Cosmetic Dentistry Overview
The term “cosmetic dentistry” encompasses any dental procedure that has the effect of improving the appearance of your smile but is not a clinical "need" for dental health in the strict conventional sense. Cosmetic dentistry is a rapidly expanding field, and new techniques and technologies are being developed continually. While the effects of cosmetic dentistry may be most obvious when you smile, it is important to remember the functional and psychological benefits which can also result.
The technologies available today in the field of cosmetic dentistry encompass everything from basic amalgam ("silver") filling replacement to convenient whitening to permanent tooth reshaping and replacement. We offer the following cosmetic options:
Dental Whitening
Dental whitening is an very popular procedure because of its convenience and the dramatic aesthetic improvements experienced by our patients. Whitening is one of the least invasive, safest, cheapest, and most effective cosmetic options we offer. We have limited our bleaching options to home whitening kits with custom-made trays. The results are more gradual than some other advertised alternatives but no less dramatic, and you can perform the simple procedure at your own convenience. Once your teeth are at their whitest and brightest, maintaining them is as easy as brushing regularly with a high quality whitening toothpaste and with an electric toothbrush.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a great way to address misshapen, chipped, broken, and otherwise damaged teeth in a generally healthy mouth. First, the existing tooth is slightly reshaped and resized to accommodate the veneer. Next, we create a color-matched and custom-shaped veneer that is slipped over the tooth and bonded in place. The procedure is generally painless and non-invasive. Veneers are extremely durable, making them an excellent choice for the long-term health and beauty of your smile.
In our office, we limit veneers to basic cases that involve little or no drilling of healthy tooth structure. For more advanced cases, we will be happy to guide patients to appropriate experienced colleagues in the area.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a great way to address minor chips, decay, spaces, and coloration problems in the teeth. A thin layer of sculptable material is applied to the tooth, allowing us to address a wide variety of minor problems with extreme ease and no pain. Once the sculpting process is done, the bonded material is safely cured in place by exposure to a special light. This procedure is a good option for patients whose case does not require the use of full veneers but want some minor cosmetic repairs.
Composite Resin Fillings
Traditional metal fillings are conspicuous and associated with a variety of potential health risks. We use composite resins in our fillings because it offers the safest and most natural looking results. Composite resin fillings for cavities are virtually indistinguishable from the original tooth structure, and the materials are now comparably durable to dental amalgam. As an added benefit, bonded composite resin fillings do not weaken tooth structure as metal-based fillings tend to do long-term. We can even replace existing metal fillings for more modern and aesthetic composite fillings.
Orthodontics
The aesthetic effects of orthodontics are undeniable. With some simple correction in adolescence, any child can grow up with a perfect smile. Better yet, adults who missed out on orthodontics when they were children can correct alignment problems now with ease and convenience. Another reason to pursue orthodontics is reduce chances for TMD (temporomandibular disorders) or asymmetric wear and tear of the dentition. We also offer Invisalign® treatment in some cases for patients who want to improve the alignment of their teeth without the appearance and hygienic complications of conventional braces. The Invisalign® process is nearly invisible, and it can achieve dramatic results.
