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Cosmetic dentistry can radically enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile.
There are many approaches. If your teeth already have existing restorations
(i.e. fillings or crowns), which have discolored or abraded, you may need a
number
of new restorations to restore your appearance. Cases such as these become
quite complex and need to be discussed in person. Please mention that you saw
our website
and come in for a free consultation. Remember we will address your needs in
the most reasonable and conservative way possible. If your teeth are free of
restorations,
then there are two basic methods to whiten them. Chemically treating them with
peroxide in some form (bleaching) is by far the most popular. The second method,
covering them with porcelain, is invasive, irreversible, and is rarely indicated.
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Whitening by bleaching
A number of chemical whitening systems exist, laser whitening,
chair side whitening, and a host of over the counter systems advertised on
TV for $19.99. They all use hydrogen peroxide as their active ingredient. (With laser whitening
it’s the peroxide which does the work, the laser simply activates it)
The only difference is the concentration of peroxide in the system and how
it is applied. All these systems share a common problem. The initial whitening
effect will fade, so that within 9 months to a year, your teeth will return
to their initial shade.
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Bleaching your teeth at home while asleep is the most reasonable way to whiten
your teeth on a long-term basis. Exact fitting trays are constructed on impressions
of your teeth. The bleach is syringed into the tray; the tray is worn overnight.
The procedure is repeated for 5 to 7 nights, after which the teeth will be
noticeably whitened. About every three months, the procedure is repeated for
2 to 3 nights to maintain the whitening effect. Perhaps the greatest advantage
of the system is that it prevents the steady discoloration of time.
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Cost for this entire system for both upper and lower teeth
is $275.00, which includes a years supply of bleach. (A year’s supply
can be purchased through us, for our cost of $45.00). Because this system
can be used indefinitely,
repeated charges of a dentist applied whitening system are not incurred.
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Whitening by porcelain veneers
This procedure involves shaving 1mm of enamel off the front surface of the tooth, creating
room for the placement of a "fingernail" of porcelain. It is superior
to bleaching as the surface; contour and shade of the porcelain restorations
can be precisely controlled. However, if your teeth have never been filled
or capped, and are reasonably attractive, taking healthy enamel off all the
front teeth is hard to justify and may not be a necessary procedure. I advise patients to think twice before undergoing
this procedure. However if worn fillings or crowns are already a part of your smile, or if your teeth
are grossly discolored, then porcelain veneers and/or porcelain crowns make
sense. Cases like this are complex; please feel free to make an appointment
for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
Cosmetic Bonding
Fractured upper central incisor.
Incisor restored with cosmetic bonding; this is a
one step procedure taking about 20 minutes.
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Porcelain Veneer
1mm of surface enamel is removed.
A "fingernail" of porcelain is fabricated,
corresponding
to the exact thickness of enamel removed.
The veneer is permanently cemented.
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