I’m not happy with the yellow on my teeth. How can I safely whiten them?
There are three ways that you can whiten your teeth:
•In-office bleaching, supplemented with,
•At-home bleaching
•Whitening toothpastes
The first thing you should do before whitening your teeth is talk to your dentist. He or she will be able to help you decide the best option for you. Whiteners will not fix all kinds of stains. Also, if you have bonding or tooth-colored fillings, these will not be affected by whiteners and they may stand out if you whiten your teeth. Remember that using a whitener does not make your mouth healthier.
In-office bleaching.
This kind of whitening, called “chairside bleaching,” is done in your dentist’s office. It may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 1 to 2 hours. During chairside bleaching, the dentist puts a whitener on the teeth and uses a special light to make the whitener work. Lasers are sometimes used during tooth whitening to make the whitening agent work better.
At-home bleaching.
There are a few different products that can be used to whiten teeth at home. Some come from your dentist, and others can be bought over-the-counter. These contain peroxide(s), which bleach the tooth enamel. Most come in a gel and are placed in a mouth tray that fits over your teeth. These gels are designed to help many types of staining. Only the dentist-dispensed solutions have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.
Other over-the-counter whitening products include whitening strips, paint-on products, gels, and trays are available with a low amount of peroxide. For better results, have a cleaning at the dentist before you use these products. These gels and trays do not have the ADA seal.
Whitening toothpastes.
All toothpastes help remove surface stains through mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes that have the ADA seal have special polishing agents or chemicals that remove even more stains. Unlike bleaches, these products do not change the actual color of teeth. They help remove surface stains only.
A small disclaimer is that these products can make your teeth temporarily more sensitive. They can also bother your gums. These side effects most often go away after you stop using the product.
Tooth discoloration and staining can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness. There are many causes of tooth discoloration, some within your control and some not. Here is a short list of some causes and possible cures:
1. Drinks: Coffee and tea tend to stain teeth, especially when sipped over a prolonged period of time. Periodic professional cleanings and in-office tooth whitening will reverse these effects.
2. Smoking/Tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco have a negative effect on tooth color, gingival health, and breath. The best treatment is to quit smoking. Again, periodic in-office cleanings and professional tooth whitening can minimize the discoloring effects of smoking.
3. Dental Restorations: Metal restorations tend to breakdown at the edges (margins) and may reduce the transparency of tooth enamel. For a nice aesthetic appearance, replacing metal fillings with tooth colored composites or porcelains reverses these effects. Even tooth-colored restorations are subject to stains with time and may need replacement.
4. Age: As we get older there is a cumulative effect of tooth staining. The outer tooth enamel wears down with time, causing teeth to turn yellow. Porcelain veneers or dental bonding can replace the worn layer and restore that once lost youthful smile. In some cases, tooth whitening may be an appropriate solution.
5. Chemicals and Medications: During the tooth development of a child, certain antibiotics such as tetracycline or excessive ingestion of fluoride can cause permanent tooth staining. Though these stains cannot be cleaned or whitened, porcelain veneers or composite bonding can give the stained teeth a new look.
In addition to the causes listed above, trauma and genetics play a role in changing tooth color. Keep your teeth whiter and brighter by regular dental cleanings (which usually include stain removal and polishing) and ask us about our cosmetic options to get that right smile.
Tooth discoloration and staining causes embarrassment and self-consciousness. Though many causes of tooth discoloration are under your control, some are not. The following is a brief list of some causes and cures:
Drinks: Coffee and tea tend to stain teeth, especially when sipped over a prolonged period. Periodic professional cleanings and in-office tooth whitening reverse these effects.
Smoking/Tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco have a negative effect on tooth color, gingival health, and breath. The best treatment is to quit smoking. Periodic in-office cleanings and profession tooth whitening minimize the discoloring effects of smoking.
Dental Restorations: Metal restorations tend to breakdown at the edges (margins) and may reduce the transparency of tooth enamel. Replacing metal fillings with tooth colored composites or porcelains reverses these effects. Even tooth-colored restorations stain with time and may need replacement.
Age: With aging comes the cumulative effect of tooth staining. The outer tooth enamel wears down with time, causing teeth to turn more yellow. Porcelain veneers or dental bonding replace that worn layer and restore the youthful glow of teeth.
