Helping Patients Achieve Brighter, Lighter, More Youthful Smile
There are many methods available to whiten teeth. The chemical whitening process actually changes the intrinsic color of the inner layer of tooth, the dentin. It does not merely erase the surface stains left by food and beverages such as coffee, tea, blueberries, and red wine.
The active component of most bleaching systems is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The solution comes in contact with the teeth in a tray or strip for specified periods of time, usually 30 minutes. This process is typically repeated daily for two weeks. Some techniques utilize high energy sources such as intense light or laser to accelerate the bleaching process. Speed comes at a price however, desiccating the teeth and causing greater sensitivity.
The dentist can also change the shade of teeth with restorations. Restorations such as bonded composite resin, veneers and crowns are appropriate when teeth are weakened by decay, fillings, fracture, severe wear or would simply benefit from reshaping.
Bonding is a tooth colored material, a resin, which adheres to the tooth both chemically and mechanically. Veneers are eggshells of porcelain that are bonded onto the tooth. They are stronger than resin bonding, have a more beautiful luster, and stain less.
Crowns cover more of the tooth thereby providing more support when this is required.
In addition to getting darker the contours of teeth change as we age. In a very young smile the teeth to the side of the upper center teeth are shorter. As normal wear occurs the difference in the edges of the four front teeth become less until they are fairly even.
When the dentist restores the front teeth he or she together with the patient must decide upon a smile design. The shape, edge height and rounding must be selected to harmonize with facial features.Our goal is to help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime and at the same time provide the most beautiful smile possible.
