Veneers

Veneers are thin custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front side of the teeth. Made of tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat gaps and teeth that are permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly out of alignment. Veneers are fabricated by a dental technician, usually in a commercial dental laboratory, from a model provided by your dentist. Some are made of composite resins and some are made of porcelain. Placing veneers is often an irreversible process because it is sometimes necessary to remove a small amount of enamel to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. Anesthetics may be required when enamel removal is done. The procedure requires just a few appointments. Like any restoration, it is possible for the veneer to come off or for decay to develop around the margins.

Bleaching

Bleaching is a procedure that can brighten some teeth that are discolored or stained. It can be performed on living teeth or teeth that have had the nerve removed. A chemical oxidizing agent is applied. It often takes a few applications to notice a change. A dentist fabricates a custom-fitted mouthguard that holds a bleaching gell. The mouthgard is worn up to 4 hours daily or over night for about two weeks. Not all patients received the same results, and depending on the stains, may not receive any perceivable benefit.