If you’re looking for a bright new smile, teeth whitening is the best way to get that new, bright look. Whether your teeth are stained, yellowed, or uneven in color, teeth whitening is an effective and simple solution.
In fact, most people find stains and yellowing will occur to teeth over time. Whitening your teeth will improve the way your teeth appear, and give you a more youthful, pleasing smile.
The type of whitening you choose affects the length of time whitening will last.
What Types of Teeth Whitening Can I Choose From?
You can choose from professional teeth whitening in your dentist’s office, or take-home kits provided by your dentist to allow pro whitening at home. Or, you can choose an over-the-counter whitening tool.
Professional Whitening In-Office
Your teeth can become up to 8 shades more white in a single visit to your dental team’s office. There, after whitening solution is applied to your teeth, a special laser light will be applied to activate teeth whitening quickly for a fast and aesthetically attractive result.
Professional Teeth Whitening at Home
If you opt for professional tooth whitening at home, your dental team can provide that choice as well, designing personalized whitening trays for you to use at home, and providing you with a bleaching gel and instructions for optimal use. These kits also work well to help you maintain in-office whitening treatment as long as possible.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
If you choose a peroxide-based over-the-counter teeth whitening choice, you can choose from a variety of products, including teeth whitening strips.
How well teeth whitening strips, or any over-the-counter whitening product such as toothpaste, rinses, and gels, work depends on the concentration level of peroxide in the product. Typically, it ranges between 10% and 22%.
The Success of Teeth Whitening Strips
How well teeth whitening strips work depends on the peroxide concentration you purchase. Strips are usually more effective than toothpaste or rinses.
Strips are coated with a peroxide-based gel, and are usually applied for around 30 minutes, twice a day for approximately two weeks. The effects will not be as noticeable or long-lasting as professional treatment from your dentist, but if discoloration or stains is fairly light, they can be quite effective.
Other Over-The-Counter Whitening Choices
Along with whitening strips, you can choose to apply a gel to the tooth surface using a small brush, twice a day for two weeks.
Or you can use tooth whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains. It does not contain bleach, so it will not make your teeth more than about a shade lighter.
Whitening rinses or mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide work by whitening teeth when swished in the mouth twice a day for around a minute. They are less effective in general than other products you can purchase to whiten your teeth over the counter.
Can Whitening Strips Damage My Teeth?
While professional teeth whitening cannot damage your teeth, over-the-counter products, including whitening strips can cause irritation and enamel damage over time, especially if used often. Whitening strips and other OTC products can also damage dental restoration work.
Will Teeth Whitening Last?
While not permanent, teeth whitening that is professionally done can last for years. Over-the-counter products like whitening strips will usually last for around four months.
No teeth whitening treatment will last forever, but you can also help to extend your new shiny look with the practice of routine dental hygiene including regular twice daily brushing and flossing, and scheduled visits to your dentist for an exam and cleaning. It also can help to stay away from staining foods or beverages such as red wine or tea, as well as some berries.
Want to Learn More about Options for Teeth Whitening?
If you’d like to learn more about teeth whitening options, from professional in-office treatment to over-the-counter products such as white strips, we are ready to help. Reach out to us at Hamden Dental Arts today!
Want a smile you can feel confident about? Dental veneers can help. Veneers bond to the front of your teeth, covering up imperfections and giving you a brighter smile. How long your veneers last depends on several factors, including the materials used and how you care for your teeth afterward. With the right care, your veneers might last for 10 years or longer.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells that bond to the front of your teeth. They help to restore the appearance of your teeth and offer a purely cosmetic fix for a range of concerns. Some of the problems veneers help to fix include:
- Chips or cracks in the teeth
- Uneven tooth surfaces
- Discoloration or staining on the teeth
- Worn out teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
Veneers can be made from composite resin or porcelain. Both types of veneers are bonded to the front of teeth. Before the veneer is attached, your dentist will etch the enamel of the tooth to create a rough surface for the cement to cling to.
You can have anywhere from a single veneer to six or eight, depending on how many teeth you want to correct.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The average lifespan of a veneer is about 10 years, but there's a wide range within that estimate. For example, composite resin veneers might have a shorter lifespan than porcelain veneers. A composite resin veneer might last around five years before it needs replacing. With good care, you might be able to get up to 20 years out of a porcelain veneer.
Other factors that affect the longevity of veneers include the condition of your teeth before you get the veneers and how you take care of your oral health after getting them. Grinding your teeth (Bruxism) can also shorten the lifespan of a veneer.
How Do You Care for Veneers?
Once you get dental veneers, the best way to care for them is to take good care of your teeth and gums. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Schedule a visit to your dentist every six months for a check-up and thorough cleaning.
If you play sports or participate in other types of physical activity, it's a good idea to always use mouth protection. Your dentist can fit you for a mouthguard to protect your teeth while you're active.
Also, avoid doing anything that puts force or pressure on the veneers. For example, don't use your mouth to open bottles or to tear objects. Try not to crunch down on ice or hard foods with your teeth. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about wearing a mouthguard at night to ease pressure on the veneers. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, can also help.
What Happens When a Veneer Wears Out?
If a veneer falls off or breaks, you have a few options. The first option is to replace the old veneer with a new one.
Depending on the state of your teeth, you might decide to replace the veneer with a crown. If the tooth itself has been damaged since you got the veneer, replacing it with a crown might be your better option.
