In the past decade the interest in cosmetic dentistry has increased dramatically. 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.
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.
Composite Fillings
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.
As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.
Reasons for composite fillings:
- Chipped teeth.
- Closing space between two teeth.
- Cracked or broken teeth.
- Decayed teeth.
- Worn teeth.
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.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) 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.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Cosmetic enhancement.
- Decayed teeth.
- Fractured fillings.
- Large fillings.
- Tooth has a root canal.
Same Day Crowns, Veneers, and Bridges with CEREC
In one visit we can now provide you the dental care you need. The Cerec® software takes the digital scan and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model. We scan your tooth rather than take a conventional impression. Then, a custom restoration is designed to fit your unique smile, after which it is transferred to the milling unit where your crown is created right in our dental office. The final restoration is placed in your mouth the same day. No goopy impression material and no temporaries!
This allows you to have the highest quality, most lifelike dental restorations in just one visit to the dentist…in, out, and on with your busy life.
With CEREC technology, we can restore damaged teeth or enhance your smile with bio-compatible, tooth-colored materials in a single appointment. This technology has a track record of almost 20 years. More than 100 studies confirm the clinical excellence of the method. Since it only takes one appointment, you don’t have to come back for a second appointment and you don’t have to worry about any temporaries falling out between appointments.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges. 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 (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
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 (mold) 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 for several weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, you permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit.
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.
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.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.
Getting veneers usually requires little or no anesthesia during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. An impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen.
The teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.
As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for porcelain veneers:
- Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
- Crooked teeth.
- Misshapen teeth.
- Severely discolored or stained teeth.
- Teeth that are too small or large.
- Unwanted or uneven spaces.
- Worn or chipped teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural teeth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
A beautiful smile is an important asset.
Not only do white teeth enhance your smile, but they make you feel more confident about our appearance. You deserve to have a beautiful and exceptional smile. We can help you achieve a whiter smile and a more confident you, in as little as 20 minutes.
Reasons for teeth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
- Yellow, brown stained teeth.
There are several methods for teeth whiting. An evaluation of your concerns and needs will help us to determine which method is best for your needs.
KoR Whiting System
KoR is clinically proven to whiten teeth up to 16 shades white or more!
We will take molds of your teeth to fabricate your own set of unique, ultra-comfortable KöR-Seal whitening trays. You and your dentist will select which level of KöR Whitening is the proper fit for you. Most patients wear their KöR-Seal Whitening Trays at home for two weeks while they sleep. You will then have one or two simple whitening visits in the dental office to complete your whitening treatment. KoR results a PERMANENT! With easy up keep using your KoR trays approximately once a month you can count on your results lasting a lifetime!
The Sinsational Smile whitening method
You’ll actually look younger and feel better in just 20 minutes!
Sinsational Smile uses a fast and effective technology with patented pre-filled silicone tray. This allows the jaw to remain relaxed comfortable throughout the 20 minute procedure. This procedure includes the use of an LED accelerating light that helps to activate the gel’s whitening ingredients at a faster rate, resulting in a brighter smile and whiter teeth in less time. As part of your procedure, you’ll also receive a take-home maintenance pen shown to further extend your new brighter smile!
Orthodontic Treatment
Clear aligner therapy is an orthodontic treatment in which the patient wears a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually move the teeth to improve bite function and/or esthetic appearance. The treatment is intended to provide the end benefits of traditional “wired” orthodontic treatment, such as straight teeth and improved bite function, as well as the following benefits that are only available when going wireless:
- The aligners are clear, so people may not even notice you wearing them.
- There are no cuts or abrasions from wires or brackets, so clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces.
- The aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss with freedom.