Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening or bleaching is one of the most popular areas of cosmetic dentistry. Even subtle changes in shading can make someone look years younger. Several factors can contribute to the darkening of teeth, including the effects of age, certain foods and drinks, smoking, and medications. Carbamide peroxide solutions are used in custom trays to bleach the enamel surface of the teeth. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity during the treatments, which subside after the treatment is completed.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth. They are routinely used to make cosmetic changes for teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped or misaligned. Although porcelain is inherently brittle, when it is firmly bonded to tooth structure it becomes very strong and durable. The translucent ceramic quality of today's veneers provides a more natural look than what has been previously available.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composites or resins. Composite restorations provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size fillings that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam (silver). Composites are "bonded" or adhesively held to the tooth structure, allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth.
PHOTO SAMPLE OF COMPOSITE FILLINGS
Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is permanently cemented over a tooth – covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance. They are recommended when a tooth has a fracture, large area of decay, or to replace an old over-sized filling. Technology advancements in dental materials have enabled us to mimic natural tooth structure with superior aesthetics and strength than in past history.
PHOTO SAMPLE OF CROWNS
Onlays
A porcelain onlay is fabricated to fit your tooth precisely and is bonded tightly in place to strengthen and protect the damaged tooth. Like a crown, an onlay covers and protects the tooth's biting surface. Where a crown covers the entire tooth, an onlay fits inside the tooth cusps and covers only the biting surfaces.
Bridges
Bridges are a fixed or non-removable prosthesis constructed to replace one or more missing teeth. The teeth on either side are prepared as crowns to serve as abutments to hold the prosthetic tooth in place. Bridges not only improve aesthetics, but help create more surface area for chewing, therefore reducing the stress in your bite.
PHOTO SAMPLE OF BRIDGES
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that replaces a missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on preparing neighboring teeth for support.
PHOTO SAMPLE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
Cleanings and Oral Hygiene
For preventative care and optimum oral health, regularly scheduled appointments for cleaning and oral hygiene are essential. A regular check up appointment typically takes up to 1 hour. This includes necessary x-rays, cleaning, and exam. Patients who participate in regular cleanings are less likely to have tooth decay and gum (periodontal) disease, conditions which can be expensive and time extensive to treat.
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