Cosmetic Dentistry

procedures

In the past decade there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. 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 can improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless, and surprisingly affordable treatments.

Cosmetic dental treatments can:

Change the size, shape, and alignment of teeth
Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth
Improve or correct your bite
Lighten or brighten the color of teeth
Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
Replace missing teeth
Replace old, unattractive dental treatments

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening 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.

Having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are several ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate the replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after whitening so they will match the newly whitened teeth.

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

Reasons for teeth whitening:

Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
Normal wear of outer tooth layer
Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
Stained teeth

What does teeth whitening involve?

This type of teeth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear dental trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with a whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped whitening.

You will receive home-care instructions for your teeth and trays and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. 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.

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

What does getting porcelain veneers involve?

Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A digital impression of the teeth is taken, and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and the dentist.

On the second visit the teeth will be cleansed with a liquid to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer, and a light beam is used to harden and set the bond.

You will receive care instructions for veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.

Internal Whitening

Internal whitening is used to lighten a tooth that has become discolored from the inside, often after root canal treatment or dental trauma. The purpose of the procedure is to improve the appearance of the tooth without removing healthy structure. During internal whitening, the dentist first confirms that the root canal is well sealed, then creates a small access opening and places a whitening agent inside the tooth. This material is left in place for a short period to gradually break down internal stains, and the process may be repeated until the desired shade is achieved. Once whitening is complete, the tooth is permanently sealed and restored, resulting in a more natural-looking color that blends with the surrounding teeth.