The process involves the application of a whitening agent, more often that not Hydrogen peroxide, which in appropriate concentrations, is harmless
Gums are protected and the whitening agent is applied. The in surgery process involves the application of UV light which accelerates the whitening process. The most effective and enduring procedure involves in surgery whitening which is often called ‘zoom’ or ‘laser’ whitening. The best procedures involve both in surgery whitening followed by using a take home kit for no more than half an hour a day for the next 10 days.
The take home kit is important in that it prevents fade back which can often be a disappointment for patients. Fade back occurs as a result of the teeth re-hydrating following dehydration during the in surgery process. Although teeth can be whitened by up to 10 shades fade back will result in the loss of one or two shades and a take home kit (with bespoke trays) reduces this.
If you have had crowns or veneers these may have to be replaced. If this is the case the most appropriate procedure is to have your teeth whitened and then have your crowns and veneers replaced to match up with your whitened teeth.
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap - these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth - and a false tooth/teeth in between.
These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants
What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
There are three main types of bridges:
Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) are made of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth - covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance.
The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:
1. To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
2. To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
3. To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
4. To hold a dental bridge in place
5. To cover misshaped or severely discoloured teeth
6. To cover a dental implant
Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their colour, shape, size or length.
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement.
You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist.
What Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?
Veneers are routinely used to fix:
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