Cosmetic Dentistry
Having a bright healthy smile does more than just enhance appearance. It breeds new-found confidence allowing you show off your smile. Due to modern enhancements in cosmetic dental technology, cosmetic treatments have become
quicker, affordable, and in some cases pain-free.
Dental Bonding
Tooth bonding is composed of a ceramic resin that is brushed onto the tooth and hardened with intense light. Prior to bonding application the tooth surface must be prepared to accept the bonding. This is accomplished by roughening
the tooth surface and applying a gel to micro-etch the surface. A primer agent is then applied so the bond will adhere properly. Tooth bonding is used for:
• Repairing tooth decay damage
• Improve tooth alignment
• Fill gaps between teeth
• Cosmetic reasons (improve tooth appearance)
Dental Crowns
Crowns are used to restore severely damaged teeth due to fracture or decay. After the tooth surface is cleaned and prepared the crown is placed to cover the remainder of the tooth. The crown strengthens the tooth structure and helps
prevent future decay. Crowns also improve the tooth's look, shape and alignment. Crowns are used to:
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Restore a tooth severely damaged by decay
• Protect a tooth from fracture
• Cover a discolored or unattractive tooth
• Cover a dental implant
• Anchor a bridge
Dental Bridges
Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth in both a cosmetic and functional fashion. A bridge structure is one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by natural teeth, crowns or implants, on each side of the bridge. Using a
bridge to fill the gap from missing teeth helps restore proper bite and prevent teeth from shifting to fill the gap (which may lead to additional bite and jaw joint issues). Bridges can be constructed from gold, porcelain and metal,
or all ceramic. Ceramic bridge color is made to match your natural tooth color. Depending on structural requirements, wear and aesthetics will influence material choice. Bridges are used to:
• Replace missing teeth
• Prevent teeth from shifting
• Correct bite issues due to missing teeth
• Help prevent jaw joint problems from altered bite
• Improve appearance (cosmetic reasons)
Dental Implants
Implants may be the best option for replacing a single or multiple missing teeth. An implant is a metal post that is attached directly to the jawbone. After the bone and surrounding tissue has healed an artificial tooth is attached
to the implant. Implants provide superior benefits compared to bridge work as they do not depend on neighboring teeth for structural support, though they are more expensive. Implants are the closest dental structure in durability to
natural teeth and have greater cosmetic appeal. Implants are used to:
• Replace missing teeth
• Prevent teeth from shifting
• Correct bite issues due to missing teeth
• Help prevent jaw joint problems from altered bite
• Improve appearance (cosmetic reasons)
Teeth Whitening
As the name implies, teeth whitening is the act of whitening teeth and therefore making them more attractive. Teeth whitening can be used to whiten stained, discolored or dull teeth to improve your smile. Whitening is one of the
most cost-effective ways to improve your smile and is relatively painless.
There are two primary methods of teeth whitening; in office and at home trays.
In-office teeth whitening is ideal for people looking for immediate results or who have active lifestyles and don't have time for a series of at-home treatments. The procedure usually takes about an hour. In office teeth whitening
starts with the application of a protective gel to the gums and surrounding soft tissue for protection from light. A different gel that activates under light is applied to the teeth surfaces. An intense light is used enhance the
whitening gel's effectiveness.
At home trays are generally less expensive than in office treatments and require that a mold be made of the teeth for creating trays. After a few days the trays will be ready for pick-up along with instructions on proper use. The
trays are taken home, filled with a bleaching gel, and worn for up to one hour at a time, up to twice a day. Bleach trays allow for gradual whitening of the teeth over several days or weeks ending in fabulous result. Bleaching may
cause tooth sensitivity, if this occurs inform your dentist.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are a porcelain or ceramic cover for the visible portion of teeth that dramatically improves the aesthetics of your smile. Veneers usually require a couple of dental visits. First the teeth are prepared, impressions are
taken, and temporary covers are placed on the teeth. Using the impressions the custom veneers are precisely manufactured in a dental lab. The process takes about two weeks, and when it is complete the temporaries are removed and the
veneers are bonded to the teeth. Veneers require less tooth material removal and the procedure is more comfortable than crowns.