Cosmetic Procedures:
The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to turn an average smile into a terrific smile. It's done by analyzing every aspect of the smile, then correcting the problems.
Terrific smiles have several things in common:
- the teeth are straight, not crooked
- the teeth are evenly spaced, without gaps
- the teeth are white, not stained
- the top teeth show in the smile, but not the gums
- the gum line is smooth, not uneven
- the edges of the top teeth smoothly follow the curve of the lower lip
There are cosmetic procedures to correct any of these problems. So even if you weren't born with a beautiful smile, you can sill have one!
Veneers:
Veneers are a thin shell of porcelain or plastic that are bonded to a tooth to improve its color and shape. A veneer generally covers only the front and top of the tooth. Veneers can be used to:
- close spaces between teeth
- lengthen small or misshapen teeth
- whiten stained or dark teeth
- protect teeth from damage and wear
- restore the original look of the teeth
It takes two or more appointments to restore teeth with veneers. On the first appointment, the teeth are shaped and roughened. Impressions are made of the teeth and are used to create precise working models from which the veneers are expertly crafted for a perfect fit. On the second appointment, the prepared teeth are cleaned and polished. Then an adhesive is hardened, the bond is extremely strong, and the veneers virtually become part of the teeth. The veneers can be used just as you would your own teeth. The result is beautiful and natural looking teeth.
Bonding:
Like veneers, bonding can:
- close spaces between teeth
- lengthen small or misshapen teeth
- whiten stained or dark teeth
- protect teeth from damage and wear
- restore the original look of teeth
A single tooth can be shaped or colored, or your entire smile can be changed. Bondiing the teeth with resin is a single appointment procedure. First the teeth are roughened and a conditioning gel is applied. Then a material called resin is placed on the tooth, sculpted to the desired shape and hardened with a harmless high-intensity light. Once in place, bonded restorations are extremely strong. Bonding can improve your smile, and the final result is beautiful, natural looking teeth.
Find out more about:
At-Home Tooth Whitening
White Fillings
All-Porcelain Crowns and Bridges