Tooth whitening treatment is intended for anyone who is interested in “refreshing” the appearance of their teeth, and to improve them, either as a supplement to an overall Prosthodontics treatment, or as a preparation for aesthetic restorations. The treatment is suitable for most patients and the majority obtains excellent results!

Tooth-whitening is actually brightening the teeth by “oxidizing” the coloring material inside the tooth. The brightening is done gradually and under control in order to prevent side effects and to control the degree of brightness. Brightening does not affect or harm the teeth, and it is a conservative treatment which usually provides excellent aesthetic results.

Porcelain Laminate Veneers

The perfect smile or “Hollywood” smile – the majority want to reach a perfect aesthetic appearance for their teeth, and treatment using Porcelain Laminate Veneers is intended exactly for this purpose – aesthetic improvement.

Porcelain laminate veneers are prepared by a dental laboratory, similar to crowns, therefore the professional level of the technician and the quality of the laboratory, are very important! The process is performed in two sessions, after an earlier simulation (mockup) is made in the patient’s mouth for the purpose of coordinating his/her expectancy regarding the desired appearance (color, form, state).

Afterwards, in the first session, the teeth are prepared – the absolute minimum in order to preserve the tooth material as far as possible. During the same session impressions of the prepared teeth are taken, which are sent to the dental laboratory. A few days later when the laminate veneers are ready; they are measured in the mouth and cemented, in the same session.

Porcelain Laminate Veneers are a solution for teeth that have stains or defects in the enamel or dentin. They improve the position of the teeth where they are crooked or prominent. This is an alternative to orthodontic treatment, (straightening of teeth).

Composite laminate veneers

For those unable to afford an indirect restoration and are interested in a quick aesthetic solution, without the involvement of an orthodontist, there is another alternative – composite veneering (the material from which white fillings are made).

There is minimal preparation of the teeth for such restorations, and the treatment is performed in one session.

The disadvantage of composite coating for front teeth is derived from the nature of the material. It is less durable than Porcelain Laminate Veneer, and needs maintenance or replacement more frequently. Nevertheless, composite coating is still a viable alternative for aesthetic purposes.

Nonmetal porcelain crowns

In order to obtain an aesthetic and natural appearance, especially in the front areas seen during a smile, it is recommended to use new generation type crowns:  metal-free porcelain crowns. There are a number of types and materials in this category of aesthetic crowns: Zirconia crowns, e-max crowns, full-porcelain crowns etc. Each type of material has different advantages and characteristics, and the choice is made by the Prosthodontist according to the situation and the mechanical and aesthetic needs of the patient’s mouth.

Inlay/Onlay Restoration

In the age of “white fillings,” a hybrid has been created which combines the mechanical and aesthetic characteristics of the porcelain crown together with conservatism and protection of tooth material during the process of reconstruction (filling).

The is a Inlay/Onlaya restoration (made of porcelain or composite material), prepared in a dental laboratory (indirect reconstruction), for teeth which need relatively extensive reconstruction, but do not need crown-preparation.

An Inlay or onlay is usually performed on “vital” teeth that have not undergone root-canal treatment.