Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures  |  Restorative Procedures  |  General Dentistry

Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, it is inevitable that, over time, some yellowing or discoloration will occur. This gradual change can be caused by aging, substances that stain your teeth (such as coffee and tobacco), excessive fluoride, or the deterioration of a tooth's nerve. A tooth whitening treatment can be performed either as an at-home, dentist-supervised process or in the dentist's chair. While neither of these methods stops future discoloration, these treatments bring about whiter teeth and help create a brighter smile.

The most popular method of whitening teeth is the at-home, dentist-supervised option. During your visit to the dentist, he or she takes a mold of your teeth and creates a comfortable, customized mouth tray. The mouth tray holds a mild solution whose main ingredient is carbamide peroxide, a substance that reacts with water to release a nontoxic bleaching element (hydrogen peroxide). The mouth tray is placed inside the mouth, and sits only against the teeth, thereby avoiding contact with the gums. Patients can choose either to wear the mouth tray throughout the night or for stretches that last from two to four hours. When the mouth tray is worn throughout the night, the treatment lasts one to two weeks. Patients with more sensitive teeth may opt for the latter approach, which lasts three to five weeks.

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 Before and After
 Teeth Whitening

 Veneers

Veneers are thin shells that are laid onto the teeth and bonded to the surface. Although they can be made of different materials, porcelain is frequently used because of its durability and realistic appearance. Veneers are a more conservative alternative to crowns since they require less removal of the tooth's original surface. With veneers in place, patients can expect straighter, whiter, and more even teeth.

• Typically veneers are difficult to stain and durable
• Correct the alignment of teeth "instant braces"
• Brighten your smile and improve self-esteem
• Has translucence and texture similar natural enamel
• Close gaps between teeth
• Lengthen and reshape teeth
• Repair chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth
• Covers tretracycline stains and other discolorations such as fluorosis

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 Before and After
 Veneers

Crowns

When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold and other metals, acrylic resin, or an amalgam (a mix) of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance, although they tend to be less durable than other materials. Crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a bright, healthy smile.

Preparing the Tooth and Crown
During your first visit, the dentist will numb the tooth to be crowned and remove the decay in or around it. The tooth is then rescultped to provide an easy fit for the crown. This is a painless process that is performed in the dentist's chair.

An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to the dental lab where permanent, custom-made crowns are created (this usually takes one to two weeks). During this interim period, temporary crowns made of an acrylic resin are fitted onto the teeth.

Applying the Crown
On your next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and fits the permanent crown onto the tooth. He or she makes sure the crown has the proper look and fit, and then cements the crown into place.

Maintaining Your New Crown
The proper dental hygiene for normal teeth should be applied to any new crown. Daily brushing and flossing will help to keep the teeth, gums, and crown free from the bacteria that can cause gum disease. Chewing on hard foods such as ice or pistachios should be avoided because over time, they can cause crowns to crack or break. Given proper care, crowns can last several decades and may last a lifetime.

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 Before and  After
 Porcelain Crowns