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CONTACT Dr. Posey & Dr. Stratton 1001 Centre Avenue Ft. Collins, CO 80526 (970) 224-5599 (970) 224-0731 fax Send Us 
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© Copyright 2006 Dr. Posey All Rights Reserved |
| Cosmetic Dentistry |
Bleaching
How can you brighten your smile?
Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day. Many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to five years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.
Is bleaching for you?
Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.
What's involved?
At the first appointment the dentist or assistant will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a bleaching tray. The tray is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. The tray is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing it. You will need to come in for a second visit to try in the tray along with receiving the bleaching materials. You'll be given instructions on where to place the bleach and how to wear it.
The system we use recommends bleaching over night while you sleep. This generally requires two weeks to complete. If you become sensitive we would recommend bleaching only two to four hours at a time. The schedule may take longer to reach the maximum goal.
How does it work?
The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10-21 percent carbamide peroxide (CH4N2O2), also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
Is it safe? Any side effects?
Several studies during the past five years have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.
What are realistic expectations?
No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Bleaching can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicants, or porcelains.
Sources:
Van B. Haywood, DMD, associate professor of oral rehabilitation at the Medical College of Georgia, School of Dentistry, Augusta;
"Effectiveness, Side Effects and Long-Term Status of Nightguard Vital Bleaching," JADA, September 1994;
"Efficacy of Vital Home Bleaching," Journal of California Dental Association, January 1993;
"Nightguard Vital Bleaching, A History and Products Update," Esthetic Dentistry Update, August 1991 and October 1991;
"Many practices offer dentist-monitored bleaching," Dental Economics, May 1990;
"Whiteners-Bleaching Technique is not a Wash-out," AGD Impact, December 1992.
Veneers
The Facts About Dental Veneers
Veneers, usually fabricated from porcelain, are a thin, semi-translucent "shell," custom made to fit precisely over an existing tooth. They are permanently bonded, held in place by a special resin that adheres the back of the veneer to the front of the tooth. The finished result is extremely strong and durable. Though veneers are not suitable for every patient, they are a cosmetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions affecting the front teeth, including:
- closing diastemas (spaces between the teeth)
- restoring broken or chipped teeth
- covering unsightly, stained or washed-out fillings
- whitening permanently stained or discolored teeth
- correcting uneven or crooked teeth
Advantages and Benefits of Veneers
When your smile is disfigured by decay, abrasion, chipping, breakage or imperfect development, our goal is to restore its natural beauty so you can smile with confidence. At one time, resin fillings or crowns were the only available treatment for the above types of conditions. Today, a third alternative is available-one with proven results!
There are many benefits and advantages to having porcelain veneers applied to your front teeth. These may include any or all of the following considerations:
1. Only a small amount of natural tooth structure (if any) is removed during the procedure.
2. A healthy, natural look is achieved with little or no discomfort.
3. Veneers are often less expensive than alternative procedures.
4. Veneers are strong, durable and color-stable.
How Are Veneers Different from Fillings or Crowns?
A composite resin filling is used when only a small amount of tooth structure needs replacing or repaired. A full crown is indicated when a tooth has had root canal treatment, when a substantial amount of the entire tooth structure (enamel) has been lost or if there is a crack in the tooth. A porcelain veneer is indicated when a portion of the front surface of a tooth needs a "face lift."
What Can You Expect from Your Veneers?
Veneers can last for years, depending on how well you take of them. Because veneers are stronger than simple bonding, they are more resistant to stains and chipping. However, it is important to maintain regular oral hygiene, to avoid bad habits such as biting nails, chewing ice and to visit us regularly for routine cleaning and exams. These precautions will help ensure that your veneers will last a long time and keep looking as good as new.