6 Commonly Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

Dental whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures – for good reason! Dental whitening can whiten and brighten your teeth with long-lasting results. If you want to feel better about your smile and you’re interested in dental whitening, the dentist in Peoria, IL, can help. At Valerin Dental, we give teeth whitening services to patients seeking a bright, beautiful smile.

1. What happens during teeth whitening?

During the teeth whitening, the dentist applies whitening gel to the teeth. A special light is used to speed the whitening process. The entire process takes an hour or less.

2. Who benefits from teeth whitening in Peoria, IL?

Teeth stain naturally over time, so most people can benefit from teeth whitening. Teeth that have stained yellow usually respond well to this procedure. If your teeth are stained, teeth whitening can brighten your teeth by several shades. If your teeth have been stained by smoking, whitening will be less effective because tobacco products cause deep stains that are difficult to treat.

3. How long does teeth whitening last?

For some patients, teeth whitening can last a year. For other patients, whitening lasts longer. Some have reported that their teeth whitening procedure lasted as long as three years.

4. How can I make teeth whitening last longer?

Stay hydrated throughout the day. Brush your teeth twice per day, floss once per day, and see the dentist every six months.

5. Can I whiten my teeth at home?

There are DIY teeth whitening products that you can buy at the pharmacy. Some of these products are effective at whitening, but the safest way to ensure that your teeth are properly whitened without over-whitening is to get your teeth whitened by a dental professional.

6. How can I prevent my teeth from becoming stained?

Taking good care of your teeth is the best way to keep them looking their best. Avoid using tobacco products. If you have further questions about what you can do to take care of your teeth, talk to your dentist at Valerin Dental.

Would you like teeth whitening in Peoria, IL? Call the dental professionals at Valerin Dental to make your appointment.

Why Should I Invest in Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers may seem like a straightforward service at first, but looks can be misleading. There’s a reason why you’ll see a wide range of requirements and, maybe more importantly, price tags. Here, we’ll look at the materials that dentists in Peoria, IL use for veneers and why they matter to your overall experience.

What to Know About Veneers

There are a few major things to know about veneers before you start digging into the types of materials available:

  • Veneers remove enamel: For the veneer to properly attach itself to the tooth, the dentist first needs to remove a small portion of the enamel from the tooth. It’s a more involved procedure than dental bonding, which will reshape the tooth with a composite layer applied directly to the surface.
  • Veneers are versatile: Veneers aren’t just used to cover small chips or cracks, they can be used to correct anything from permanent staining to crowding to wide gaps in between teeth.
  • Veneer procedures vary: With everything from standard services to no-prep veneers, you’ll find that dentists have a number of options available.

Why Are Porcelain Veneers Preferred?

If you’ve ever experienced a scenario where you got what you paid for, you might be able to see why porcelain veneers in Peoria, IL are the preferred option for many people. Not only do they look great, typically better than composite, but they’re also liable to last for two decades or more (depending on daily care and maintenance).

The standard porcelain veneer procedure may take multiple appointments to complete, considering the dentist will need to customize the veneer specifically for your mouth, but it’s also typically the best way to get the best results for the longest amount of time.

If you’re interested in veneers, including anything from removable to no-prep procedures, it can help to talk to an expert. In some cases, you may end up needing a different service, such as a crown or dental bonding. In others, you may learn why porcelain is a more practical solution — especially if you’re interested in making a long-term investment. To get the conversation started, contact Valerin Dental to learn more!

Are Dental Implants Better than Dental Bridges?

Missing permanent teeth can cause many problems. A missing permanent tooth can impact your overall dental health, your appearance, and your ability to chew certain foods. This is why many people fill the space with a dental bridge or dental implant.

What is the difference between these two options? Dental implants are one of the most popular artificial tooth options available, but are they better? Your dentist in Peoria, IL, can help you choose. At Valerin Dental, we can list the options and the benefits of each type of prosthetic tooth so you can choose the best artificial tooth for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is surgically inserted into the jaw. Dental implants have three pieces, and each piece is installed separately. To get a dental implant, you must make many trips to the dentist.

When the work is done, you’ll have a tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Dental implants are easy to maintain and last a long time. They require a healthy jaw with sufficient bone density for installation.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that uses dental crowns attached to the surrounding teeth to hold the bridge in place. The dental bridge looks like a natural tooth, but it is not inserted into the jaw like a natural tooth. Dental bridges also require the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth to be shaved down (to make space for the dental crowns).

