Teeth Whitening

Have you heard that whitening your teeth is as easy as using the right toothpaste? If so, ask your dentist how you can have much whiter teeth in faster time. Toothpastes marketed as whitening toothpastes are not proven to work, and Dr. Vandersluis does not recommend you use them. However, he can offer several procedures that are extremely effective for giving you a whiter, brighter smile.

Reasons to Whiten

Teeth can become dingy and discolored naturally over time. The foods and beverages you consume have an dulling effect. People who smoke often have badly discolored teeth, and even the medications you need to take to control or cure medical conditions can make your teeth less white.

Reasons to Choose a Pro

Professional teeth whitening has advanced over the years, and it is now possible to give you the whitest natural color. Here are some other reasons to choose professional whitening:
• More effective – gives a whiter color
• Safe – the dentist takes every precaution to ensure the safety of your teeth, gums and soft tissues.
• More whitening options
• Can be combined with other cosmetic procedures
• Faster and surer results than with over-the-counter whitening toothpastes

Bleaching

Bleaching is an excellent way to whiten teeth. It may not remove all stains, but it does lighten the overall shade of the teeth. Because bleach is a caustic solution, it is important to work with a professional to be sure your mouth, gums and teeth are safe.
Before the whitening procedure, the dentist fits you for custom trays that hold the bleach on your teeth as you sleep. The process takes 7-10 days. Dr. Vandersluis supervises the process and is available to answer any questions or concerns.

Composite Resin

A tooth-colored, putty-like material called composite resin can be painted onto your teeth to cover stains and discolorations and make your teeth appear whiter. This material can also be used to reshape your teeth. Once the composite resin is correctly in place, the dentist uses a special light to harden it. He will look at the tooth again after the resin has hardened and make any minor adjustments that might be needed.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are small, thin shells that fit over the fronts of your teeth. They are tooth-colored and are usually used for teeth that show when you smile. First, your dentist takes impressions so the lab can custom-fit the veneers to your teeth. He also chooses the color of the veneers based on the color of your surrounding teeth and your cosmetic goals.
When the veneers are ready, the dentist adheres them to the fronts of your teeth, making any minor adjustments necessary. Veneers are hard enough to last many years, and they do not fade or discolor.

Crowns

A crown can be used to cover the entire visible portion of your tooth. The crowns used to achieve whiter teeth are usually made of porcelain. The dentist needs to shape and file your tooth to prepare it to receive the crown with a proper fit. He also makes impressions for the lab to use in constructing your crown. When the crown is ready, the dentist adheres it to the tooth with dental cement. Crowns are not only long-lasting, but they also protect the tooth underneath.