Bleaching is a procedure that brightens teeth that are discolored, stained, or have been darkened because of injury. It can be performed on any tooth, even one that has had root canal treatment.

  

There are two types of bleaching procedures. Bleaching may be done completely in the dental office (known as chairside bleaching) or a system may be dispensed by the dentist for the patient to use at home (nightguard bleaching).

  

Chairside bleaching takes from 30 minutes to one hour per visit. A chemical solution, the oxidizing agent, is 'painted' onto the teeth. A special light may be used to help activate the agent. Generally three to four visits are necessary.

                   

 

With nightguard bleaching, your dentist fabricates a custom-fitted mouthguard that holds a bleaching gel. The amount of time per evening the nightguard is worn and the treatment duration may vary according to your needs and your dentist's recommendations.

Bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored materials are applied to the surface of a tooth. Bonding covers discolorations, repairs chips, breaks and cracks and fills in gaps. It is a virtually painless procedure that is usually completed in one visit. Periodically, it may have to be recoated or replaced, since it usually lasts from three to five years.

            

The bonding process involves etching the tooth surface with a conditioning solution that allows the bonding material (composite resins) to adhere.

                     

To match your own teeth, various color resins are carefully blended so the bonded tooth will look completely natural. After application, the resin is contoured into the proper shape and hardened using a special light or chemical process. It is then smoothed and polished to appear natural.

Veneers

Veneers are thin custom made shells made of tooth. colored materials that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are fabricated by a dental technician, usually in a commercial dentallaborator from a model provided by the dental office. Veneers are used to close gaps or cover teeth that are stained, poorly shaped, or slightly crooked.

       

 

Placing veneers is often an irreversible process because a small amount of enamel is usually removed to accommodate the thickness of the shell. like any restoration, it is possible, over time, for the veneer to come off or for small decay to develop. In that case, a new veneer may be required.  

Enamel Shaping