Cosmetic Dentistry

WHITENING

How can you brighten your smile?
Tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars anymore. Many people have had their teeth whitened, and probably millions more are thinking about it, but they have a desire to whiten their teeth safely. Under the supervision of your dentist, you can have your teeth whitened.

Is bleaching for you?
Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90% of patients. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.

What's involved?
With home whitening, a custom mouthguard appliance is fabricated for your mouth. You will dispense the agent that whitens your teeth into this appliance. By being able to do this at home, you will have the ability to control the rate at which you whiten.

How long does it last?
Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. You may also choose to get a touch up. A touchup is generally not very expensive. You can use the original mouthguard and it may take only 1 or 2 sessions at home.

Is it safe? Any side effects?
Several studies have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.

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PORCELAIN VENEERS

What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of a tooth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discoloured teeth or change the appearance of teeth. The veneers are bonded to the teeth with a very strong resin cement. One is able to control the colour of the veneers or the shape of the teeth. These porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining.

Why a porcelain veneer?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size, or shape. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers.

Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.

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BONDING

Bonding is the process where composite resin is used to repair, restore or cosmetically enhance teeth. Since composite resin is used, the color of the teeth can be matched or changed. The shape of the final restoration can be controlled as well.

The advantages of bonding are:

● Completed at one appointment
● Beautiful aesthetic result
● Control over shade of the restoration
● Control over shape of the restoration

The disadvantages of bonding are:

A good aesthetic alternative to bonding that addresses the disadvantages of bonding is the use of porcelain veneers.

● They have a tendency to chip, stain or crack
● May require replacement after 5 years
● Initial cost is lower, but repeated replacement over the years increases the cost.

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