Cosmetic
Cosmetic dentistry will give you healthy, radiant teeth. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve confidence and make you want to share your smile.
Crowns
Crowns are used to restore teeth that are severely damaged by fracture or decay. After the tooth surface is cleaned and prepared, the tooth is temporized and a custom crown is ordered. After we receive your crown back from the lab, it is sterilized, adjusted if needed, and permanently seated. 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
|
| • |
Restore a tooth with a root canal |
Teeth Whitening
As the name implies, teeth whitening is the act of whitening teeth, 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.
Custom bleaching trays require an in-office impression of the teeth. After a few days the bleach and trays will be ready for you to pick up, along with instructions on their 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 a fabulous result. Bleaching may cause tooth sensitivity; if this occurs, inform your dentist.
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. Using a bridge to fill the gap from missing teeth helps restore proper bite. It also prevents teeth from shifting to fill the gap (which may lead to additional bite and jaw joint issues). Bridges can be constructed from gold or porcelain. Porcelain is made to match your natural tooth color. Material choice will depend on structural requirements, wear and aesthetics. 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 missing teeth. An implant is a titanium post that is attached directly to the jawbone. After the bone and surrounding tissue has healed, an abutment and crown (artificial tooth) will be attached to the implant. Implants provide superior benefits compared to regular bridges as they do not destroy neighboring teeth for structural support. 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) |
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding rebuilds teeth that are chipped or have gaps with resin that blends with your natural tooth color. The bonding adheres directly to the surface of the tooth, and is hardened in place with bright ultraviolet light. Cosmetic bonding is an attractive option because it is cost effective, looks natural and improves tooth shape.
Cosmetic bonding may require replacement due to wear and gradual discoloration over time. For this reason, some patients prefer more permanent solutions such as dental crowns, bridges and porcelain veneers. All these options should be discussed with your dentist. |