Chemicals and Medications: During the tooth development of a child, certain antibiotics such as tetracycline or excessive ingestion of fluoride can cause permanent tooth staining. Though these stains cannot be cleaned or whitened, porcelain veneers or composite bonding can give the stained teeth a new look.
In addition to the causes listed above, trauma and genetics play a role in changing tooth color. Keep your teeth whiter and brighter by regular dental cleanings (which usually include stain removal and polishing) and ask us about our cosmetic options to get that right smile.
More and more the esthetics of teeth are of great importance to patients, including tooth color. The color of the teeth is influenced by a combination of their natural color and the presence of any external stains that may form on the tooth surface. The type of natural stain and initial tooth color can play a significant role in the ultimate outcome of tooth bleaching. Where oral health care used to be the primary function of a dentist, in the past 10 years the importance of tooth whitening for patients has seen a dramatic rise in the number of tooth whitening products and procedures to come onto the marketplace. The relationship of the doctor and patient has changed. And the demand by the consumer to kind of cookie cutter the results of esthetic dentistry is supplanting the traditional approach to oral health care.
There are a number of approaches to measuring tooth color changes following tooth whitening; each with their own advantages and disadvantages; and given the consumer’s demand for continued esthetic emphasis, tooth whitening will continue to demand further research and perfection. The key factors that affect tooth whitening efficacy by peroxide containing products are a function of peroxide concentration, to a limited degree, light exposure and the allocation of application time. In general, higher concentrations provide results faster than lower concentrations. While lower concentrations approach a similar degree of results as higher concentrations with extended treatment times, what appears to be a demand for immediate gratification by the consumer apparently drives a propensity to develop systems that deliver higher concentrations of peroxide with shorter application time periods.
Your smile is the first thing people notice. And our goal is to help you smile, but we want to make sure it’s the right smile, one that’s natural and comfortable for you. If chipped, stained, or crooked teeth are “hiding” the real you, it’s time for what is commonly referred to as a smile make over. It is understood that a beautiful smile can brighten your lifestyle every day, both professionally and socially. And unlike plastic surgery, teeth whitening isn’t a major operation. Imagine coming in for a single appointment or two and emerging with the smile you’ve always wanted. The results are immediate and dramatic. There are many ways you can receive a youthful, attractive, natural looking smile.
You can be assured that as a prosthodontist, I understand the functional mechanics as well as the cosmetic artistry needed to evaluate and create the right smile for you. Your goals for achieving the smile you want and the dental health you need are my first priority in our Sandy Springs office.
More and more the esthetics of teeth are of great importance to patients, including tooth color. The color of the teeth is influenced by a combination of their natural color and the presence of any external stains that may form on the tooth surface. The type of natural stain and initial tooth color can play a significant role in the ultimate outcome of tooth bleaching. Where oral health care used to be the primary function of a dentist, in the past 10 years the importance of tooth whitening for patients has seen a dramatic rise in the number of tooth whitening products and procedures to come onto the marketplace. The relationship of the doctor and patient has changed. And the demand by the consumer to kind of cookie cutter the results of esthetic dentistry is supplanting the traditional approach to oral health care.
There are a number of approaches to measuring tooth color changes following tooth whitening; each with their own advantages and disadvantages; and given the consumer’s demand for continued esthetic emphasis, tooth whitening will continue to demand further research and perfection. The key factors that affect tooth whitening efficacy by peroxide containing products are a function of peroxide concentration, to a limited degree, light exposure and the allocation of application time. In general, higher concentrations provide results faster than lower concentrations. While lower concentrations approach a similar degree of results as higher concentrations with extended treatment times, what appears to be a demand for immediate gratification by the consumer apparently drives a propensity to develop systems that deliver higher concentrations of peroxide with shorter application time periods.
Your smile is the first thing people notice. And our goal is to help you smile, but we want to make sure it’s the right smile, one that’s natural and comfortable for you. If chipped, stained, or crooked teeth are “hiding” the real you, it’s time for what is commonly referred to as a smile make over. It is understood that a beautiful smile can brighten your lifestyle every day, both professionally and socially. And unlike plastic surgery, teeth whitening isn’t a major operation. Imagine coming in for a single appointment or two and emerging with the smile you’ve always wanted. The results are immediate and dramatic. There are many ways you can receive a youthful, attractive, natural looking smile.
