Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
In the past decade, there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless, and surprisingly affordable treatments.
Bonding
Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that allows the dentist to reshape or repair your smile using composite resin. Cosmetic bonding is particularly ideal if you’re insecure about the appearance of your smile or want an affordable alternative to invasive and more costly procedures such as orthodontics or veneers. With bonding, chipped or uneven teeth can be repaired easily and affordably, restoring your self-confidence. Additionally, bonding is often completed in a single visit and doesn’t require any anesthetic!
As with most cosmetic procedures, bonding will wear and discolor over time, eventually needing to be replaced; however, bonding is very durable and typically lasts many years.
Reasons for Cosmetic Bonding
Closing spaces or gaps.
Fixing chipped teeth.
Fixing decayed teeth (teeth with cavities).
Lengthening uneven teeth.
Protecting roots exposed by receding gums.
Restoring badly discolored teeth.
If you want to regain confidence in your smile, contact our practice to learn more about bonding.
Composite Fillings
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. 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 more visible areas of the mouth.
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
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
Dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years. On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
Reasons for Dental Implants
Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space
Restore a patient’s confident smile
Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
Restore or enhance facial tissues
Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months. You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in the life of your new implant.
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.
Reasons for Crowns
Broken or fractured teeth
Cosmetic enhancement
Decayed teeth
Fractured fillings
Large fillings
Tooth has a root canal
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. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. 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
Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive 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
Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure. You will receive care instructions for veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.
