Cosmetic Dentistry is one of the most effective ways to improve your appearance. A beautiful, healthy smile can increase self confidence, help you get that coveted job and improve overall life satisfaction. A beautiful smile, the first thing you see and the last thing you forget!
Tooth-colored fillings are virtually invisible when compared to traditional silver-mercury fillings. Porcelain crowns or caps and bridges can be placed instead of gold or silver. Below, we will look at some of the best treatments we can use to greatly improve your smile and the way you feel about yourself.
Teeth Whitening
A great smile is one of the first things people notice about you.
Do you worry about having dull, gray or yellowed teeth, you’re not alone. Many people want a whiter, brighter smile to reverse the effects of aging, food and drink pigments (coffee, wine, berries, etc.), smoking and even some medications.
Fortunately, Gel Teeth Whitening with custom made whitening trays enables us to significantly brighten your smile in the convenience of your own home in about 30 minutes per day. The results:
- Significant whitening of your teeth (3-4 shades is a big improvement)
- Long lasting
- Low sensitivity
- Proven safe
- Very cost effective
Bonding
Restore chipped teeth, fill gaps between teeth & improve shape.
The problem:
- Gaps between front teeth
- Slightly chipped teeth
- Rough or jagged edges on front teeth
- Dull colored or stained teeth
- Crooked teeth
The solution:
Composite resin is a tooth colored material in various shades to match your teeth. The tooth is conditioned, composite is applied to your teeth, shaped to correct the problem and polished. The material bonds to the surface of your teeth like a glue. It is often “cured” or hardened with a special light in a mater of seconds.
Advantages:
When performed with skill and artistry this material results in a natural, beautiful improvement in your smile.
Disadvantages:
Composite will not last as long as porcelain, so discuss all options with your dentist.
Porcelain Crowns
Protect and keep badly decayed or fractured teeth while maintaining a beautiful smile.
The Problem:
- Badly decayed teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Need to protect and strengthen teeth
- Large existing fillings that wear out and have weaken the tooth
- Root canal teeth
The Solution:
A crown or cap covers the tooth and restores it to its original shape and size. Crowns may be porcelain to match the existing teeth or gold. A crown is cemented or bonded onto the tooth.
Advantages:
Porcelain offers a fine alternative to other tooth restoration materials. Made to perfectly match the shade and shape of your teeth, it’s durable, it’s strong, and it’s virtually undetectable.
Crowns protect and strengthen the remaining tooth structure. Crowns are used to restore weakened teeth, make cosmetic improvements and reconstruct bites.
Disadvantages:
The main disadvantage is the initial investment, so consider their long term benefit.
Alternatives:
Fillings that are very large and do not strengthen the tooth or have much longevity.
Porcelain Bridges
A great way to replace missing teeth.
The Problem:
- A missing tooth or teeth
- Potential bite and jaw joint problems from teeth shifting to fill the space
- The “sunken face” look associated with missing teeth
- Desire to improve chewing ability
- Desire for a more permanent solution than dentures
The Solution:
A bridge is a made up of crowns joined together to replace one or more teeth. It is generally attached to two teeth, one on each side of the space where a tooth is missing. An artificial tooth, called a “pontic” replaces the the missing tooth. The bridge is cemented onto the anchor teeth, creating the appearance of a “new” tooth in form and function.
Advantages:
Unlike partials, a fixed bridge is not removable. It looks like real teeth, chews like real teeth and prevents movement of the adjacent teeth which can lead to more severe problems in the future.
Disadvantages:
Fixed bridges are excellent restorations and have few disadvantages. The two chief disadvantages are the adjacent teeth must be prepared to accept crowns and they cost more than removable options.
ALTERNATIVES:
Dental implants or removable partials are possible treatment options.
Porcelain Veneers
Completely reshape your teeth for a beautiful, white smile.
The Problem:
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Unsightly gaps between front teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Rough or jagged edges on front teeth
- Teeth that are too small or large in proportion to rest of the mouth
- Crooked teeth
- Worn teeth
The Solution:
A porcelain laminate (often called a veneer) is a thin shell of porcelain that covers the front of each tooth. They bond directly to the front of the tooth, similar to the way artificial fingernails work. Each porcelain laminate is a work of art, carefully crafted in a laboratory to fit your individual smile.
Advantages:
In the hands of a highly skilled dentist, porcelain laminates can provide you with an incredibly natural, beautiful smile. They are virtually undetectable and can dramatically improve your appearance. They are durable and long-lasting when compared to other cosmetic treatments.
Disadvantages:
Although they are highly durable, porcelain laminates are not permanent. Well crafted laminates will last many years, but will eventually need to be replaced.
Alternatives:
Porcelain laminates are an excellent investment. However, they are not appropriate for teeth with excessive decay. In those cases, porcelain crowns are the only alternative. In the event that you desire only to improve tooth alignment, orthodontic treatment may be another alternative.