Most whitening products contain a concentrated blend of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. When oxidation occurs, these compounds cause stain particles across the tooth to dissolve and break apart, lifting them away from the enamel and leaving a whiter color behind. Such peroxide blends are also effective in helping healthy tooth structure appear brighter.

In-office whitening treatments Same day whitening treatments take about an hour to complete. We apply the product directly to your teeth and use a light to trigger the oxidation process. After the gel is rinsed away, we repeat the process one or two more times, until full results are achieved. Take-home customized kits An impression is made of your teeth, which is used to create a form fitting whitening tray. Apply the provided whitening gel into the reservoir of each tooth and wear the trays for an hour per day. You’ll start to see results after a few days, with full whiteness achieved between 10-14 days. Over the counter products Available online or at your local supermarket, these products come in the form of pens, strips, rinses, and trays. However, the ingredients inside of the products are generally weaker than what’s available from your dentist (think over the counter medication vs. a prescription from your doctor.) As such, they won’t work as well for moderate to severe staining and results will be weaker than something you get from your dentist.

Whitening is fine for any teen or adult with healthy teeth. However, existing dental work — such as porcelain veneers, crowns, or tooth colored bonding — won’t change color. Any visible restorations will remain the same shade as they were before. If you’re planning to have them updated, it’s best to do so after you’ve whitened, so that their shade can be matched to the new color of your teeth. For this reason, we frequently recommend whitening before undergoing other cosmetic treatments.

If your teeth and gums are healthy, absolutely. The only issues that tend to be a problem are when there is active tooth decay, a leaky filling, or gum disease. Applying whitening products to these areas can cause severe sensitivity, irritation, or burns. That’s why we recommend having a brief screening (or a routine dental checkup) before starting any type of teeth whitening regimen. Medical experts do advise that teeth whitening products be avoided if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. While no negative effects have been proven to result from such products, it’s often better to err on the side of caution.

Dental veneers are crafted from thin shells of porcelain. Each bonds directly to an individual tooth, masking what it looks like from another person’s point of view. Generally, several veneers are placed side-by-side to address overall aesthetic concerns across your visible smile.

Depending on your unique anatomy and cosmetic concerns, you may need anywhere from 6-10 veneers or more. They can also be combined with other restorative services (such as porcelain crowns or composite bonding) on adjacent teeth, for optimal overall results.

What aspects of your smile can be changed with veneers?

• Crowding
• Gaps
• Misalignment
• Staining and discoloration
• Misshaped enamel

By covering the teeth in your “smile zone,” dental veneers are able to create the appearance of a perfectly straight, white smile. No braces are necessary! The entire process only takes 2-3 trips.

Most veneer cases begin with a consultation and exam. At this visit, we’ll discuss the concerns you have about your smile, what enhancements you would like to make, and any long or short-term goals that we need to keep in mind. From there, we’ll be able to review which aesthetic services are most appropriate — such as veneers, whitening, etc. — and create a customized plan that outlines the process step by step. For more complex cases, we may recommend a diagnostic wax up or a digital smile design before the treatment is started. This model allows you to preview the veneer design proposed by our ceramists so that it’s easier to envision what your final results will look like. You may even be able to try them in (although they’re not permanent). When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll schedule a preparation appointment where a thin layer of enamel is buffed away (to prevent a bulky appearance once your veneers are bonded in place) and an impression taken of your teeth. You’ll wear a set of temporary veneers while your permanent ones are designed at our lab. About two weeks later, you’ll return to have the ceramic ones bonded onto your teeth.

Choosing to get cosmetic veneers can help you feel free to smile more often, talk to people you don’t know, and even boost your overall confidence in social or professional settings. Being comfortable with the way your smile looks affects just about every aspect of your personal life.