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Even the most subtle change in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you
look and feel about yourself.
Veneers are thin custom made shells that are designed to cover the front side of teeth.
Made of tooth colored materials, veneers are used to treat gaps and teeth that are
permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked. They may also cover teeth that
are chipped, worn, or eroded at the gum line from over vigorous brushing.
Veneers are fabricated by a dental technician, usually in a commercial dental laboratory,
from a modem provided by the dental office. They are made from a model provided by the
dental office. They are made from composite resins, acrylic material, or porcelain.
Placing veneers is often an irreversible process because a small amount of enamel is
usually removed to accommodate the thickness of the shell. Anesthetic may be required
depending upon the way the tooth is being prepared. The procedure required just a few
appointments.
Like any restoration, it is possible over time, for the veneer to come off to for decay
to develop. In the case, a new veneer may be required.
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Bleaching is a procedure that brightens teeth that re discolored, stained, or have been
darkened because of injury. It can be performed on living teeth or teeth that have had
root canal treatment.
Bleaching may be done completely in the dental office (known as char side bleaching) or
the dentist may dispense a system for you to use at home (home use bleaching).
Chair side bleaching takes from 30 minutes to one hour per visit. A chemical solution,
the oxidizing agent, is "painted" onto the teeth. A special light may be used at intervals
to help activate the bleaching agent. To complete the process, two to 10 sessions one
week apart may be required. It is not uncommon for the teeth to become slightly sensitive
following the bleaching treatments.
With home use bleaching, your dentist fabricated a custom fitted mouth guard that holds a
bleaching gel. The mouth guard is worn up to two hours daily or at night for about two weeks.
The amount of time per evening the night guard is worn and the treatment duration may vary
according to your needs and your dentist's recommendations.
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Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped,
broken, cracked, stained, or gapped. With bonding, tooth colored materials are attached,
or bonded to a tooth surface. The process can improve unsightly stains from coffee, tea,
tobacco, or certain childhood medications; front-tooth gaps; and accident induced cracks
or chips. Bonding is also used to protect exposed tooth roots that result from gum
recession and to fill small cavities. Bonding usually lasts from three to five years.
The bonding process involves preparing the tooth surface with an etching solution that
allows the bonding material (composite resins) to adhere. Composite resins are plastic
materials made of glass and resin. Various color resins are carefully blended to match
the existing tooth and look completely natural. The resin is applied, contoured intro
the proper shape and hardened using a special light or chemical process. It is then
smoothed and polished to appear natural. Bonding may not require the use of anesthesia
or drilling and can usually be completed in one visit.
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Enamel shaping is a process of shaping, or contouring natural teeth to improve their
overall appearance. When teeth are slightly crowded or uneven, or when eye teeth
appear too long, enamel shaping may be used to correct the flaw.
Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth by removing or contouring enamel to create
harmony and valance in the mouth. The process, which is often combined with bonding,
is usually quick and comfortable. No anesthesia is necessary when shaping the enamel,
and the results can be seen immediately. Enamel shaping should be approached with
caution, however, because enamel cannot be replaced.
Keep in mind that this more conservative process cannot solve all problems. Crowded
teeth may need braces. If so, your dentist may provide treatment or refer you to a
specialist in orthodontics.
Discuss with you dentist not only the options most suitable for you but also what
your expectation are and the dental fees involved.
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