Below is a list of cosmetic dental services we currently provide as well as information essential to making an informed decision about any cosmetic improvements you may be considering:
- Tooth Whitening
Before You Bleach
Do-It-Yourself Option: Over-the-Counter Products
In-Office Options - Veneers
- Full Porcelain Crowns
- Invisalign
Before You Bleach
While many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between their teeth once a day and the regular cleanings at the dentist’s office – many people want an even brighter, whiter smile. With advances in cosmetic dentistry, there are now a wide variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours.
First, Talk to the Dentist
If you decide you would like to make your smile brighter, we always recommend discussing it with the dentist before beginning treatment.
Through the consultation we can determine if you might have clinical implications that may have an effect on the bleaching process. Conditions such as leaky filings, chips, exposed roots, and porcelain work (i.e. crowns for veneers, etc.) all may influence the bleaching process.
It is also important to note that whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellowish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may not bleach as well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all.
Teeth and gums can become sensitive during the period when you are using any bleaching solution. In most cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. However, whitening processes that contain higher concentrations of the bleaching agent may not be recommended for patients with previous sensitivity.
Once we determine you to be a good candidate for bleaching, we will help you decide which of the available bleaching options is right for you.
Through the consultation we can determine if you might have clinical implications that may have an effect on the bleaching process. Conditions such as leaky filings, chips, exposed roots, and porcelain work (i.e. crowns for veneers, etc.) all may influence the bleaching process.
It is also important to note that whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellowish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may not bleach as well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all.
Teeth and gums can become sensitive during the period when you are using any bleaching solution. In most cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. However, whitening processes that contain higher concentrations of the bleaching agent may not be recommended for patients with previous sensitivity.
Once we determine you to be a good candidate for bleaching, we will help you decide which of the available bleaching options is right for you.
Explore the Options
All tooth whitening options contain the same active ingredient -- typically carbamide peroxide as the tooth bleaching agent. The difference between options is in the concentration of the beaching solution, the amount of time and energy involved for the patient, and cost.
Treatment time does directly relate to how long the whitening lasts. Generally, treatments which take a little longer usually last a little longer. Conversely, faster treatments may need to be repeated more often.
All of these whitening options will get your teeth brighter:
Treatment time does directly relate to how long the whitening lasts. Generally, treatments which take a little longer usually last a little longer. Conversely, faster treatments may need to be repeated more often.
All of these whitening options will get your teeth brighter:
- Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products
- Crest Strips Supreme
- Custom-Fit Bleaching Trays
- Zoom! Professional in-office bleaching
- BOOST Professional in-office bleaching
Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products
Most over the counter bleaching products are safe and effective if used according to the product instructions. However, due to the rapid growth of this market, we are wary of lesser know bleaching products that might be available in stores or online and which may do harm. As a result, we recommend patients only use products with the ADA seal of approval.
Over-the-counter products good in that they are accessible, relatively inexpensive, safe if approved by the ADA. The disadvantages are longer treatment times and lack of uniformity in bleaching. To achieve quicker results, you may opt for a solution available through our practice.
Over-the-counter products good in that they are accessible, relatively inexpensive, safe if approved by the ADA. The disadvantages are longer treatment times and lack of uniformity in bleaching. To achieve quicker results, you may opt for a solution available through our practice.
Take Home Products:
Crest White-Strips Supreme®
Crest White-Strips Supreme®
Crest White-Strips Supreme are similar to those sold in drug stores but contain a significantly higher concentration of bleaching agent allowing you to achieve quicker results. Crest Strips purchased from our office are the same cost (per strip) as over-the-counter Crest Strips. Each kit contains 84 strips (compared to 56 strips in retail kits). Crest recommends two, 30-minute applications for three weeks to achieve optimal results.
The advantages to using Crest White-Strips Supreme are that they require no time in the dental chair and they achieve desired results more quickly than store-brand Crest kits. However, since all beaching strips are a ‘one size fits all,’ whitening solution may not hold securely in place, or the strips may not fit crowded or severely misaligned teeth. In addition, like the over-the-counter strips, Crest White-Strips Supreme, may not bleaching uniformly. Finally, some patients also find bleaching strips uncomfortable. In these cases, or if quicker results are desired, we can create a Custom-Fit Bleaching Tray.
The advantages to using Crest White-Strips Supreme are that they require no time in the dental chair and they achieve desired results more quickly than store-brand Crest kits. However, since all beaching strips are a ‘one size fits all,’ whitening solution may not hold securely in place, or the strips may not fit crowded or severely misaligned teeth. In addition, like the over-the-counter strips, Crest White-Strips Supreme, may not bleaching uniformly. Finally, some patients also find bleaching strips uncomfortable. In these cases, or if quicker results are desired, we can create a Custom-Fit Bleaching Tray.
