| Polishing |
Bleaching |
Bonding |
Porcelain Veneers |
Crowns |
|
Treatment Time
|
|
Usually a 15- to 30- min appointment
|
In office: 1-3 treatments as needed, about 30-90 min each
Home: Daily for 1-12 mo, depending on stain severity |
1 office visit |
2 office visits, 1-4 hours each
|
Usually 2 office visits of 1-4 hours each for up to 4 teeth (more time needed for additional teeth, esthetic temporaries, or more extensive treatment) |
|
Maintence
|
| Have a professional cleaning 4-6 times per year |
Brush thoroughly after meals to remove plaque.
Avoid smoking and stain-causing foods (e.g., coffee and tea).
Have a professional cleaning 3-4 times per year.
|
Have a professional cleaning 3-4 times per year.
Avoid use of ultrasonic scalers and air abrasives during hygiene office visits.
Avoid biting down with front teeth, especially on hard foods.
See dentist for polishing or repair as necessary. |
Have a professional cleaning 3-4 times per year.
Avoid use of ultrasonic scalers and air abrasives during hygiene office visits.
Take special care when biting into or chewing hard foods.
See dentist for resealing of margins as needed. |
Avoid biting down on hard foods and ice.
Reduce intake of refined sugars.
Have a professional cleaning at least 3-4 times per year and yearly fluoride treatment.
Ask your dentist to recommend a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash for home use.
Floss at least once daily.
|
|
Results
|
| Surface stains easily removed |
Deep yellow stain can be considerably lightened; brown and gray stains are much more difficult to bleach. |
Immediate masking of stains |
Glazed, natural appearance and effective masking of stains. |
Can achieve the best results in tooth shade, shape, and size. |
|
Treatment Longevity
|
| Usually 2-6 mo |
Indefinite, although annual touch-ups may be required. |
3-8 years; may need repair or replacement more frequently |
5-12 years |
6-15 years (directly related to fracture, problems with tissues, and decay) |
|
Cost
|
| $150 to $300 depending on who does the treatment (hygienist or dentist) |
$250 to $1000 per treatment |
$250 to $1750 per tooth |
$950 to $3500 per tooth |
$850 to $3500 per tooth |
|
Advantages
|
|
Least invasive procedure.
Can be least expensive option
Painless
Safe
No tooth reduction required |
Safe
Usually painless to adults
No tooth reduction required
No anesthetic required
Less expensive than many other options |
Painless
Results obtained in 1 appointment
Little or no tooth reduction required
Generally no anesthetic required
Less expensive than porcelain veneers or crowns
Easy to repair |
Less chipping than bonding.
Extremely good bond to enamel.
Minimal staining and loss of color or luster.
Less tooth reduction required than crowning.
Lasts longer than bonding.
Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
Generally no anesthetic required.
Color change is possible. |
Teeth can be lightened to any shade.
The dentist can improve shape of teeth.
Some realignment or straightening of teeth is possible.
Last longer than any other restoration. |
|
Disadvantages
|
| May not remove stains enough to please you |
Natural tooth color may not be restored.
Can cause discomfort if large tooth pulp present.
Only 85% effective in selected cases.
Extended treatment time may be necessary.
May not achieve the whiteness you desire. |
Can chip or stain.
Has a limited esthetic life.
May not cover dark stains well.
May involve minor tooth reduction to remove some of the stains.
Gum irritation may occur if margins are imperfect. |
More expensive than bonding.
Difficult to repair if the veneer cracks or chip.
Irreversible if much enamel is removed.
Staining may occur between teeth, depending on how the veneer is prepared.
Margins may “wash out” and require repair. |
Can fracture.
Require an anesthetic.
Tooth form is altered (most of the tooth enamel is removed).
Unsightly line may appear at junction between tooth and crown if tissue shrinkage occurs.
Much more expensive than bonding. |
