Enhancing the smile's aesthetic appearance can lead to increased self-confidence, improved social skills, and even a more positive outlook on life. Modern cosmetic dentistry merges advanced technology with fine art, and can often produce amazing results in less time than you would expect.
- Zoom
- Mercury Free Tooth Colored Fillings
- Porcelain Crowns
- Porcelain Fixed Bridges
- Veneers
- Partials and Dentures
- Bonding
Zoom
At our office we use the most advanced bleaching system on the market today. Using a UV light and specialized gel your teeth can get 6-10 shades lighter in approximately 45 minutes.
For more details visit www.zoomnow.com
Mercury Free Tooth Colored Fillings
Problem
Tooth decay that has led to the development of a cavity, or small hole, in the tooth.
Solution
Fillings. Your dentist will remove all areas of decay, and replace with a filling made of silver (amalgam) or composite resin. Composite resin fillings have surged in popularity because their appearance perfectly matches the natural appearance of teeth and also because they are free of mercury.
Alternatives
In cases of more extensive decay, porcelain inlays and onlays are an advisable alternative.
Porcelain Crowns
Problem
Teeth that are chipped, cracked, badly decayed, or otherwise weakened.
Solution
Porcelain Crowns maintain the aesthetic appearance of teeth by covering the entire visible surface of the tooth, while adding significant reinforcement and protection to the tooth. After removing all areas of decay, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth to be crowned and send it to a dental laboratory to create the crown. Crowns can be made of porcelain or gold. Porcelain crowns are extremely natural looking; virtually indistinguishable from other teeth, making them an ideal choice for visible teeth. Gold crowns are less expensive, and pose no risk of chipping, and therefore are useful when crowning back teeth.
Alternatives
Teeth that are badly decayed may require extraction, leaving bridges or implants as viable alternative treatments.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges
Problem
Patients who are missing a tooth or several teeth may experience difficulty chewing and speaking, dental shifts, and an undesirable sunken facial appearance. In addition, missing teeth can eventually lead to jaw and joint problems that are costly to treat.
Solution
Porcelain Fixed Bridges can improve chewing and aesthetic appearance, restoring the smile with a more permanent solution than dentures. Bridges replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. Your dentist will take a mold of the gap where a tooth is missing, and then send it to a laboratory to prepare a customized bridge. Before inserting the bridge, the surrounding teeth are prepared. The bridge is set into place and the artificial tooth is securely cemented to the adjacent teeth, restoring the attractive natural appearance and functionality of the tooth that was lost. If a resin-bonded bridge is chosen, the artificial tooth is secured by means of a metal appliance that attaches to the backs of adjacent teeth.
Alternatives
Dental implants are permanent, stable alternatives to bridges that do not rely upon surrounding teeth for support.
Veneers
Problem
Teeth that are chipped, discolored, uneven, stained or gapped. Teeth that are out-of-proportion in relation to the mouth. Teeth that are crooked or worn.
Solution
Customized, wafer-thin veneers (also called porcelain laminates) are cemented directly onto the front of the tooth, resulting in a natural appearance that covers any irregularities or aesthetic concerns.
Alternatives
Veneers are not an ideal choice for patients with tooth decay, advanced periodontal disease, or severe misalignment. In cases where veneers are not advisable, orthodontic treatments and porcelain crowns may be better choices.
Partials and Dentures
Problem
Missing multiple teeth or all teeth in either or both jaws.
Solution
If a patient is missing only one or two teeth, they usually choose a conventional bridge. Multiple missing teeth are more problematic, more costly, and frequently cannot be replaced with a fixed bridge. Many patients choose to replace these teeth with a partial denture. They are an excellent alternative for many patients. They function well in terms of keeping your bite stable, keeping your teeth from shifting, and improving your chewing and speech.
If a patient is missing all teeth in either or both jaws, complete dentures are a good treatment option.
Alternatives
With the proper bone structure, dental implants are an option to replace all or some missing teeth.
Bonding
Problem
Teeth that are chipped, discolored, uneven, stained or gapped.
Solution
Bonding with composite resin. The composite resin used in bonding is a tooth-colored material that is applied directly to the enamel of teeth and shaped to correct the patient's aesthetic concern. When exposed to a special ultraviolet light, the resin hardens into place.
Alternatives
Porcelain veneers and crowns, while more expensive, last considerably longer than bonding.