This is the final part of our series on cosmetic dentistry. If you missed them, we have the previous posts here and here.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a process that can be done in your home or in the dentist's office. According to most dentists, in-office whitening methods are the more effective option and will generate better results than the over-the-counter methods. In-office, Dr. Sachs has the ability to fix any sort of dental issues the patient may be facing, like tooth sensitivity and cavities. She will also ensure that the gums are guarded against the whitening agents.
Depending upon how severe the discoloration is, an in-office whitening might require one to three visits. Dr. Sachs first makes a mold of the patient’s teeth that will be used to make the whitening trays. At the patient’s second visit, he or she will try on the trays, ensuring that they are a good fit. He or she will then wear the trays, which are filled with a whitening solution, twice a day for thirty minutes or during sleep, depending on the desired level of whiteness.
It’s important to remember that enamel whitening isn't long-lasting, so it's paramount that the patient asks about further treatment options with Dr. Sachs.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are a long-lasting method for people who would like minor restorative treatments for issues like gap teeth, discolored teeth, and fractures. The dentist will remove approximately 1 millimeter of enamel prior to attaching the porcelain veneers to your teeth. After the veneers are placed, it is practically impossible to discern them from your natural teeth.
Maintaining porcelain veneers requires nothing extraordinary. Regular brushing and flossing with non-abrasive toothpaste will keep them in good shape. The patient will often be sensitive to hot and cold beverages and foods for a little bit, though this will only last for a short number of days as they adapt to the changes to their teeth.
Over the course of the last three blogs, we've spoken about a number of cosmetic dental options. If you would like to schedule a visit with Dr. Sachs to talk about these procedures, you can do so here.