A: Dr. Jablow has been consulted extensively on this matter. The answer is the in office procedure is SAFER, MORE EFFECTVE, and FASTER.

The % of peroxide (bleaching agent) in the over the counter products is too low to give the dramatic change In the amount of time the companies promise.

There is too much room for human error and damage to teeth and gums can occur. Best to consult your dentist before Planning to whiten your teeth, not everyone is a candidate.

Q: What are Porcelain Veneers? What can they do for my face?

A: Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that can help correct crooked, chipped or discolored teeth. It is a very conservative procedure and requires a small amount of tooth structure reduction.

They can give a face a "non-surgical facelift" by restoring the lip and lower face support that was lost from natural tooth wear or misaligned teeth.

Q: With Veneers or Crowns, how will my teeth not look artificial?

A: It is up to the dentist to properly leave enough room for the ceramist to build in translucency in the porcelain. If the underlying teeth are not prepared/ "smile designed" correctly, the teeth can look opaque and bulky.

It is also important to not make the teeth so white they have a blue hue to them.

Q: How do I know if I clench/ grind my teeth?

A: The best way to diagnose bruxism is to be examined by your dentist. If your teeth look shorter to you, the muscles in your face feel fatigued, or you hear a pop/ click upon opening wide or chewing, you may have a TMJ problem.

Your face relies on tooth structure to support the lips and face. When the teeth shorten from wear, the face and lips droop due to lack of underlying support.

It can however be restored by veneers and/or crowns which can give the face and teeth a more youthful appearance.