Cosmetic Dentistry

Please click on the topics below to learn more about cosmetic dentistry:

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Veneers
Composite Bonding
Tooth Whitening
Tooth-colored Fillings
Crowns and Bridges
Orthodontics

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

A confident smile can improve the way you feel about yourself. Today a wide range of cosmetic dental techniques are available to improve the look of your smile if you have chipped, stained or crooked teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry is a blending of art and science, with a focus on aesthetic results. We can enhance your smile to give it a more pleasing appearance using a variety of the latest restorative techniques and materials.

Some of the conditions that may be helped by cosmetic dentistry are:

• Diastemas (spaces between the teeth)
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Unsightly, stained or washed-out fillings
• Cracked or leaking fillings
• Permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Crooked or poorly shaped teeth

To address these conditions, any or all of the following cosmetic techniques may be used.

Veneers

A porcelain veneer is recommended when a portion of the front surface of the tooth needs a "face lift." Veneers are attached directly to the existing tooth structure. We treat the surface of the tooth with a special conditioner to prepare it to receive the veneer. A tooth-colored liquid bonding material is then applied to the tooth surface, to help the veneer adhere.

Veneers are also used to cover stains and close spaces between teeth.

Composite Bonding

A composite resin filling may be used when only a small amount of tooth structure needs replacement. Composite bonding is one of the most conservative, versatile and affordable ways to aesthetically restore a multitude of cosmetic problems.

To begin the process a special enamel conditioner is used to roughen the enamel surface of the tooth and allow the bonding material to adhere. A composite resin is then applied and shaped to match the contour of your natural tooth. The surface of the composite is then restored to the tooth’s natural shape and polished to achieve a natural luster and appearance.

Tooth Whitening

We can help you whiten and brighten teeth which, due to a variety of causes, can become stained or yellowed over time. We examine your mouth and recommend the best treatment for your specific needs. Treatment is usually a take-home kit, which we monitor to make sure you obtain the best results.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Today many dentists and patients favor tooth-colored composites or porcelain to be used in restoration work. We can also use these newer, more aesthetic materials on previous restorations if more treatment is required.

Crowns and Bridges

We place a crown on a tooth when a tooth has had root canal treatment, when a substantial amount of tooth structure has been lost or when a tooth is cracked or broken.

When one or more teeth have been lost in the dental arch a bridge is used to span the gap. To replace missing teeth custom-designed replacement teeth are anchored by crowns to existing healthy tooth structures.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry which deals with straightening teeth and altering bone growth to ensure an optimal bite pattern. Through the use of specially designed and fitted appliances, constant gentle pressure is put on the teeth, causing them to move into a desired position.

Today your total cosmetic care may include a combination of orthodontics and cosmetic restoration treatment. Our goal, for both children and adults, is to recommend the best possible treatment for your unique cosmetic and functional needs.

Please feel free to contact us for your oral health care needs!