Custom-Fit Bleaching Trays
Custom-Fit bleaching trays are excellent solution to ensure uniform distribution of the bleaching agent and a higher level of comfort for the patient.
The creation of custom-fit trays requires one office visit to create a mold of your teeth. From the mold, plastic trays are then custom-fit to your teeth. Whitening gel is then placed in bleach trays to fit your teeth precisely – including all the nooks and crannies.
Because custom-fit trays are created from an exact mold of your mouth, trays stay in place very well and most people find them quite comfortable. In addition, we always give patients their personal mold ensuring that if their trays are lost, they need only pay for the tray, not the mold.
Patients who use custom-fit bleaching trays will see results more quickly if used daily, and more slowly if used less frequently. Patients who desire immediate results, or who may not be interested in a daily regiment, should Zoom!
The creation of custom-fit trays requires one office visit to create a mold of your teeth. From the mold, plastic trays are then custom-fit to your teeth. Whitening gel is then placed in bleach trays to fit your teeth precisely – including all the nooks and crannies.
Because custom-fit trays are created from an exact mold of your mouth, trays stay in place very well and most people find them quite comfortable. In addition, we always give patients their personal mold ensuring that if their trays are lost, they need only pay for the tray, not the mold.
Patients who use custom-fit bleaching trays will see results more quickly if used daily, and more slowly if used less frequently. Patients who desire immediate results, or who may not be interested in a daily regiment, should Zoom!
In-Office Options:
ZOOM!® Whitening
One of our in-office, boutique, whitening solutions is Zoom! During this process, a protective gel is placed in the mouth to protect the gums. A whitening agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light is used to enhance the action of the agent.
The biggest benefit to in-office ZOOM! whitening is that it will give the patient the quickest result with minimal participation and time required. Patients who Zoom! should expect to do so 1-2 times a year.
Boost® Whitening
Boost is another in-office whitening procedure. It's less expensive than the Zoom and is thought of in one of two ways. It's either:
The biggest benefit to in-office ZOOM! whitening is that it will give the patient the quickest result with minimal participation and time required. Patients who Zoom! should expect to do so 1-2 times a year.
Boost® Whitening
Boost is another in-office whitening procedure. It's less expensive than the Zoom and is thought of in one of two ways. It's either:
- A jump start to a take home system.
- An alternative in-office procedure to be performed more frequently.
With Boost you will have whiter teeth before leaving the office. This product is so advanced it does not require a light or laser for activation. Through enhanced chemical activation we can now whiten your teeth without the bothersome heat or ultraviolet rays. The product activates itself as it sits on your teeth. It's simple, it's easy, and in about an hour, you'll have noticeably whiter teeth.
During the Boost procedure you will be seated in our chair and slightly reclined. You will be able to listen to music but reading is usually not possible. A resin barrier is placed to protect your gums from the whitening gel. Then each application of gel is placed for about 10-15 minutes each, depending on your comfort level.
Veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic procedure involving the application of wafer-thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front of the teeth to improve the look of discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned teeth.
Who should consider veneers?
Patients with worn, chipped, or misshapen teeth, or patients with crowded teeth, or teeth containing gaps are good candidates for veneers. If you are looking for improvement in your smile, we will work with you to determine if veneers are a viable option.
What is the process for getting veneers?
If we determine veneers are a good option for you, we always create a model of your teeth prior to doing any work in your mouth. This process allows you to see the anticipated results and allows us the opportunity to better predict the potential for any special adjustments. The process begins with a short appointment during which we take an impression of your teeth. These impressions are then used to create a stone model sent to our dental laboratory. A skilled technician/ceramist in the lab then uses wax to sculpt the improved dimensions of the teeth. The wax-model is returned to our office where we again have a short appointment to show you the improvements.
Upon approval of the anticipated results based on the model, we begin work in your mouth. The process begins with the placement of temporary veneers. Temporary veneers have a pleasant appearance and will remain in your mouth for approximately two weeks. However since they are only temporary, a few precautions must be taken to reduce the risk of damage. For example, we advise patients to cut all food and minimize the consumption of foods and drinks which will stain the temporary veneers. We also generally advise patients not to travel with temporary veneers to ensure that any small chips that might occur can be fixed quickly.
Patients can expect permanent veneers to be ready in approximately two weeks – slightly longer for cases where special customization may be necessary. Patients who are hoping to have permanent veneers in place for an important event (i.e. wedding, etc.) should be sure to discuss timing with our office well in advance.
Will my veneer match the color of my other teeth?
Veneers are always chosen to match the color of your other teeth. As a result, you may choose to whiten your teeth prior to the selection of the veneer shade. In these cases, we always advise patients to stop whitening 5-7 days prior to color selection. If color matching is particularly difficult, we can custom shade for an additional charge.
What are the advantages of veneers?
