If your teeth are:

• Stained
• Too short or wide
• Crooked or uneven
• Chipped or worn from grinding
• Bonded with old, discolored filling material

They can be greatly improved by fabricating porcelain veneers and placing them on the surface of the affected teeth. Veneers have an average life expectancy of about fifteen years; they are cemented over the front of your teeth to change their color and shape. They are highly durable and resistant to staining. Before veneers can be cemented into place, a minimal amount of your existing tooth enamel has to be reduced. Once the veneers are in place however, the aesthetic improvement is often a life-changing experience. Veneers are typically a two-appointment process. The first appointment consists of preparing the teeth, taking impressions, and fabricating temporary veneers. Two weeks later, you will return to have your new veneers cemented and will be able to show off your new smile immediately!

We all want a bright white, healthy smile, and the are a multitude of products on the market to help us get there. All whitening products use Hydrogen Peroxide, which oxides and removes the stains from under the tooth enamel. Whitening works best on extrinsic stains, which result from drinking coffee, tea, red wine, and from smoking. Whitening is completely safe; the only risks associated with it are sensitivity and gingival irritation, which should cease upon discontinuation of use. If you've experienced sensitivity in the past, it's a good idea to use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste (like Sensodyne) while using your whitening product.