Cosmetic Dentistry

Even a subtle change in your smile helps you to project an image of self-confidence and high personal esteem. When you feel good about yourself, it shows in your appearance. Whether it be as simple as whitening or as complex as veneers, we can help you achieve the smile you desire.

Having a beautiful, brighter smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they've been dreaming of by bleaching their teeth.

It's safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you are interested in bleaching. The process involves taking an impression or your teeth in order to fabricate a set of clear plastic trays that are used to apply the whitening solution to your teeth. However, for very severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be more appropriate.

Key Benefits

• Corrects brown or yellow tooth staining.
• Works on people of all ages.

Considerations
Bleaching may cause some sensitivity to cold with prolonged use. If this occurs, we recommend that you cease bleaching for a few days which will alleviate the sensitivity. Once comfortable, you may resume bleaching again.

Bonding can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misaligned, and is an alternative to veneers.

How does it work?
The tooth is prepared for the procedure by etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.

Considerations
The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before repair is needed.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that are fabricated and then bonded directly to the front and top surfaces of teeth. They can be used to improve your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.

Will they look like normal teeth?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.

How durable are porcelain veneers?
With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade.

The Procedure
Preparing your tooth will take one to two hours. An impression is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for fabrication.

At the time of your final appointment, we will first place the veneer on your teeth to check their fit and color. Once everything looks and fits well, we bond the veneer to your tooth using specialized adhesives.

You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal and should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists please call the office.

If you think or have been known to clench or grind your teeth, please be sure to let us know. One of our dentists may recommend a soft night guard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.