Cosmetic Dentistry
08/11/2011
Dental veneers are an element of cosmetic dentistry utilizing customized shells of porcelain or resin composite material. They cover existing teeth and are usually color-matched to the patient’s other teeth.
Usually an irreversible process, veneer application requires permanent removal of some enamel from the patient’s original tooth to accommodate the veneer.
Dental veneers regularly are applied to correct tooth discoloration – either from injury, medication or staining – chipped or worn teeth, gaps or irregularly shaped teeth.
Dental veneers are considered a stronger, more natural looking alternative to bonding, and porcelain jackets tend to be stain resistant while being much better tolerated by gum tissue.
Veneers are not the best option for decayed teeth or diseased gum areas. They are a cosmetic dentistry option to improve the appearance of your smile.
The cost of dental veneers can vary from $500 to $1300 per tooth, with usually three separate office visits. During that time, your teeth will be prepared for the veneer by having the enamel removed, molds taken and the actual veneers custom manufactured at a dental laboratory. Your final visit will involve placement, color matching and cementing of the veneer to your original tooth.
Veneers can be expected to last from five to ten years.
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08/10/2011
Teeth whitening is a method of cosmetic dentistry designed to whiten, lighten or restore natural color to a tooth or teeth. Causes of discoloration often dictate how well the teeth take to different whitening processes, so consultation with a dentist is recommended.
The major types of teeth whitening include:
- Bondings
- Veneers
- In-office bleaching
- At-home bleaching
- Whitening toothpastes
Bondings and veneers are cosmetic dentistry applications that cover the existing tooth with a resin composite or porcelain covering to improve the appearance – or sometimes function – of the teeth. A dentist takes molds of the teeth for a dental lab to custom manufacture veneers. Resin bondings are created and applied in the dentist’s office with no need for outsourcing.
In-office bleaching involves a dentist-applied teeth whitening agent which is generally activated by a special light or laser to whiten the teeth enamel over the course of several visits.
At-home bleaching utilizes either dentist-obtained or over-the-counter teeth whitening products, usually containing peroxides administered with a dental tray worn over the teeth, that require a one to two week regimen to complete.
Whitening toothpastes go a step further than standard toothpastes in that they contain special chemical or polishing agents to aid in the removal of surface staining of the tooth enamel. They do not alter the deeper, intrinsic color of the tooth.
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