You can be assured that as a prosthodontist, I understand the functional mechanics as well as the cosmetic artistry needed to evaluate and create the right smile for you. Your goals for achieving the smile you want and the dental health you need are my first priority in our Sandy Springs office.
Veneers are wafer-thin laminates or shells of tooth-colored material (which can be either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material). They are bonded (cemented) to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. It’s really not that much different from brick on the front of one’s home. Many dentists use the alternative analogy that dental veneers are for your teeth what false fingernails are for your hands.
What treatments or problems are veneers used for?
There are a wide variety of reasons why patients opt for treatment with dental veneers:
Stained teeth – badly stained or discolored that cannot be improved by teeth whitening or prophyflex treatments can be greatly improved by dental veneers, which function to cover any existing stains on your teeth.
Damaged teeth – teeth that have become badly worn through excessive grinding or by carbonated drinks, as well as those that have been chipped or broken, can benefit from veneers. A small chip on a tooth can quickly be repaired with composite bonding, also known as “composite veneers”. A single damaged tooth can easily be repaired with a porcelain veneer that has the same characteristics and color as you natural teeth.
Gaps – spaces or gaps (technically termed as a diastimas) between your teeth can easily be closed using dental veneers, giving you a more uniform-looking smile.
Crooked teeth – Veneers are not the ideal treatment for crooked teeth, and from the point of view of preserving your natural teeth structure, orthodontics or Invisalign braces would probably a better solution. However, this type of treatment can take up to a year or longer and be significantly more in cost to accomplish. For teeth that are not severely crooked, veneers placed over their front surface will give a straight and perfectly aligned-looking smile. For this type of treatment, many people refer to veneers as “instant orthodontics”, as you get a similar end result in a fraction of the time.
So which are better: composite veneers or porcelain veneers?
The most popular type of veneer is porcelain, which offers a stronger and more durable alternative to its composite counterpart. Composite veneers are also more prone to staining and do not last as long as porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers also offer a more natural looking, translucent appearance. Composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers in general, but considering that they do not last as long and need replacing more often, they could end up costing more in both time and money in the long run. Composite work is ideal for small chips, as this treatment preserves more of your natural tooth structure.
What is the procedure of having dental veneers fitted?
1. The first part of any dental procedure is the initial consultation and examination, so that the dentist can get a feel for what you want and understand your needs and concerns. The dentist should explain the treatment procedure to you and give you an accurate guide to the likely costs of your treatment.
2. Before your veneers are designed, your dentist will need to reshape and prepare the front surfaces of your teeth so that they can accommodate the veneers. The first stage is to numb the teeth and gums with a local anesthetic so that you do not feel anything during the procedure.
3. Using a special tool called a burr (a dental drill or file), a tiny part of the front surface of your teeth will be shaved off. The amount removed should be equivalent to the thickness of the veneer that will sit over the top of the tooth.
4. Next, an impression or mold (copy) of your teeth is taken. A special dental “putty” is placed into your mouth on a tray and pushed into your teeth so that it takes an imprint of your teeth (similar to how you would leave a footprint in sand).
5. This “impression” or mold of your teeth is then sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory uses the impression to cast an accurate model of your teeth, which is used as a guide to fabricate your new veneers. This process can take between one and three weeks.
6. While you’re waiting for your veneers to be fabricated, your dentist may fit you with some temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. Not all dentists will offer temporary veneers.
7. On your second appointment, your dentist will fit your new veneers to your teeth. First, the dentist may just sit the veneers over your teeth to see how they look with your smile, as he/she may need to trim or adjust the veneer.
8. Next, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and the front surfaces etched (roughened) with a special acid gel so that they provide a good surface for the dental cement to stick to.
9. The veneers are then cemented into place, and a special curing light is used to activate the dental cement so that it permanently bonds the veneer to the front surface of your prepared tooth. If there is any excess cement, it is usually trimmed away and polished to leave a beautiful and natural-looking restoration.
How long do dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers will typically last between five and ten years, while composite veneers last a year or two at most. The bottom line is that your veneers will eventually need to be replaced. Although veneers are strongly cemented into place, there have been cases where they come loose and fall off. In such situations, it is important that you keep hold of your veneer and contact your dentist immediately. To make your veneers last longer, follow a good oral hygiene program and visit your dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.
