VENEERS: there are several reasons for veneers and materials used

• for cosmetic purposes - change color, shape, position of teeth; use bonding material or porcelain
• support tooth structure - large fillings or root canal treatment requires more support given to the tooth but enough present so a crown is not needed; need porcelain veneers
• trauma - if enough tooth remains but restoration is large; porcelain for an adult and bonding for younger person who may encounter further trauma (sports) 

Veneers are bonded to the tooth - some food choices (biting into frozen Milky Way candy) or habits (grinding/bruxism) may require changes in diet and prevention (night guard). The dentist will recommend the best way to protect your investment.

WHITENING:there are several systems available - listed first (most effective) to last (least effective).  EACHsystem has advantages and disadvantages so that  the dentist and our trained staff can help you choose the best for your situation. For example - if teeth are sensitive before whitening, some systems should not be used. Yellow stains easiest to whiten, Brown slightly more difficult, and Grey and Tetracycline stains most difficult to rectify - there is a system used for each particular situation. Each system has several % concentrations of carbamide peroxide (active ingredient) that might cause sensitivity, so it is important to understand what each system can provide. ***(see below)

• KOR DEEP WHITENING:developed in California, this is the best system available now for amazing results.  Has desensitizing solutions and in-office treatment for most comfortable while whitening. This is needed for gray and tetracycline staining but surely can be used for yellow and brown hues. Custom trays (to keep gel close to tooth) require impressions and usually worn at night for several hours. 1-2 weeks for yellow/brown hues; longer for gray and tetracycline staining.
• CUSTOM TRAYS - ULTRADENT GEL:an impression needed to construct a custom tray to keep the whitening gel closely adapted to the tooth. The closer the gel, % concentration could be lower for the yellow and brown tooth color but need higher % for gray. Good results - worn for 1-2 weeks for several hours while sleeping or awake
• PRE-FORMED TRAYS WITH GELS:these preformed trays (sm, med, lg) contain the gel already loaded. Worn 1-3 hours while awake or sleeping - higher gel concentration may increase tooth sensitivity since gel less adapted to tooth surface. Not good for gray stain but less expensive since no impressions or custom trays are fabricated.
• WHITENING STRIPS (example Crest):least expensive and used for yellow stains; not a good candidate for brown of gray tooth hues. Some patients have trouble keeping lower strip in place. Worn 1-2 hours, best while awake because these can move readily, especially while asleep

***SENSITIVITY:all systems have some sensitivity - KOR much less than others. But it is important that the patient realize the inherent complications of this cosmetic treatment. There is always the possibility of tooth and/or gum irritation that usually subsides within 1-2 weeks, BUT this might last longer or remain sensitive (especially teeth) after the whitening treatment is finished. All patients are different and there is no way to ascertain before treatment starts, who might have this sensitivity. The dentist and staff can answer your questions to help you understand the risks involved.