The dentist may also activate the bleach with heat or with a very bright light, such as that from a laser. The fee for such an office procedure is comparable to that for the customized-tray procedure described above, but the office procedure is riskier both in terms of gum damage and in terms of sensitivity of teeth to temperatures. Meticulousness is necessary for good results. But the improvement in the tooth's appearance can be striking. Poor lamination or careless maintenance can result in decay at the laminate's rim.
Laminates can also spontaneously break or even fall off.
To make a crown, the dentist grinds down every surface of the exterior portion of the tooth and takes an impression of the remaining external portion. Materials that can acceptably compose crowns include gold, stainless steel, porcelain and plastic. Crowns of pure porcelain are generally considered the most attractive, but crowns layered with gold and porcelain are aesthetically comparable and much stronger. On the other hand, improper crowning can worsen the condition of the patient's teeth and gum. These products include toothpastes, mouthwashes and special chewing gums.