Steven R. Pohlhaus, DDS

Minimally Invasive Laser Dentistry

Online Newsletter

    This page is about the various esthetic procedures available to improve your smile. The procedures below are for people who have relatively straight, intact teeth which need esthetic improvement only. 

    Highly restored (filled) teeth usually need crowns for the desired esthetic result . Severely crowded or misaligned teeth would need orthodontic care, which is beyond the scope of this website.

Bleaching

    We are now providing Rembrandt custom made home bleaching kits. Rembrandt has devised a home bleach that you only need to us for  three minutes a day.

Bleaching is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. Many systems are available from the widely used home bleaching to in-office "power bleaching" with bright lights or lasers. All these systems are the same in that they use a form of peroxide to bleach out the internal discoloration in the enamel.

    The color of enamel is influenced by both the inherent color of the teeth and the stains  which leaches into the enamel over time from the diet. Teeth also tend to darken with aging due to changes in the thickness and density of the underlying dentin.

    Side effects  of  home bleaching include transient temperature sensitivity and occasional exacerbation of inherent variations in enamel color, both of which improve once bleaching is stopped. Fillings and crowns do not change color with any type of  bleaching and may need to be replaced afterwards. Bleaching has shown to be very stable and most people can maintain the color they want with an occasional one or two day "booster" treatment every year or so.

Bonding

    Bonding is achieved using the tooth colored composite resin filling material usually used to repair cavities. This procedure is ideal for improving the look of chipped, worn, or slightly crooked front teeth.

    Bonded teeth are a conservative and effective way to improve a smile. They do need occasional repair or repolishing and the color stability varies greatly depending on individual habits (tea drinking, smoking, etc.)

Veneers

    Veneers are a more extensive treatment used to cover the front of the anterior teeth completely. Discolored, spaced, or poorly aligned teeth can be greatly improved with veneers.

    Porcelain or composite resin can be used for this procedure.

     Porcelain veneers are made by dental labs from custom impressions of the prepared teeth. This procedure involves a somewhat more extensive preparation of the teeth than composite veneers and can take two or more appointments. The resulting restorations are beautiful, color stable , and long lasting. They are bonded to the teeth using strong, modern dental bonding agents.

    Composite resin veneers are a chairside procedure done in one appointment. The dentist bonds and sculpts the composite. This procedure is quicker and less expensive. However, these veneers tend to discolor and wear out faster than porcelain and need higher maintenance.

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Last modified: February 12, 2010