TEETH WHITENING
A white, bright smile can help create a youthful appearance. There are several whitening options available to help you achieve the whitest smile possible. Live Life Smiling Family Dentistry offers several options for whitening:
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In-Office Whitening: If you are a candidate for whitening, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in the office. This procedure is called chair-side or in-office whitening, and may be completed in as little as one visit. During an in-office whitening procedure, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A whitening agent is then applied to your teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.
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Custom Whitening Trays: Custom take-home whitening products typically come in a gel which is dispensed into a tray or mouth guard. These trays can be made by your dentist to fit your teeth precisely. Usage may vary depending on the product. Some products are used twice a day for approximately 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks.
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Opalescence Go Whitening: Opalescence Go is the professional alternative to over-the-counter whitening options. It’s a simple, fast and great-tasting way to start a whitening treatment or for whitening touch-ups. With prefilled, disposable trays, no impressions or custom trays are necessary. Opalescence Go is ready to use right out of the package!
We recommend that you consult with your dentist to determine which option is best for you. Your dentist may need to perform an exam to determine if your teeth are healthy enough for whitening.
VENEERS
Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic (porcelain) or a composite resin material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia and may be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Composite resin veneers can generally be done in a single appointment. After a small amount of preparation, the dentist will bond and sculpt composite filling material onto the teeth.
Porcelain veneers are created in a dental laboratory from a mold that is taken after the teeth have been prepared. A second appointment is required for placement of the porcelain veneers.
There's no reason to put up with gaps in your teeth or with teeth that are stained, discolored, badly shaped, chipped, or crooked. Today, a veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct nature's mistake or the results of an injury and help you have a beautiful smile. Veneers are a highly popular choice among dental patients because of their life-like tooth appearance.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, the dentist will create a unique model of your teeth. This model is sent to the dental technician to create your veneers. Before placing your new veneer, your dentist will remove a small amount of your tooth to make room for the veneer so your teeth and smile stay properly aligned.
When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining. Though veneers are stain resistant, we recommend you avoid or limit drinking coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain the beauty of your veneer.