Which One Is Better?

Choosing between a dental implant and a dental bridge can be difficult. Your dentist can help you weigh the pros and cons of each so you can get the best artificial tooth for your needs.

If you have a healthy jaw, the dentist may recommend a dental implant. If your jaw has lost density, but the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are healthy and strong, the dentist may recommend a bridge. Talk to your dentist to get recommendations for your tooth replacement.

Do You Need Dental Bridges Or Implants? Call Today

If you’re interested in a dental bridge or dental implant in Peoria, IL, contact the professionals at Valerin Dental to make your next appointment.

Want Whiter, Brighter Teeth? Explore Your Options

We all want white, bright, beautiful teeth. Your dentist in Peoria, IL, can help. At Valerin Dental, we provide dental services to make your teeth whiter and more attractive. It’s important to choose the right dental services for your circumstances. Your dentist can help. By exploring the different options, and considering your budget as well as the condition of your teeth, you can choose a dental procedure that’s right for you.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth get stained over time. For many people, whitening services can fix the problem and restore their teeth to a whiter state. Some people choose to whiten their teeth at home using products like whitening toothpaste and whitening kits.

While these techniques can be effective, DIY whitening has limitations. Some of these products are very slow-acting and only whiten teeth to a limited degree. Other products are faster-acting, but people who use them run the risk of over-whitening their teeth.

Professional teeth whitening is performed in the dentist’s office by dental professionals. Professional teeth whitening is fast, efficient, and effective. For some patients, the effects of professional teeth whitening can last for years.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped covers that the dentist can place on your teeth to cover up cosmetic defects. Porcelain veneers can hide problems like discolorations, chips in the tooth enamel, cracks, and more. Porcelain veneers are a great tool to improve the appearance of your teeth, especially if tooth whitening hasn’t worked and your teeth are damaged in ways that go beyond stains.

Porcelain veneers can only be installed after the dentist shaves down the tooth enamel on the front of your tooth. The procedure is permanent, so it’s important to make an informed decision before choosing this procedure for your teeth. To find out whether this service is right for you, talk to your dentist.

Take Care Of Your Teeth

Whether you choose teeth whitening in Peoria, IL or dental veneers to hide the stains on your teeth, it’s important to take care of your teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help you avoid future stains. See your dentist twice per year and brush your teeth twice each day.

Are you interested in teeth whitening or dental veneers? Call today to make an appointment.

What to Know About Same Day Crowns

Same day crowns offer a great way to get the benefits of dental crowns without waiting weeks or even longer to have the crown come back from the dental lab. They provide patients with a more convenient and speedier option for teeth that are damaged or heavily decayed. Unlike traditional crowns, which typically require multiple visits and a waiting period, same-day crowns offer immediate results.

How Are Same Day Crowns Made?

Same day crowns are made in the office of your dentist in Peoria, IL. Your dentist at Valerin Dental has invested in CAD/CAM technology to bring you the latest options for restoring damaged teeth. This technology and proprietary software enables your dentist to take detailed digital impressions of your teeth, design a custom crown, and then fabricate it on-site, all within a single appointment. Unlike traditional crowns, the entire process can be completed in just a few hours, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple follow-up visits.

Benefits of Same Day Crowns

One of the big benefits of same-day crowns that patients can’t keep talking about is the convenience they offer. Traditional crowns require at least two appointments: one for taking impressions and placing a temporary crown, and another for fitting the permanent crown after it’s been manufactured in a dental lab. With same-day crowns, you can skip the temporary crown and the wait time, leaving the office with your permanent crown in place after just one visit. How’s that for convenient?

Considerations With Same Day Crowns

Same day crowns aren’t perfect for everyone. You and your dentist can discuss whether or not they’re a good option for you. For example, if you have a tooth that requires significant structural support or if the damage is extensive, traditional crowns may be a better option. It really all depends upon your individual circumstances, but if you are a good candidate for same day crowns, consider yourself lucky!

If you find yourself needing a dental crown, you may want to consider a same day crown in Peoria, IL. The convenience, appearance and durability are all things you can rely on. Contact us to book your appointment to learn more!