Cosmetic Dentistry

In the past decade there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry.  We all realize that 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 are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.

Cosmetic dental treatments can:

• Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth.

• Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.

• Improve or correct bites.

• Lighten or brighten the color of teeth.

• Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth.

• Replace missing teeth.

• Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.

In truth most of the 'every day' restorative proceedures we provide our patients qualify as cosmetic dentistry.

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.

Unlike some dental restorations, porcelain veneers will not stain. They are custom made and crafted with precision for each patient 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 mold or 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 special liquids to achieve a durable bond.  Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special 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.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) 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.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a Home Tooth Whitening System (tray bleaching) that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

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

Reasons for tooth whitening:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)

• Normal wear of outer tooth layer

• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)

• Yellow, brown stained teeth

What does tooth whitening involve?

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

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

In Office Whitening

Often referred to as ‘Chair side’ bleaching or whitening, this procedure can be done in two ways. The dentist uses a very strong whitening agent alone or in combination with a light or laser. With both, the teeth are cleaned and isolated with a protective barrier. Then a peroxide-based gel is applied after which a light may be applied to assist the whitening process. Most gels are self-activating and others are activated by the use of a light. The laser or light does NOT whiten teeth. It merely activates the bleaching gel and initiates the chemical reaction that produces the whitening effect. The procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes and offers immediate results, although it may take more than one session to achieve the desired level of bleaching.  To supplement the results, many of our patients also have custom trays fabricated and do home whitening. Having the trays is great because it allows for periodic touch ups in the future.