We’ll create your perfect smile together
Modern cosmetic dentistry merges advanced technology with fine art, and can often produce amazing results in less time than you would expect. Enhancing the smile’s aesthetic appearance can lead to increased self-confidence, improved social skills, and even a more positive outlook on life.
From subtle changes to major repairs, your dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. Your dentist can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth. Common procedures include bleaching, fillings, bonding, crowns, veneers and reshaping and contouring. These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems, such as your bite.
Fillings
As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
Reasons for composite fillings:
- Chipped teeth.
- Closing the space between two teeth.
- Cracked or broken teeth.
- Decayed teeth.
- Worn teeth.
- How are composite fillings placed.
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Little or no anesthesia is needed. Veneers are used to treat some of the same problems as bonding.
This treatment is an alternative to crowns, which are more expensive. The procedure requires your dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Before the custom-made veneer is cemented directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth to compensate for the added thickness of the veneer. Once the cement is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden it. Porcelain veneers require more than one visit because they are fabricated in a laboratory. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding.
Crowns
Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function. A crown can make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks. There are many reasons why you may need a crown including 1) you have a cavity that is too large for a filling, 2) you have a tooth that is cracked, worn down, or otherwise weakened, 3) you have had root canal treatment — the crown will protect the restored tooth, or 4) you want to cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth and improve your smile.
Contouring & reshaping
Tooth reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped or irregularly shaped teeth, or even overlapping teeth in a single session. Tooth reshaping and contouring are commonly used to alter the length, shape, or position of your teeth. Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with the bite. It is common for bonding to be combined with tooth reshaping.
This procedure is ideal for candidates with normal, healthy teeth but who want subtle changes to their smile. We will take X-rays to evaluate the size and location of the pulp of each tooth to ensure that there’s enough bone between the teeth to support them.
Which procedure is right for me?
We can answer any questions you may have about techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and desired result you want often dictates the best procedure. Let us know and we’ll create your perfect smile together.