The first step to an improved smile starts with a phone call to our office at 203-248-7400. We look forward to seeing you smile brighter and with renewed confidence. Contact us or schedule an appointment online today!
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures performed today. They’re an excellent option for those who suffer from teeth discoloration, shape or spacing issues, or minor cracks and chips in their smile.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers, also called dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are wafer-thin shells of tooth-colored material bonded to the front surface of teeth, changing their color, shape, size, or length.
Because porcelain is a strong and durable material, porcelain veneers can be fabricated thinner than composite resin veneers, so less tooth enamel will be removed before they are placed.
What are the benefits of porcelain veneers?
Dental veneers can be made of porcelain or composite resin materials. However, porcelain veneers resist stains better than composite resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers can be used to fix many cosmetic issues, including:
- Worn-down teeth.
- Chipped or broken teeth.
- Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth.
- Unattractive or stained fillings in front teeth.
- Large spaces between your teeth.
- Permanently stained or discolored teeth that don't respond well to whitening treatments.
What is the process involved in getting porcelain dental veneers?
Getting a smile makeover with veneers is a highly individualized process. Your dentist's skill, experience, and training are critical to achieving your desired results. In addition to a comprehensive oral exam, your dentist will:
- Review your medical history forms and discuss your goals for treatment.
- Take X-rays of your teeth to determine if you’re a candidate for veneers.
- Rule out periodontal disease or tooth decay.
- Discuss what procedures will be required.
- Create a treatment plan with the appropriate number of appointments needed to complete your makeover.
Once treatment begins, plan on at least two visits over two weeks. Your first visit will include tooth preparation and impression taking. Your dentist will choose the appropriate shade of porcelain for the most natural-looking result and discuss how much of your natural tooth will be altered to achieve the smile you want.
During the second appointment, your dentist will bond the veneers to the front of your teeth. Each veneer is individually sculpted for proper color, shape, and fit. Each tooth is carefully adjusted after being cemented into place until your bite is correct and your new veneers feel natural.
How much do porcelain veneers cost in Hamden, CT?
The cost of porcelain veneers in Hamden, CT, can vary depending on several factors:
- The experience and expertise of the dentist and staff.
- The quality of the dental lab used to fabricate the veneers.
- Local market conditions, overhead costs, etc.
- The condition of your teeth (whether they require additional treatment before veneers are applied).
- The number of veneers you need.
Your dentist will provide an estimate for your treatment plan after examining your teeth and discussing your goals. The final price will depend on the course of treatment most appropriate for you. You can usually expect to pay between $1,750 and $2,500 per tooth.
Hamden Dental Arts Offers Porcelain Veneers to Transform Your Smile
If your smile needs a makeover, porcelain veneers may be perfect for you. Hamden Dental Arts offers porcelain veneers that can give you a bright, beautiful smile and a confidence boost.
Call 203-248-7400 today or contact us to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a smile you’ll be proud to show off.
Have you ever wished that you could quickly improve the appearance of your teeth? You may not have any serious dental issues. Your teeth and gums aren’t causing significant pain or discomfort. You simply don’t like the discoloration, gaps, overlaps, or other obstacles for the appearance of your teeth.
Your dentist will discuss all effective options for the unique needs of your teeth, and dental veneers may make that list. Let’s dig into what dental veneers are, why they’re used, and what you can expect from the installation process.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or resin composite fitted to the front surface of your teeth. Each shell is colored and shaped to mimic the look of real teeth. When shaped and fitted properly, they can quickly transform the appearance of your teeth.
If you want to change any of the following characteristics of your teeth, you may choose to have dental veneers installed:
- Color
- Length
- Shape
- Size
You may also consider veneers to strengthen weakened teeth or hide broken and chipped teeth. Covering up some gaps is also an option, especially if you don’t want to wear braces or Invisalign. Finally, you may consider veneers if you don’t want to continue having your teeth professionally whitened over and over.
If there are more serious dental issues causing tooth discoloration, misalignment, or deterioration, your dentist will address those issues before considering cosmetic procedures like veneers. The first goal is to secure the functionality and health of your teeth and gums. Improving the appearance is considered after your teeth are properly restored to health.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
- Quick improvements in the appearance of your teeth
- Natural tooth color and shape
- Healthy option to replace deteriorating tooth enamel
- Strengthens the tooth for improved functionality
- Resistant to stains and decay
- Can last for up to 15 years with proper care
- Improved self-confidence due to smile enhancement
Veneers vs. Lumineers – What’s the Difference?
Have you heard about Lumineers that fit on the front of your teeth much like veneers? What’s the difference, and which one should you choose?
Lumineers is a specific brand of veneers that require your dentist to remove less enamel from the surface of your teeth before installing. They’re made from durable laminate and are a bit thinner than porcelain veneers. They’re often preferred because they require less prep time and are easier to place on the teeth due to their thinness.
Your dentist can help you determine whether porcelain veneers or Lumineers are the best option for your teeth. The end result is a beautiful smile and healthier teeth either way.
Schedule Your Consultation to Start the Veneers Procedure
If you’re ready to discuss all options to quickly improve the appearance of your teeth, schedule an appointment with our dental team soon. Our dentist will examine your teeth and guide you through all available correction and treatment options. If veneers are an option, we’ll help you understand the process.
The first step to an improved smile is a phone call to our office at 203-248-7400 . We look forward to seeing you smile brighter with renewed confidence. Contact us or schedule an appointment online today!