Porcelain veneers have a natural, beautiful appearance. Unlike bonding materials which are made from a resin (plastic) base, veneers are made from ceramic, a glass. As such, they reflect light similarly to natural enamel. Porcelain veneers also allow for major changes without the need to remove large amounts of tooth structure (as required for crowns).
What are the disadvantages of veneers?
The placing of porcelain veneers requires a small amount of tooth structure be removed to prevent the veneered teeth from looking too bulky. Since tooth structure is removed, veneers are considered an irreversible procedure. Veneers also require careful, thorough brushing and flossing to prevent food and stain from accumulating at the surface where the tooth and veneer meet.
How do I care for my veneers?
With proper care, veneers can last several years. Additional preventative procedures or products, like fluoride rinses, may also be recommended. We generally advise patients with veneers to avoid chewing excessively hard foods such as hard candy, ice, raw carrots, bones, etc, as well as to avoid taffy, spare ribs, or any food that torques the enamel edge to minimize the chances of breakage. Patients with veneers should not to bite their finger nails or cuticles, or use their teeth to hold hard objects such as keys, paperclips, pens, etc. Finally, patients with veneers should take appropriate precautions when participating in sports or other potentially traumatic situations.
How long will my veneers last?
The function of veneers usually outlasts the appearance. As a result, we generally allow the patient to decide when appearance is compromised enough to merit replacement. Generally, small signs of wear will appear after 5 years and many patients choose to replace them after 7—10 years. A veneer which comes loose within the first year will be replaced at no charge. After the first year, we only charge for re-cementing. Patients who need a new veneer within the first few years, will be charged 50%. After 4 years, a full fee will be charged.
Will my insurance cover veneers?
Some insurance companies will provide some portion of reimbursement to cover the cost of veneers if the procedure is being performed on a front tooth which has had previous bonding due to trauma or a severe chip. In these cases, we recommend a pre-authorization of benefits prior to tooth preparation for patients concerned with out of pocket expenses. For further details, please see Payment and Insurance (insert link to appropriate page).
Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic procedure involving the application of wafer-thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front of the teeth to improve the look of discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned teeth.
Who should consider veneers?
Patients with worn, chipped, or misshapen teeth, or patients with crowded teeth, or teeth containing gaps are good candidates for veneers. If you are looking for improvement in your smile, we will work with you to determine if veneers are a viable option.
What is the process for getting veneers?
If we determine veneers are a good option for you, we always create a model of your teeth prior to doing any work in your mouth. This process allows you to see the anticipated results and allows us the opportunity to better predict the potential for any special adjustments. The process begins with a short appointment during which we take an impression of your teeth. These impressions are then used to create a stone model sent to our dental laboratory. A skilled technician/ceramist in the lab then uses wax to sculpt the improved dimensions of the teeth. The wax-model is returned to our office where we again have a short appointment to show you the improvements.
Upon approval of the anticipated results based on the model, we begin work in your mouth. The process begins with the placement of temporary veneers. Temporary veneers have a pleasant appearance and will remain in your mouth for approximately two weeks. However since they are only temporary, a few precautions must be taken to reduce the risk of damage. For example, we advise patients to cut all food and minimize the consumption of foods and drinks which will stain the temporary veneers. We also generally advise patients not to travel with temporary veneers to ensure that any small chips that might occur can be fixed quickly.
Patients can expect permanent veneers to be ready in approximately two weeks – slightly longer for cases where special customization may be necessary. Patients who are hoping to have permanent veneers in place for an important event (i.e. wedding, etc.) should be sure to discuss timing with our office well in advance.
Will my veneer match the color of my other teeth?
Veneers are always chosen to match the color of your other teeth. As a result, you may choose to whiten your teeth prior to the selection of the veneer shade. In these cases, we always advise patients to stop whitening 5-7 days prior to color selection. If color matching is particularly difficult, we can custom shade for an additional charge.
What are the advantages of veneers?
Porcelain veneers have a natural, beautiful appearance. Unlike bonding materials which are made from a resin (plastic) base, veneers are made from ceramic, a glass. As such, they reflect light similarly to natural enamel. Porcelain veneers also allow for major changes without the need to remove large amounts of tooth structure (as required for crowns).
What are the disadvantages of veneers?
The placing of porcelain veneers requires a small amount of tooth structure be removed to prevent the veneered teeth from looking too bulky. Since tooth structure is removed, veneers are considered an irreversible procedure. Veneers also require careful, thorough brushing and flossing to prevent food and stain from accumulating at the surface where the tooth and veneer meet.
How do I care for my veneers?
