There are several ways to change the colour or shape of your teeth. Dre Katty Hrynowiecki, DMD, general dentist in Roxton Pond, near Granby, offers an at-home whitening service with custom trays, and a resin or ceramic veneer service.
Whitening changes the colour of natural teeth. Veneers change the colour, but also the shape or length. Four questions help you find your way:
Dre Katty offers at-home whitening, with trays custom-made from your impressions and a gel prescribed by the clinic. She does not offer in-office whitening.
We first check that there are no cavities, no gum problems and no significant sensitivity. Whitening a decayed tooth or an exposed root can hurt. A cleaning before whitening also helps you start from a clean surface.
Sensitivity to cold or slight gum irritation is common during whitening. It is temporary. Sessions can be spaced out, or a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be used; call the clinic if it persists.
Crowns, veneers and fillings keep their colour. If they are visible, we whiten first, then adjust the restorations to the new shade. Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco darken teeth over time. You keep the trays: a few touch-ups, if needed, are often enough.
A veneer is a thin layer bonded to the visible surface of a tooth. It can change the colour, shape or length, or close a small gap. It does not straighten teeth and does not correct the bite.
| Resin (composite) veneer | Ceramic veneer | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabrication | Sculpted directly on the tooth, at the clinic | Made in a laboratory |
| Appointments | Often just one | Several |
| Enamel removed | Little or none | A thin layer, in general |
| Repair | Easy to touch up | The veneer is replaced |
| Colour over time | May stain slightly | Keeps its colour better |
| How long it lasts | Several years | Generally longer |
When enamel is removed, it does not grow back: the tooth will always need a veneer or another restoration. A veneer will need to be replaced one day. That is why the decision is made after a consultation, without pressure.
Temporary sensitivity after preparation, a veneer that comes loose or chips, gums that recede over the years and reveal an edge. Results vary from person to person; this is discussed during the consultation.
The cost depends on the number of teeth, the material (resin or ceramic), laboratory fees and any care needed beforehand. For whitening, it includes the custom trays and the gel. A written estimate is provided after the consultation. Insurance rarely covers purely aesthetic care: check with your insurer.
Supervised by a dentist, with a prescribed gel and well-fitted trays, whitening is considered safe. Any sensitivity is temporary.
A veneer can be replaced, but if enamel was removed, the tooth does not return to its original state. Resin veneers often need little or no preparation.
Whitening does not require anesthesia. For veneers, local anesthesia is used if needed during preparation.
Several years, depending on the material, hygiene and habits. Ceramic generally lasts longer than resin.
Yes, natural teeth whiten, but crowns do not. Together, we assess whether a visible crown will need to be redone to match the new shade.
Would you like to talk about it? Request an appointment or call 450-777-0373.
Updated on .