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Depends on the starting shade of the tooth, since some shades are more difficult to whiten. For difficult shades, the tray and gel system fabricated by the dentist is highly effective. The tray and gel systems use carbamide peroxide. This system should be monitored careful by the patient and dentist and if sensitivity arises a shortened cycle may be necessary.

After whitening treatments specifically in-office treatments the teeth are more susceptible to taking on stain within 48 hoursafter the procedure. During this time, it is recommended that patients do not eat or drink anything that may stain a white t-shirt. As far as maintenance goes whitening trays which can be used to touch up you teeth after the procedure work great but the proper concentration of material is critical here. With any of the procedures, at-home or professional,...

Composite vs. porcelain veneers? Both treatments involve full or partial facings of teeth that when properly done can enhance the beauty of your smile. Today’s composite materials can provide a life like beautiful appearance that is conservative of tooth structure and can last for a long time. Veneer therapy is used in cases in which more is needed to be done to accomplish natural esthetics. Veneers can be used in more severe misalignment, form, color and spacing issues....

Sensitivity and Whitening ProceduresSensitivity is sometimes a result of either in-office or at-home whitening systems. The sensitivity ranges from no sensitivity at all, to very sensitive. Typically sensitivity does not last longer than 24 to 48 hours. If sensitivity persists past that time there could have been underlying conditions that may have been triggered and it is recommended that you see your dentist promptly. The best remedy is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil or Aleve....

There are many treatment alternatives for dentures. The most frequent complaint about dentures is the retention and stability of the lower denture. Treatments can range from as little as two implants to support the lower denture to a full mouth of implants to replace each individual tooth. Typically implants are strategically placed so that bridges can be placed to replace the missing teeth.

There are 5 general categories that patients fall into which prompts them come to the office to attain the most fabulous smile. Our patients can have any combination of these contributing factors that may need to be improved: Discolored teeth * Patients can have extrinsic stains like stains from food such as wine or coffee. In this case whitening may be the treatment of choice. * Patients can have intrinsic stains like stains caused from antibiotics during development,...

Once veneers are bonded onto teeth, it is impossible to remove them without needing to replace them with new veneers. This holds true for non-prep veneers (Lumineers) or traditional porcelain veneers. The good news is that when veneers are done properly and are maintained well, they can last a long time without the need for replacement.

Before pursuing a cosmetic dentistry consultation it is important to have an idea of what you would like to achieve with regards to your smile. The first consultation is really important. It is an opportunity to hear my patients’ desires to ensure a successful outcome. In this day and age of the Internet, our patients are very well educated and many have an idea of what they’d like to achieve with their smile. On the other hand, many...