Teeth Whitening / Zoom
Whitening can be a rewarding, transformative treatment which cleans out and neutralizes dark stains and discolorations which collect over time. As with anything, the popularity of whitening has brought many misleading and creative advertisements out there. Showing up at hair salons, tanning boutiques, spas and even kiosks in malls, these, for many reasons are not recommended. Even the use of over the counter whitening systems should involve a consultation with your dentist first.
Many things are considered when determining if whitening is a good a choice for you. Whitening has limitations and not everyone is a good candidate. The condition of your teeth and gums, the presence of crowns or fillings even the shade and quality of your tooth’s surface enamel. Ask your Dentist, or hygienist which system will get you your best results. The most ideal forms are available through your dentist. These are professionally applied chair-side or instructions are given for use at home. In our office we have found Kör and Zoom to be the highest quality materials that have shown us the best results.
At their core almost all have the active ingredient of either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Typically, what varies is the concentration, the quality and stability of the materials used, and the technique used to administer.
In Office Whitening
An in-office whitening visit usually consists of a minimum of two visits. The first visit is quick, we will record a scan or impression which allows us to make custom fit trays that will be used for maintaining your newly lightened teeth desensitizing protocol will also be discussed. At the second visit, special removable material is used to cover all non-tooth areas. Great care is taken to ensure that the gums and surrounding tissues are protected, allowing for a higher concentration of whitening agent to be used. One or sometimes two visits like this consist of four 15min applications of the higher strength whitening gel. The gel is applied, allowed to activate and whiten then removed and replaced with fresh material.
Professional Take home Whitening
Take home alternatives can also yield a great outcome but require strict compliance by the patient to achieve the best most predictable results. With take home whitening systems, a set of custom-made trays that fit over the teeth are used to deliver a whitening gel applied daily, which over the period of one to two weeks can lighten the tooth color.
Tooth Colored/ White Fillings
White fillings, also known as a composite filling, is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed or fractured teeth. Unlike silver amalgam fillings these restorations are designed to be undetectable. Sometimes called bonding, composites are also used for cosmetic solutions to improve the smile by altering color shape or size and even closing spaces.
Bonding
Bonding is a process by which tooth colored resins are applied to a tooth to repair a chip or alter its size and shape. Bonding can be used to correct minor spacing issues or to enhance the symmetry of one’s smile. Bonding is generally considered a conservative approach to solving a cosmetic problem. Talk to your dentist to determine if bonding may be right for you.
Veneers
When teeth are otherwise healthy and a patient wishes to improve their overall smile esthetic, veneers can provide a wide variety of esthetic improvements. Unlike bonding which uses composite resins, veneers use a thin layer of ceramic which is adhered to the tooth to idealize tooth shape size, color and even position. Veneers provide a long-lasting esthetic solution that mimics natural enamel and maintains its color and luster over time. If you are looking for a smile makeover with veneers, schedule a consultation and we will provide a smile analysis and discuss whether veneers are a good choice for you.
Porcelain Crowns
Teeth can fall victim to many things, such as decay, fillings, fractures, wear, and root canals. When the tooth structure becomes significantly compromised it can benefit from reinforcement. Providing a strong and rigid exterior, crowns shield the tooth from future issues. Crowns serve to protect and cover the underlying vulnerable tooth structure, much like a suit of armor. Porcelain is a highly esthetic option which is shaped, and shade matched to blend with the surrounding teeth. The tooth has not become indestructible however, it still requires all the routine care like the rest. Brushing flossing and a good diet are essential to prevent decay on the areas of the tooth that the crown does not cover.
Invisalign
Learn more about Invisalign here.
