WHITENING - INCLUDING Zoom!
This is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. Our office uses several methods: Zoom!, passive tray whitening, and professional strength white strips.

Zoom! is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It's safe effective and fast, very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. When comparing Zoom! to traditional dental strips or trays, the  convenience of Zoom! is far superior.  It is the perfect  choice for the busy individuals.  The Zoom! whitening procedure is simple.  It begins with a short preparation to isolate the lips and gums.  The clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! whitening gel that is activated by a specially designed light.  Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more.  A fluroide treatment completes the procedure.  You'll be amazed with the results.  In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure.  Trays with gel are recommended afterward for maxiumum whitening and maintenance. 

The tray method, for bleaching teeth, involves having impressions taken so that laboratory fabricated custom vinyl trays may be made.  A carbamide peroxide gel is placed into these trays and worn for about 3 hours, or overnight.  The entire process takes 3-4 weeks of daily use.  Three different strengths of gel may be used, however, the higher the gel strength, the greater the likelihood of reactions or tooth sensitivity.  The tray method is recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining, and it may take several months of use to see significant color improvement.  Maintenance is necessary every several months.  Note:  carbamide peroxide gel is a professional grade gel not to be confused with over the counter gels or strips.  The end results, whether using trays at home or doing Zoom! is the same.  The cost of the tray method is about half compared to Zoom!, and there is usally less post-treatment sensitivity.

VENEERS
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic. 

Veneers are advantageous over crowns because more of the natural tooth is retained.  Generally, this proceduree is less painful as well.  Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.