Is it possible to have veneers fitted on the same day?
Usually, porcelain veneers are placed over a minimum of two visits as described above. A few cosmetic dentists have invested in CAM/CAD in-house ceramic studios such as E4D or CEREC, which can custom-produce high-quality ceramic veneers on-site in as little as six minutes. This technology enables the dental practice to offer single-visit, same-day ceramic veneers which are fitted within an hour.
What about Lumineers? What are they?
Lumineers, are similar to standard porcelain veneers, but are fabricated made from a patented cerinate porcelain that is extremely thin (about the thickness of a contact lens) and very strong. With Lumineers, the tooth surface does not need to be trimmed, so the procedure is quicker and totally painless. A similar ultra-thin veneer system to hit the market are Durathin veneers. One of the problems with Lumineers is that usually require the dentist purchase/produce a certain number of patient cases to be on their system/plan. www.lumineers.com or www.durathinveneers.com.
What are da Vinci Veneers?
Da Vinci Veneers are similar to Lumineers in that they are extremely thin veneers that are often used for smile makeovers. They are only manufactured in the da Vinci laboratory in California.
What are MAC Veneers ?
Mac Veneers are made from pressed ceramic, giving more strength than standard feldspathic veneers. They are an ideal veneer choice for smile makeovers.
More and more the esthetics of teeth are of great importance to patients, including tooth color. The color of the teeth is influenced by a combination of their natural color and the presence of any external stains that may form on the tooth surface. The type of natural stain and initial tooth color can play a significant role in the ultimate outcome of tooth bleaching. Where oral health care used to be the primary function of a dentist, in the past 10 years the importance of tooth whitening for patients has seen a dramatic rise in the number of tooth whitening products and procedures to come onto the marketplace. The relationship of the doctor and patient has changed. And the demand by the consumer to kind of cookie cutter the results of esthetic dentistry is supplanting the traditional approach to oral health care.
There are a number of approaches to measuring tooth color changes following tooth whitening; each with their own advantages and disadvantages; and given the consumer’s demand for continued esthetic emphasis, tooth whitening will continue to demand further research and perfection. The key factors that affect tooth whitening efficacy by peroxide containing products are a function of peroxide concentration, to a limited degree, light exposure and the allocation of application time. In general, higher concentrations provide results faster than lower concentrations. While lower concentrations approach a similar degree of results as higher concentrations with extended treatment times, what appears to be a demand for immediate gratification by the consumer apparently drives a propensity to develop systems that deliver higher concentrations of peroxide with shorter application time periods.
Your smile is the first thing people notice. And our goal is to help you smile, but we want to make sure it’s the right smile, one that’s natural and comfortable for you. If chipped, stained, or crooked teeth are “hiding” the real you, it’s time for what is commonly referred to as a smile make over. It is understood that a beautiful smile can brighten your lifestyle every day, both professionally and socially. And unlike plastic surgery, teeth whitening isn’t a major operation. Imagine coming in for a single appointment or two and emerging with the smile you’ve always wanted. The results are immediate and dramatic. There are many ways you can receive a youthful, attractive, natural looking smile.
You can be assured that as a prosthodontist, I understand the functional mechanics as well as the cosmetic artistry needed to evaluate and create the right smile for you. Your goals for achieving the smile you want and the dental health you need are my first priority.
Veneers are wafer-thin laminates or shells of tooth-colored material (which can be either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material). They are bonded (cemented) to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. It’s really not that much different from brick on the front of one’s home. Many dentists use the alternative analogy that dental veneers are for your teeth what false fingernails are for your hands.
What treatments or problems are veneers used for?
There are a wide variety of reasons why patients opt for treatment with dental veneers:
Stained teeth – badly stained or discolored that cannot be improved by teeth whitening or prophyflex treatments can be greatly improved by dental veneers, which function to cover any existing stains on your teeth.
Damaged teeth – teeth that have become badly worn through excessive grinding or by carbonated drinks, as well as those that have been chipped or broken, can benefit from veneers. A small chip on a tooth can quickly be repaired with composite bonding, also known as “composite veneers”. A single damaged tooth can easily be repaired with a porcelain veneer that has the same characteristics and color as you natural teeth.
Gaps – spaces or gaps (technically termed as a diastimas) between your teeth can easily be closed using dental veneers, giving you a more uniform-looking smile.
