For those who are disappointed with bleaching or who want a still brighter smile, several techniques exist. These techniques, however, tend to be more expensive than bleaching.
PORCELAIN VENEERS
Porcelain veneers are a popular option. These are very thin pieces of porcelain which are shaped and placed on the front of the tooth with a resin glue (analogous to placing paneling on a wall).
The advantages of veneers are that they provide for a brilliantly white smile which is resistant to discoloration and fades only very slowly over time. These veneers can be expensive, however, costing around $250 per tooth veneered.
BONDING
Another option is bonding. During bonding the dentist applies a white plastic quartz resin to the tooth. This resin is then sculpted by the dentist onto the tooth. Costing around $150 per tooth, this procedure is less expensive than veneers but does not withstand discoloration by foods, coffee, and smoking as well as veneers do.
CAPS
Caps represent a more drastic measure and are usually reserved for teeth completely broken down, teeth with fillings, or teeth having undergone a root canal. The tooth is totally ground down, an impression made, and a porcelain-metal cap added to the tooth. The cost - nearly $1500-$1800 per tooth !
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Some people have discolored teeth as a result of their mothers having been treated with tetracycline during pregnancy or as a result of having themselves been treated with tetracycline during early childhood. These stains can be especially difficult to remove.
A common procedure is to first bleach the teeth and then apply porcelain veneers to the affected teeth. Bleaching fades the stain to a point where it will not show through the veneer when it is applied.
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