Considering Cosmetic Dentistry?

Dental Procedures ~ Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening — Makes Your Smile Sparkle!

Statistics reveal that Americans place a high value on their smile. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® national survey:

• Virtually all adults (99.7%) believe a smile is an important social asset.
• 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex.
• Three-quarters (74%) of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success.
• And when respondents were asked, "What would you most like to improve about your smile?" The most common response was: Whiter & Brighter Teeth. If you are not happy with your smile, teeth whitening may provide the solution.

Teeth Whitening Procedures Can Help:

• Lighten coffee-stained teeth.
• Remove cigarette and tobacco discolorations.
• Correct yellowing in teeth due to aging.

Choices for Whiter Teeth

As in any dental procedure, the AACD recommends that you consult with your dentist to find out which teeth whitening procedure is best for you.

The following are two options for whitening your teeth.

In-Office Power Teeth Whitening

1. A teeth whitening gel containing a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth.
2. In-office teeth whitening can often be accomplished in one visit to the dentist.
3. Home teeth whitening may be recommended to enhance the effects.

At-Home Dentist-Supervised Teeth Whitening

1. The patient wears a custom-fitted mouth tray containing a teeth whitening gel for a few hours each day or night.
2. The trays can be adjusted to lighten individual teeth.
3. The average patient will wear mouth trays for one to two weeks. More severe stains can often be improved with extended use of a home teeth whitening system.

AACD Dentist Supervised Treatments vs. Over-the-Counter Kits

Numerous over-the-counter teeth whitening products are now available, but dentist-supervised teeth whitening remains the safest and most effective method for brightening your smile. Here are some key reasons why you should always consult with your AACD dentist.

Proper Fitting Mouth Trays

Often, over-the-counter teeth whitening trays do not fit the patient’s mouth properly. Improperly fitting trays may cause the teeth whitening gel to leak and can result in gum irritation and a less effective treatment.

More Comfortable Solutions

With today’s dentist-supervised systems, even patients with sensitive teeth can undergo teeth whitening treatment.

Dental Procedures ~ Veneers

If you are looking to improve your smile, beautiful, custom-fitted veneers can provide the answer.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made moldings that cover the fronts of unsightly teeth. They are crafted from tooth-colored, high-tech materials to portray a natural, bright smile.

Should You Consider Veneers?

Veneers provide an alternative to traditional crowns. They cover unattractive gaps, and can mask stained, misshaped or crooked teeth. If these conditions apply to your mouth, veneers may be your best option.

How Long Will Veneers Last?

Veneers are intended to last for many years. Unlike most bonding materials, veneers will not change color over time. You should consult with your dentist to find out exactly how long veneers will last in your mouth.

How Are Veneers Applied?

The tooth is reshaped initially to allow for the added thickness of the veneer. A molded image is taken of the reshaped tooth and sent to a dental laboratory where the veneer is custom-made to fit your mouth. The veneer is applied with adhesive material which bonds it to the original tooth structure.

Advantages of Veneers

Tooth-Like Appearance

Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.

Stain-Resistant

Custom-made veneers resist stains from coffee, tea and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech, extremely polishable materials.

Benefits of Veneers

• A minimal amount of the natural tooth must be altered to fit the veneer.
• Veneers can be matched to make even the darkest teeth appear to be bright white.
• Minor twists and overlaps, as well as small gaps, can be quickly corrected through the use of veneers

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Maintaining Your Veneers

Here are some tips for making sure your veneers stay sparkling.

Brush and Floss Regularly to Prevent Oral Hygiene Problems.

• Veneers generally cannot be damaged by abrasion from your toothbrush or floss.
• Good oral hygiene will ensure your veneers stay strong and provide you with a long-lasting, attractive smile.

Keep In Mind

When considering veneers, keep in mind these important points before undergoing the treatment.

Non-Reversible Procedure

Because a small amount of tooth is reduced to fit the veneers, the process is NOT reversible.

Anesthetic Advised

Generally, the use of a local anesthetic is advised to maintain absolute comfort throughout the treatment process.

Strength of Veneers

Veneers provide more strength when crushing an object than twisting or tearing. Therefore, just as with natural teeth, patients with veneers are advised to avoid opening nut shells, chewing on bones or any other matter that may cause the veneers to chip or crack.

Content provided by the American Academy for Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).