Cosmetic
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance (and sometimes the function) of your smile .
Teeth Whitening
Teeth can be whitened to improve their looks. About 90% of the population can successfully whiten their teeth. This is done by using a peroxide formulation. Many different methods are used to carry the peroxide – ranging from trays to strips. Most methods will work, but trays are the most reliable method.
What's the process?
To make trays, we make impressions of your teeth. The trays are custom-made for your mouth and are lightweight so that they can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. The trays are so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing them. Generally this type of system requires two to four weeks to complete.
Veneers
Veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size or shape. Veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline and damage due to an injury or as a result of a root-canal procedure. They are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with either gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed and protected by a night guard.
How about maintenance?
For about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get accustomed to your “new” teeth that have changed in size and shape. Brush and floss daily. What are realistic expectations? Veneers are reasonable facsimiles of natural teeth, not perfect replacements. It is not uncommon to see slight variations in the color of veneers upon close inspection, as this occurs even in natural teeth. Nevertheless, this procedure can greatly enhance your smile and can heighten self-esteem.
What are Direct Veneers?
Direct veneers are coverings/build ups of a composite resin material which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth and to improve a smile.
What happens during the procedure?
Patients may need up to two appointments for the entire procedure. The first appointment establishes a diagnosis and treatment plan. At this visit, you should discuss your objectives in having the veneers placed – do you want to change the color of your teeth, fill in spaces, correct chips, or a little of each. At the second visit, the direct veneers will be placed. To prepare the teeth for the veneers, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Sometimes, about half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. Composite resin veneers are generally done in one appointment. Layers of tooth colored resin are placed over the prepared tooth, shaped, and hardened with a curing light. The veneers are then shaped and polished to a high luster.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to front teeth. They are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, and to improve smiles. What happens during the procedure? Patients need at least three appointments for the entire procedure. The first appointment establishes a diagnosis and treatment plan. At this visit, you should discuss your objectives in having the veneers placed – do you want to change the color of your teeth, fill in spaces, correct chips, or a little of each. At the second visit, the teeth will be prepared for veneers by removing some tooth structure. The teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. Impressions will be made of the prepared teeth and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the porcelain veneers. Provisional veneers will be bonded to your teeth in the interim. At the third visit, the veneers will be cemented to your teeth.
We’d love to make you smile.
Contact us today to schedule your visit.
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