Cosmetic Dentistry
Having a bright healthy smile does more than just enhance appearance. It breeds new-found confidence allowing you to show off your smile. Due to modern enhancements in cosmetic dental technology, cosmetic treatments have become quicker, affordable, and in some cases pain free.
Teeth Whitening
As the name implies, teeth whitening is the act of whitening teeth and therefore making them more attractive. Teeth whitening can be used to whiten stained, discolored or dull teeth to improve your smile. Whitening is one of the most cost effective ways to improve your smile and is relatively painless.
There are two primary methods of teeth whitening, in office and at home trays:
In office whitening is ideal for people looking for immediate results or who have active lifestyles and don't have time for a series of at home treatments. The procedure usually takes about an hour. In office teeth whitening starts with the application of a protective gel to the gums and surrounding soft tissue for protection from light. A different gel that activates under light is applied to the teeth surfaces. An intense light is used to enhance the whitening gel's effectiveness.
At home trays are generally less expensive than in office treatments and require that a mold be made of the teeth for creating trays. After a few days the trays will be ready for pick-up along with instructions on proper use. The trays are taken home, filled with a bleaching gel, and worn for up to one hour at a time, up to twice a day. Bleach trays allow for gradual whitening of the teeth over several days or weeks ending in fabulous results. Bleaching may cause tooth sensitivity. If this occurs, inform Dr. Mark Wojciechowski.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are a porcelain or ceramic cover for the visible portion of teeth that dramatically improves the aesthetics of your smile. Veneers usually require a couple of dental visits. First the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and temporary covers are placed on the teeth. Using the impressions, the custom veneers are precisely manufactured in a dental lab. The process takes about two weeks, and when it is complete the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. Veneers require less tooth material removal and the procedure is more comfortable than crowns. |