With proper care, veneers can last several years. Additional preventative procedures or products, like fluoride rinses, may also be recommended. We generally advise patients with veneers to avoid chewing excessively hard foods such as hard candy, ice, raw carrots, bones, etc, as well as to avoid taffy, spare ribs, or any food that torques the enamel edge to minimize the chances of breakage. Patients with veneers should not to bite their finger nails or cuticles, or use their teeth to hold hard objects such as keys, paperclips, pens, etc. Finally, patients with veneers should take appropriate precautions when participating in sports or other potentially traumatic situations.
How long will my veneers last?
The function of veneers usually outlasts the appearance. As a result, we generally allow the patient to decide when appearance is compromised enough to merit replacement. Generally, small signs of wear will appear after 5 years and many patients choose to replace them after 7—10 years. A veneer which comes loose within the first year will be replaced at no charge. After the first year, we only charge for re-cementing. Patients who need a new veneer within the first few years, will be charged 50%. After 4 years, a full fee will be charged.
Will my insurance cover veneers?
Some insurance companies will provide some portion of reimbursement to cover the cost of veneers if the procedure is being performed on a front tooth which has had previous bonding due to trauma or a severe chip. In these cases, we recommend a pre-authorization of benefits prior to tooth preparation for patients concerned with out of pocket expenses. For further details, please see Payment and Insurance (insert link to appropriate page).
Full Porcelain Crowns
When a tooth too severely damaged or decayed, or when tooth structure is missing, a filling may not be possible. In these cases, the treatment of choice is a crown (sometimes referred to as a cap). The function of a crown is to cover and replace the missing portions of a tooth. Once properly fitted, a crown encases the tooth and becomes a new outer surface. Back teeth with root canals need crowns to protect them because the root canal procedure leaves the remaining tooth surface brittle and susceptible to further damage. Severely damaged front teeth may have crowns placed to restore the missing tooth structure. Before the advent of veneers, crowns were also placed on front teeth to correct chips, spaces, color and misalignment.
Traditionally, crowns were made from metal, or a combination of porcelain fused to metal. This made for strong, durable materials that could withstand the chewing forces needed for back teeth, but often lacked the aesthetic appeal most people desired for front teeth. Even if a porcelain fused to metal crown was used, patients lived with the appearance of a dark line of metal at the gum line. In addition, some people also suffered an allergic reaction to the nickel used in traditional crowns. This allergic reaction often manifests as inflammation of the gum tissue around the crown.
Today all-porcelain (also called all-ceramic) crowns are viable options for many patients. A huge advancement in cosmetic dentistry, all-porcelain crowns have been used for several years to create beautiful smiles in both the front and back teeth. Unlike traditional metal, or porcelain fused to metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns look completely natural. They are tooth colored, and reflect light similar to natural enamel. Because no metal is used, patients with all porcelain crowns suffer none of the adverse allergic reactions common in people with metal-containing crowns.
If you have severe chips, rotations or are unhappy with the aesthetics of your current crown, let us know. We can evaluate your teeth and let you know if all ceramic crowns can improve your smile.
Traditionally, crowns were made from metal, or a combination of porcelain fused to metal. This made for strong, durable materials that could withstand the chewing forces needed for back teeth, but often lacked the aesthetic appeal most people desired for front teeth. Even if a porcelain fused to metal crown was used, patients lived with the appearance of a dark line of metal at the gum line. In addition, some people also suffered an allergic reaction to the nickel used in traditional crowns. This allergic reaction often manifests as inflammation of the gum tissue around the crown.
Today all-porcelain (also called all-ceramic) crowns are viable options for many patients. A huge advancement in cosmetic dentistry, all-porcelain crowns have been used for several years to create beautiful smiles in both the front and back teeth. Unlike traditional metal, or porcelain fused to metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns look completely natural. They are tooth colored, and reflect light similar to natural enamel. Because no metal is used, patients with all porcelain crowns suffer none of the adverse allergic reactions common in people with metal-containing crowns.
If you have severe chips, rotations or are unhappy with the aesthetics of your current crown, let us know. We can evaluate your teeth and let you know if all ceramic crowns can improve your smile.
Invisalign®
Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted – without braces. A complimentary consultation can determine if Invisalign is right for you.What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing it, so you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.
Why would I want Invisalign®?
Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
How does Invisalign® work?
You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position that has been prescribed. You'll visit our office about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case. For more information visit www.invisalign.com
Dr. Amy Van Fossen is our Certified Invisalign® Provider. If you are considering Invisalign, have questions, or would like to have a complete consultation to determine if Invisalign is right for you, please call the office at 312-368-8771 for an appointment.
Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing it, so you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.
Why would I want Invisalign®?
Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
How does Invisalign® work?
You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position that has been prescribed. You'll visit our office about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case. For more information visit www.invisalign.com
Dr. Amy Van Fossen is our Certified Invisalign® Provider. If you are considering Invisalign, have questions, or would like to have a complete consultation to determine if Invisalign is right for you, please call the office at 312-368-8771 for an appointment.
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