Veneers and whitening in Littleton, Colorado

What it is

Unlike a crown, which covers a tooth that has lost much of its structure above the gumline, a veneer covers only the front surface. It functions as part of the tooth once it is bonded and can change the shape, size, or color of a visible tooth.

Whitening lightens the natural color of your own teeth. The method used here consists of custom bleaching trays and a take-home bleaching gel, which is placed in the trays and worn at home.

When you might need it

Veneers are considered for teeth that appear in the smile line, usually the upper front teeth and sometimes the premolars. Typical reasons are a chip, wear at the edge, an uneven shape, a small gap, or a stain that whitening cannot correct. A tooth with a large fracture or extensive decay usually needs a crown or a filling instead. Decay and gum disease must be treated first, and heavy grinding or clenching can chip porcelain.

Whitening suits healthy teeth that have darkened or become stained over time from coffee, tea, tobacco, or age. It acts on natural enamel only and does not change a crown, a filling, or a veneer. When a patient wants both, whitening comes first so that the shade of the veneer can be matched to the whitened teeth.

What happens at each visit

A porcelain veneer is completed in three stages. The first is a planning visit, at which Dr. Itoafa examines the tooth and gums, listens to what you want changed, and agrees on a shape and shade with you. The second is preparation, which typically involves minor enamel reduction on the face of the tooth so that the veneer sits flush with its neighbors. Enamel removal cannot be undone, so raise your questions beforehand. Temporary veneers, made from an ideal wax model, are placed so that you can confirm you are pleased with the esthetics.

The third stage is cementation. Each ceramic veneer is tried on first, the tooth surface is cleaned and treated, and the veneer is set with a resin cement that a curing light hardens. Excess cement is removed, the bite is checked, and the edges are polished. An alternative to laboratory-made ceramic veneers is the composite veneer, in which tooth-colored resin is shaped directly on the tooth by the dentist.

Whitening starts with an examination, because cavities and gum problems should be treated before bleaching. A mold of your teeth is used to make trays that fit you, and the dentist explains how to load the gel and how long to wear them.

Materials and what to expect afterward

Ceramic veneers are made of dental porcelain by a dental laboratory, and the practice works with state of the art laboratories and materials. Porcelain does not take up stain the way natural enamel can, and it is strong once bonded to a tooth, although it can chip if you bite something hard. A new veneer can feel different at first, and the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold for a time. Call the office if your bite feels high or an edge feels rough.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and keep your regular checkups. Avoid biting ice, pens, or fingernails, and ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth. Like any dental restoration, a veneer may eventually need to be replaced.

With whitening, results vary, but several shades of lightening may be achieved. Side effects may include temporary tooth sensitivity, which is typically transient. If it bothers you, tell the office and ask how to adjust your use of the trays.

Why Dutch Creek Dental

Dr. Mike Itoafa has owned Dutch Creek Dental since 2018, and the practice has been on West Coal Mine Avenue for more than 30 years. Veneers are bonded in this office. When a case calls for a specialist, Dr. Itoafa refers you to one he trusts.

Common questions