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Your smile communicates a lot about how you feel about yourself. Even a minor flaw in your smile can keep you from feeling your best about the way you look. In the past, we had few options to improve teeth that were chipped, stained or crooked. However, now a wide range of cosmetic dental techniques can benefit almost any smile.
Cosmetic dentistry is a blending of art and science. With a focus on esthetic results and using a variety of the latest restorative techniques and materials, we can enhance your smile to give it a more pleasing appearance.
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.
 A porcelain veneer is indicated when a portion of the front surface of the tooth needs a "face lift." Similar to composite bonding, 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.
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 a bonding procedure, we treat the tooth with special enamel conditioner to roughen the enamel surface 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.
Due to a variety of causes, teeth tend to stain and "yellow" over time. We can help you whiten and brighten graying or yellowed teeth. We examine your mouth and recommend the best treatment for your specific needs, either an in-office treatment or a take-home treatment, which we monitor to make sure you obtain the best results.
Many dentists and patients today favor restorations done using tooth-colored composites or porcelain. The use of a tooth-colored filling material is not limited to new restorations, however. There are numerous reasons why older restorations may need replacing, and we can use these newer, more esthetic materials at that time.
A full crown is usually indicated 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. We place a crown on the tooth where there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling.
A bridge spans a space where one or more teeth have been lost in the dental arch. We replace the missing teeth with custom-designed replacement teeth, which are anchored by crowns to existing healthy tooth structure.
Addressing a variety of cosmetic and functional problems, this specialized branch of dentistry deals with straightening teeth and altering bone growth. Through the use of specially designed and fitted appliances, constant and gentle pressure is put on the teeth, causing them to move into a desired position.
Now adults and children can benefit from new advances in orthodontic treatment. Your total cosmetic care may include a combination of orthodontics and cosmetic restoration treatment. Our goal is to recommend the best possible treatment for your unique cosmetic and functional needs.
We're happy to answer any questions you might have about cosmetic dentistry. Just ask!
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The facts about cosmetic dentistry
