COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Teeth Whitening/Dental Bleaching
A white smile can be a strong indicator. Those with white teeth can be viewed as more attractive, seem healthier and happier and may have more self confidence. With so many teeth whitening options out there, some individuals may choose a home remedy. However, there are benefits to consulting with your dentist about your whitening options.
Reasons for Treatment
Over time your teeth lose their natural luster. This is partially due to aging, but there are also a few additional factors that can be considered:
Consumption of Tooth-Staining Beverages and Foods
Plaque Accumulation
Some Prescription Medications
Dental Trauma
Over Fluoridation
Smoking
These and other factors can cause tooth stains, and in some cases decay. Maintaining a proper oral health routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash, can help to renew and protect your enamel, kill bacteria and naturally brighten your teeth. However, for a bright white smile, some additional whitening efforts can be helpful. Granted, for more serious cases there are options such as porcelain veneers and crowns; however, for less severe cases, a simple whitening treatment can suffice.
At its essence, teeth whitening is a process that involves bleaching the teeth. There are many at home options, including strips, toothpaste and mouthwash. However, many of those treatments take weeks, sometimes even months, to produce full effects and they are not authorized by the health authorities. However, a dental professional is able to offer a few safe whitening methods in conjunction with your oral health goals, to get you the smile you desire.
Need Teeth Whitening? Call Our Cosmetic Dentists Today!
The most commonly administered whitening treatment conducted in a dental office is quick and efficient. In one sitting you can obtain whitening effects, and with proper care it will last for a while. Even if your teeth are not completely straight it is administered evenly amongst all of your teeth. For those with sensitivity to the bleaching process, there are other options that you can consider. You can work with your dentist to create a system tailored specifically to your mouth that will help you reach your whitening goals.
There is no one-size-fits-all whitening process that will work for everyone. That is why a teeth whitening treatment crafted specifically for you can be most beneficial, and a professional dentist is the best source to get such a treatment.
Porcelain Veneers
Different people have individual goals for various aspects of their lives, including their smiles. At Harmony Dental Health we strive to help all of our patients reach their oral health goals and uncover their best smiles. For some, veneers are a helpful option. When properly applied and cared for, they can last for many years. Porcelain veneers offer a natural look and are strong enough to provide full functionality.
The Purpose:
Veneers are a versatile form of treatment and are used to take care of several different oral issues, such as:
Stained or Discolored Teeth
Crooked Teeth
Gaps Between Teeth
Broken Teeth
Misshaped Teeth
Some people may have one of the aforementioned issues, or a few, and porcelain veneers can help to address each one. The porcelain material not only looks like a tooth, but it is also smooth and strong. This helps to prevent plaque from getting into crevices as with regular teeth, as well as avoid staining. Therefore, the porcelain can sustain a long life, as long as it is cared for through the maintenance of good oral health habits.
How it works
In short, veneers are thin pieces of material that are stuck to the tooth. They can be thought of as fortified covers that help to protect the tooth from further damage, or close in gaps between teeth. In doing so, porcelain veneers also help to create a natural look and feel, so they function as regular teeth would and do not require any additional care beyond common oral care methods, particularly brushing and flossing.
This wafer-thin material is custom fitted to each tooth by your cosmetic dentist to ensure that it will provide the proper coverage for that tooth. The right color must also be chosen so that it will match correctly with your teeth. Therefore, if you are interested in a whitening treatment you should discuss this with your cosmetic dentist first, so that your veneers can match the final color of your teeth. Once the proper porcelain material is chosen and it is shaped for your tooth, it is permanently applied using a dental seal. Depending upon the extent of your procedure, it can be completed in as little as two appointments.
