Bleaching & Bonding

                 Before Bleaching                                   After Bleaching

• Why are my Teeth Discolored?
• At what age can bleaching be performed?
• Advantages of Bleaching
• How is the bleaching performed?
• How long does the bleaching last?
• How is this different from Over-the-Counter Products?
• What is Bonding?

Why are my Teeth Discolored?

Just as people have different skin and hair color, people also have different tooth color. Some teeth are more yellow, and others yellow with aging. Natural tooth color can be discolored by a number of causes. The surface of the teeth can be stained by tobacco, certain foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, and by deposits of calculus or tartar. Discoloration of the tooth internally can result from aging, injury, excessive fluoride, and by certain illnesses. Although bleaching successfully lightens most discolorations, certain types are more difficult to remove.

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At what age can bleaching be performed?

Dr. Bialik does not recommend tooth bleaching until the patient has all their adult teeth and their mouth has finished growing. This is usually at age 15 - 16 for girls and 16 – 17 for boys. Also, bleaching is not recommended until orthodontic treatment has been completed.

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Advantages of Bleaching

The advantages of tooth bleaching over other procedures to whiten teeth are that it doesn’t require any removal of tooth structure be removed and it is the most economical. Even teeth that have had root canals can be easily whitened.

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How is the bleaching performed?

There are two types of bleaching procedures. Bleaching may be done completely in the dental office (known as chairside bleaching) or a system may be dispensed for the patient to use at home (nightguard bleaching).

In our office, Dr. Bialik has devised a system which incorporates both of the above methods in order to allow for the safest and fastest results.

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How long does the bleaching last?

The length of the result depends on the number of shades that the teeth are bleached, and the initial cause of the staining. Most bleaching last between one to three years, although in some situations it may be longer. Occasional touch up treatments along with regular cleanings may allow for a much longer lasting result.

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How is this different from Over-the-Counter Products?

Don’t be misled by unproven and ineffective over-the-counter products. Although they may appear to cost less, bleaching treatments should only be performed under the supervision of a dentist after a proper examination and diagnosis of the discolored teeth. Our office dispenses a simple, safe and effective tooth whitening system that is closely monitored by Dr. Bialik for maximum results in the least amount of time.

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What is Bonding?

                Before Bonding                                     After Bonding

Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or gapped. With bonding, tooth-colored materials are attached, or bonded, to a tooth surface. It can be used strictly for cosmetic purposes or to repair cracked and chipped teeth, or to protect the teeth against decay. The process can improve unsightly stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, or certain childhood medications; front-tooth gaps; and accident-induced cracks or chips. Bonding is also used to fill small cavities.

The bonding process involves preparing the tooth surface with an etching solution that allows the bonding material (composite resins) to adhere. Various colored composite materials are carefully blended to match the existing tooth and look completely natural. The composite material is applied, contoured into the proper shape and hardened using a special light. It is then smoothed and polished to appear natural. Bonding may not require the use of anesthesia (Novocain) or drilling and is usually completed in one visit.

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Dr. Bialik is a Board Eligible and Board Qualified Pediatric Dentist. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to write: Scott A. Bialik, D.D.S., 246 Federal Road, Suite D - 13, Brookfield, CT 06804 or dial (203) 791-2771.

Flexible Payment Plans Available