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Bleaching is a procedure that whitens teeth that are discolored, stained, or have been darkened because of injury. It can be performed on any tooth, even one that has had root canal treatment.

There are two types of bleaching procedures:

• Chairside Bleaching - done completely in the dental office, takes 60 minutes per visit. A chemical solution, the oxidizing agent, is 'painted' onto the teeth. Generally only 1 to 3 visits are necessary.

• Home Bleaching - at home daily treatment for up to 2 weeks. A custom-fitted mouthguard is fabricated to hold a bleaching gel. The home tray should be worn 1 hour per day for up to 2 weeks.

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Bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored materials are bonded to the surface of a tooth. Bonding covers discolorations, repairs chips, breaks & cracks, and fills in gaps. It is a virtually painless procedure that is usually completed in one visit. Periodically, it may have to be recoated or replaced, since it usually lasts from 5 to 10 years.

The bonding process involves etching the tooth surface with a conditioning solution that allows the bonding material (composite resins) to adhere. To match your own teeth, various color resins are carefully blended so the bonded tooth will look completely natural. After application, the resin is contoured into the proper shape and hardened using a special light. It is then smoothed and polished to appear natural.
 

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Veneers are thin custom made shells of tooth-colored materials that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are fabricated by a dental technician, usually in a commercial dental laboratory, from a model provided by the dental office. Veneers are used to close gaps or cover teeth that are stained, poorly shaped, or slightly crooked.

You could be one of the millions of Americans who suffers from chronic bad breath (Halitosis). Studies indicate that 25 to 85 million people are affected.

The fact is, dentists at an American Dental Association Conference reported that they faced a minimum of six patients with bad breath every week. Calculating the number of practicing dentists, that adds up to at least 500,000 bad breath cases weekly!
 

In a Consumer Reports test of 15 leading mouth rinses, all were effective for 10 minutes. NONE worked for more than two hours.
 

Halitosis might indicate more serious oral care and dental related problems, such periodontal (gum) disease and oral cancer.