What are Porcelain Laminates?

Porcelain veneers, also known as porcelain laminates, are thin shells of porcelain which exactly fit over the front surfaces of the teeth. The veneers have the unique ability to completely mask unattractive stains while letting light through to appear entirely real. Like fake fingernails, they are affixed with an adhesive to the front surfaces of teeth.

What are the advantages?
Porcelain veneers solve the same types of problems as bonding -- chips, gaps, stains, discolorations, and crooked teeth; however the veneers have the additional advantage of strength and support. Veneers are relatively maintenance-free and are much more durable than bonding. If very dark stains need to be masked or if existing porcelain crowns need to be matched, porcelain veneers may be the treatment of choice.

How is the process done?
Porcelain veneers require two office visits because of the laboratory work involved. Minimal shaping is required to create space for the veneer. Typically there are 7 days between appointments, although special arrangements can be made for a shorter waiting time. Between visits, the patient wears provisional veneers, a kind of smile sculpture which allows us to choose the final result.

What is the cost?
Prices vary from patient to patient depending on case diffculty and porcelain materials used. Please call us to schedule a complimentary cosmetic consult and find out what we can do for your smile. Prices include follow up and adjustment visits during a one year period. For overnight or same day service, there is an additional fee.

What is Dental Bleaching?

Dental Bleaching is a simple, safe oxygenating procedure used to lighten and brighten discolored teeth.

What kinds of problems can bleaching solve?
Bleaching is most effective in whitening teeth which have become discolored due to yellowing from age, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, medications, chemically-induced stains, excessive fluoride, accidents, trauma, and decay. Bleaching is not effective in whitening existing crowns or porcelain veneers. We have had moderate success in lightening bonding.

How is it done?
We have in-office bleaching ( Zoom ) and HOME bleaching. With Home bleaching, you apply a mild whitening solution inside a custom-made tray that you wear for several hours during the day or at night.

How long does it take?
With the Zoom Chairside Whitening System, one visit will whiten most discolored teeth. Typically a maintenance bleaching tray is suggested. The Home System can take from 10-14 days for good results.

Can bleaching damage teeth?
Documented university studies demonstrate that bleaching causes no damage to the tooth structure. It does not cause brittleness or weakening of teeth; no cavities or gum problems have been shown to form because of the bleaching.

Side Effects?
Some people can experience sensitivity to hot and cold for a day or two.

How much does it cost?
The bleaching fee is $600 per visit. The fee for the Home Bleaching is $400.

What is Composite Bonding?

Bonding is a form of smile sculpture accomplished with a composite resin which enables patients with imperfections in their teeth to have more attractive smiles.

What kind of problems can Bonding solve?
Bonding can be used to close spaces, change the color of the teeth, mask any discolorations, repair chips, alter the size or shape of teeth, and give jumbled or crooked teeth a straight-looking appearance.

How is it done?
Bonding is a simple procedure. First, a solution is painted on the tooth enamel. A liquid resin is then flowed onto the tooth surface. A putty-like resin is then sculpted on the tooth and hardened with a bright light to a durable finish. It is polished and smoothed to a life-like luster. The bonding process is usually reversible.

How long does it take?
Depending on the number of teeth involved, one visit of several hours duration is usually all that is needed. Generally, no anesthesia is required.

How long does it last?
The life of bonding is 8-10 years depending on your lifestyle. If you drink, smoke or use your teeth as tools, you may not see the entire life expectancy of your bonding. At the end of the bonding's term, a resurfacing (1/2 the cost) usually suffices. A complete rebonding rarely is necessary.

How much does it cost?
Bonding fees range from $150 - $200 for a 1/2 bonded tooth to $250 - $350 for a fully bonded tooth, depending on the choice of material. There is no charge for touch-ups made within 1 year of placement. After that the fee is determined according to the extent of the repair needed, with the average being $90 - $180.

Porcelain Laminates | Dental Bleaching | Composite Bonding