COSMETIC DENTISTRY
This can be anything done to correct imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it fixed. The upper teeth show, usually, only when smiling, while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to give a stunning look to the mouth.
We offer a wide variety of cosmetic options. Some of these options are whitening, smile design, recontouring of the shape of the teeth, veneers, bonding, and all ceramic/porcelain crowns.
WHITENING
This is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. The most popular method of whitening includes custom-made trays that are taken home.
The tray method involves having impressions taken from which fabricated custom vinyl trays are made. A carbamide peroxide gel is placed in these trays and the trays with gel are worn, depending on concentration, for about 35 minutes or overnight. The entire process takes 3-4 weeks of daily use. Three different strengths of gel may be used, however the higher the strength the greater the likelihood of reactions or tooth sensitivity. The tray method is recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining, and it may take several months of use to see significant color improvement. For maintenance of whitened teeth the trays should be used every several months.
The end results whether using trays at home or in-office lasers is the same. The cost of the tray method is about half or more compared to lasers, such as Zoom!, and there is usually less post-treatment sensitivity.
VENEERS AND CROWNS
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.
The indirect technique, including crowns, usually involves two appointments because the veneers and/or crowns will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers and/or crowns are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed, and the veneers and/or crowns are bonded to the teeth.
