procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

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.

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. We recommend using a sensitivity toothpaste during your whitening duration.

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 the tooth 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. They are very durable and should last many years, giving you a beautiful long-lasting smile. Veneers are resistant to staining and mimic the shine and quality of natural teeth, unlike composite bonding. 

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
  • Unwanted or uneven spaces
  • Worn or chipped teeth


What does getting porcelain veneers involve?

Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process.  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 be chosen by you and the dentist. You will have temporary veneers placed on your teeth until the permanent ones are ready.

On the second visit, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are tried in for fit and esthetics. If both you and the dentist are happy with them, they are bonded permanently to the teeth.

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 week or two 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.