What is the best way to whiten my teeth?

The answer depends on the degree of tooth discoloration, and how white you want them to be. We offer teeth whitening 3 ways:

HOME WHITENING - This process works for teeth that are discolored from coffee, tea sodas, and tobacco. Home whitening involves wearing a custom-made whitening tray (looks like a thin, transparent mouth guard) filled with a mild whitening gel 2-8 hours per day for about two to four weeks. We check your progress once a week during the period you are using the teeth whitening gel.

IN-OFFICE WHITENING - This process can be done in one visit or may require additional visits, depending on how your teeth respond to the process. It is also applicable for a tooth that has been darkened by root canal treatment. A protective shield is placed around the teeth to be treated and protects your gums. Whitening gel is then put into place and a high intensity light is applied to further activate the process. Tray maintenance is required from time-to-time, in order to keep teeth their whitest.

VENEERS - With this process, even the most difficult whitening situation can produce dramatic results. Unlike the home and in-office methods, which require maintenance, veneers never stain or change shade.

What is the difference between a veneer and a crown?

Veneers are very thin pieces of very strong porcelain that are bonded permanently to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are great for restoring teeth that are discolored, spaced apart, misshapen and arranged crooked. Crowns, on the other hand, completely cover the tooth on all sides and are used in situations where a greater amount of the tooth has been damaged and strength is required.

I want straighter teeth, but I just don't want to wear braces. Are there alternatives?

Yes! Dr. Goble has perfected the art of reshaping teeth with veneers. He can straighten, permanently whiten, and reshape teeth without braces. The process takes only two appointments and within days you can have that smile you've always wanted.

I have missing teeth. Can I have replacements that look natural?

Missing teeth can be replaced with implants, fixed bridges, or a combination of the two. These options are far more desirable than removable dentures that you have to take in and out at night. Implant dentistry is one of the most exciting, innovative, and progressive of the new dental technologies.

Dental implants are bone-anchored prostheses used to replace missing teeth (similar to joint replacements). They consist of tiny titanium cylinders that are anchored into the jawbone, just like the root of a tooth. Implants are for people who are missing teeth and they are the closest things to having natural teeth. Deterioration of the jawbone that accompanies tooth loss can result in an undesirable change in facial appearance. Implants help prevent this from occurring.

My smile makes me look old. What can be done to look younger?

The answer may be a "Smile-Lift." As we age, maintaining healthy teeth becomes even more important to preserve a youthful appearance. When teeth are missing or worn out over time, support of facial features diminishes. This may cause us to look older than we really are. Teeth can be restored in a way that lifts and broadens the smile, and at the same time, supports the cheeks and lips. Subsequently, we can look younger.

I have crowns that are dark at the gum line. Is there anything that can be done?

Crowns that show a dark area at the gum line reflect an inner metal layer that is covered over with porcelain. With all-ceramic crowns, teeth can be made to look completely natural, even at the gum line area.

When I smile, I show dark, ugly fillings. What's the best way to make my teeth look nice again?

These teeth usually have silver and mercury (amalgam) fillings. Depending on the filling size, smaller areas can be replaced with ceramic bonded materials, whereas larger fillings can be replace with ceramic crowns, onlay or inlays.

Pleasant Hill Dental Group
"Serving Pleasant Hill and the Bay Area for over 30 years"

1894 Contra Costa Blvd - Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 - 925.692.2010