TOOTH WHITENING - OPALESCENCE

This is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. Our office uses passive tray whitening.

Opalescence is a revolutionary tooth whitening system. It's safe effective and fast, very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. The convenience of Opalescence in comparison to days of using strips or wearing trays makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual. Tooth Whitening procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. The clinician then applies the proprietary whitening gel that is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You'll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure. Trays with gel are recommended afterward for maximum whitening and maintenance.

The tray method involves having impressions taken from which laboratory fabricated custom vinyl trays are made. A carbamide peroxide gel is placed in these trays and the trays with gel are worn for about 3 hours, or overnight. The entire process takes 3-4 weeks of daily use. Three different strengths of gel may be used, however the higher the strength the greater the likelihood of reactions or tooth sensitivity. The tray method is recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining, and it may take several months of use to see significant color improvement. For maintenance of whitened teeth the trays should be used every several months.

The end results whether using trays at home or doing Opalscence! is the same. The cost of the tray method is about half compared to Opalscence and there is usually less post-treatment sensitivity. 

Sapphire Teeth Whitening

Over time our teeth tend to become discolored or stained. Whether this is from smoking, coffee, or any other foods, a beautiful smile could be closer than you think. We offer a safe, inexpensive solution to an unsightly smile. Whitening your teeth is a very simple procedure that can be completed in relatively short period of time.

Procedure

Our office utilizes the Sapphire chair-side whitening procedure as seen on the television show Extreme Makeover. The procedure for Sapphire whitening is quick and painless. The first step is to isolate the teeth and protect the gums and lips. When this has been accomplished, the whitening gel is placed on the teeth. The gel is activated by a specially designed light that is directed at the teeth. The entire procedure takes just over an hour. The results are usually between 6 and 10 shades whiter.

SNAP ON SMILE

No shots.  No drilling.  No adhesives.  You can even eat while wearing the Snap-On Smile® appliance.  Patients looking for a non-invasive, reversible, affordable approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry are excellent candidates for Snap-On Smile. It’s an easy, quick and affordable solution for patients who want to feel better, look better, and function better. Patients using Snap-On Smile report an immediate boost to confidence and self esteem. Most are impressed with the natural look and feel of Snap-On Smile and are grateful for the brief time investment – about two weeks – to achieve such life changing results. 

All it takes is a brief consultation in your dentist’s office.  The process is quick and painless.  Your dentist will take photos and impressions of your teeth.  You choose from different smile shapes and shades for your Snap-On Smile.  In about two weeks, the exclusive lab at Snap-On Smile will create and send your dentist your new appliance for final insertion.  Snap it in and wear it home.

PORCELAIN VENEERS
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.