In Office Whitening:
For the whitening of dark, dull, or stained teeth, bleaching may be the simplest solution. One option in teeth whitening is a high-intensity plasma arc light procedure, performed at the dentist's office. This treatment involves coating the teeth with a paste-like form of carbamide peroxide. When the special light is applied to this paste, the tooth's enamel takes on a whiter appearance. This technique lasts approximately one to two hours in the dentist's chair and sometimes involves no further at-home treatment. However, for some patients, take-home whitening trays are recommended for optimal results.
Take-Home Whitening:
For whitening of dark, dull, or stained teeth, bleaching may be the simplest solution. Whitening is performed by taking an impression of your teeth and making a duplicate model of them. On this model, a soft, thin, clear tray is fabricated. This tray is filled with a whitening gel and placed directly over the teeth in the mouth. This whitening agent-filled tray can be worn for several hours during the day or worn at night while you sleep. Results can be seen daily. To attain maximum results, most patients must wear the whitening tray for 1-2 weeks. However, the timing of these results can be influenced by the different strengths of the whitening gels which are available.
Bonding:
When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding is applied to a tooth via a light gun. First, the tooth structure is cleaned and etched. Then a clear adhesive is applied to the area needing bonding. Once applied, a tooth colored bonding material is placed on the tooth. It is permanently hardened and fused to the tooth with a hand held white light gun. This process is called photo curing. Bonding makes a great tooth colored filling for small cavities and broken or chipped surfaces. It can also be used to close spaces between teeth. Additionally, it is used to cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape. For the latter two applications, bonding has its limits. It may not be strong enough, aesthetic enough, or durable enough for certain individual situations. When these problems occur, the next choice would be porcelain laminate veneers.
Porcelain Laminate Veneers:
Many times, the demands of cosmetic changes in the mouth are too great for simple bonding. This is when porcelain laminate veneers may be used. Porcelain veneers (sometimes referred to as laminates) can change an entire smile. Porcelain laminate veneers are quick, painless, and dramatic. They can change shape, color, size, and arrangement of teeth or any combination of these factors. They can be used as an alternative for orthodontic treatment. The best part about porcelain laminate veneers is that they can be placed in two visits. The technique consists of first shaving a thin layer of outer tooth structure (about the thickness of an eggshell). An impression is then taken of the prepared teeth and is sent to a dental laboratory. In the lab, a ceramist will make very thin porcelain facings consisting of all the changes in shape, size, color and teeth arrangement that are needed to have a great looking smile. At the second visit, the laminates are bonded onto the prepared teeth with a white light gun. The bonding material acts as an adhesive for the laminates. Porcelain laminates are the most popular technique used for dramatic smile makeovers.
Porcelain Veneers:
When there is not enough tooth structure left, or the chewing demands in the mouth are too great for laminates, a stronger, more extensive restoration is needed. Here we need porcelain jacket crowns. Porcelain jackets are pure porcelain crowns placed on a fully prepared tooth. They are the most life-like of all full crown type restorations. The technique initially consists of preparing the teeth. Next, an impression is taken and then sent to the dental lab where the porcelain jacket is fabricated. Finally, they are placed in the patient's mouth and permanently cemented onto the teeth.
Digital Imaging:
Just as you try on clothes to see if they will look nice on you, now you can try on a new smile before beginning cosmetic dental treatment. Using dental simulation software and today's digital imaging technology, we can show you how cosmetic dentistry can improve your appearance. You can even take the image home to show family members as you consider your treatment options. We are happy to provide digital imaging for prospective patients considering cosmetic dentistry in our office. Simply click here on Digital Imaging to fill out our questionnaire and follow the instructions to attach a digital photo of your smile to your e-mail.
If you have any questions, please telephone (914) 664-7400 and speak with Lisa or Haley. They can explain how to send a digital image, answer questions about your dental treatment, and help coordinate your scheduling, insurance, and billing concerns.