Crooked teeth – Veneers are not the ideal treatment for crooked teeth, and from the point of view of preserving your natural teeth structure, orthodontics or Invisalign braces would probably a better solution. However, this type of treatment can take up to a year or longer and be significantly more in cost to accomplish. For teeth that are not severely crooked, veneers placed over their front surface will give a straight and perfectly aligned-looking smile. For this type of treatment, many people refer to veneers as “instant orthodontics”, as you get a similar end result in a fraction of the time.
So which are better: composite veneers or porcelain veneers?
The most popular type of veneer is porcelain, which offers a stronger and more durable alternative to its composite counterpart. Composite veneers are also more prone to staining and do not last as long as porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers also offer a more natural looking, translucent appearance. Composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers in general, but considering that they do not last as long and need replacing more often, they could end up costing more in both time and money in the long run. Composite work is ideal for small chips, as this treatment preserves more of your natural tooth structure.
What is the procedure of having dental veneers fitted?
1. The first part of any dental procedure is the initial consultation and examination, so that the dentist can get a feel for what you want and understand your needs and concerns. The dentist should explain the treatment procedure to you and give you an accurate guide to the likely costs of your treatment.
2. Before your veneers are designed, your dentist will need to reshape and prepare the front surfaces of your teeth so that they can accommodate the veneers. The first stage is to numb the teeth and gums with a local anesthetic so that you do not feel anything during the procedure.
3. Using a special tool called a burr (a dental drill or file), a tiny part of the front surface of your teeth will be shaved off. The amount removed should be equivalent to the thickness of the veneer that will sit over the top of the tooth.
4. Next, an impression or mold (copy) of your teeth is taken. A special dental “putty” is placed into your mouth on a tray and pushed into your teeth so that it takes an imprint of your teeth (similar to how you would leave a footprint in sand).
5. This “impression” or mold of your teeth is then sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory uses the impression to cast an accurate model of your teeth, which is used as a guide to fabricate your new veneers. This process can take between one and three weeks.
6. While you’re waiting for your veneers to be fabricated, your dentist may fit you with some temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. Not all dentists will offer temporary veneers.
7. On your second appointment, your dentist will fit your new veneers to your teeth. First, the dentist may just sit the veneers over your teeth to see how they look with your smile, as he/she may need to trim or adjust the veneer.
8. Next, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and the front surfaces etched (roughened) with a special acid gel so that they provide a good surface for the dental cement to stick to.
9. The veneers are then cemented into place, and a special curing light is used to activate the dental cement so that it permanently bonds the veneer to the front surface of your prepared tooth. If there is any excess cement, it is usually trimmed away and polished to leave a beautiful and natural-looking restoration.
How long do dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers will typically last between five and ten years, while composite veneers last a year or two at most. The bottom line is that your veneers will eventually need to be replaced. Although veneers are strongly cemented into place, there have been cases where they come loose and fall off. In such situations, it is important that you keep hold of your veneer and contact your dentist immediately. To make your veneers last longer, follow a good oral hygiene program and visit your dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.
Is it possible to have veneers fitted on the same day?
Usually, porcelain veneers are placed over a minimum of two visits as described above. A few cosmetic dentists have invested in CAM/CAD in-house ceramic studios such as E4D or CEREC, which can custom-produce high-quality ceramic veneers on-site in as little as six minutes. This technology enables the dental practice to offer single-visit, same-day ceramic veneers which are fitted within an hour.
What about Lumineers? What are they?
Lumineers, are similar to standard porcelain veneers, but are fabricated made from a patented cerinate porcelain that is extremely thin (about the thickness of a contact lens) and very strong. With Lumineers, the tooth surface does not need to be trimmed, so the procedure is quicker and totally painless. A similar ultra-thin veneer system to hit the market are Durathin veneers. www.lumineers.com or www.durathinveneers.com.
What are da Vinci Veneers?
Da Vinci Veneers are similar to Lumineers in that they are extremely thin veneers that are often used for smile makeovers. They are only manufactured in the da Vinci laboratory in California.
What are MAC Veneers ?
Mac Veneers are made from pressed ceramic, giving more strength than standard feldspathic veneers. They are an ideal veneer choice for smile makeovers.
I’m not happy with the yellow on my teeth. How can I safely whiten them? 
