COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Smile confidently with your ideal teeth! From veneers to implants and also whitening, we can help you reach your goal for your smile!

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In the past decade there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.

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Cosmetic dental treatments can:

• Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth.

• Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.

• Improve or correct bites.

• Lighten or brighten the color of teeth.

• Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth.

• Replace missing teeth.

• Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.

Remember, your smile speaks before you even say a word!

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Keep scrolling to learn more!

TOOTH WHITENING

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

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Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. 

Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

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Tooth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

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Reasons for tooth whitening:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).

• Normal wear of outer tooth layer.

• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).

• Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does tooth whitening involve?

This type of tooth whitening usually requires one visit. 

At your appointment, it will mostly last two hours in the dental chair. The dentist will stretch your lips apart and take before photos. We will determine what shade you are on before and compare it to the results at the end.

Then he will apply a liquid barrier on your gums to prevent the whitening solution turning your gums white. If the solution does leak pass the barrier, there is nothing to worry about. It will just turn your gums white and will go away within a day. After we place the barrier, we will begin the whitening process.

The dentist will place bleach on both your top and bottom teeth and will let it sit for 20-30 minutes for 2-3 cycles. Afterwards, we will suction the bleach off and rinse away with water. We will then take an after photo and compare the shades to our shade guide.

PORCELAIN CROWNS (CAPS)

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

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Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

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Reasons for crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth.

• Cosmetic enhancement.

• Decayed teeth.

• Fractured fillings.

• Large fillings.

• Tooth has a root canal.

What does getting a crown involve?

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A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

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While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

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At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

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Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

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Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

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Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.

• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.

• Restore a patient’s confident smile.

• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.

• Restore or enhance facial tissues.

• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

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The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

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X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

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After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor.  Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

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You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.

PORCELAIN FIXED BRIDGES

A dental bridge is permanent appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

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The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

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Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

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Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth.

• Maintain facial shape.

• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

• Restore chewing and speaking ability.

• Restore your smile.

• Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn until your next appointment.

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At the second visit, you permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge.  The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.

PORCELAIN VENEERS