjoy a bright, winning smile.

There are various teeth whitening procedures, be sure to consult with your cosmetic dentist as to which one works best for your needs.