Having a smile that is bright and healthy can help you look your best. If you are missing teeth or have crooked and misaligned teeth, there are a variety of procedures that can help restore your smile. Porcelain veneers are incredibly popular smile restoration options because they offer an instant cosmetic transformation and a high degree of durability. This makes them an excellent choice for patients that are looking to address a number of dental issues, including stained teeth, chipped or broken teeth, overcrowded or misshaped teeth, and even gaps between the teeth.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin to repair chips, close gaps, change the shape of a tooth and replace old silver fillings.
Porcelain Veneers
During the first visit, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth using either putty or cutting edge imaging technology in order to create bespoke veneers for you. Once your custom-made veneers are ready, they will be affixed to the front of your teeth at a subsequent appointment.
Veneers can last up to 10 years or more with proper care, including daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a recommended mouthwash. They are also resistant to staining, and mimic the translucency of natural tooth enamel for a very realistic aesthetic result. However, this does make them susceptible to damage from heavy clenching or grinding, which is why it is important that you speak with your dentist about protecting your teeth before proceeding with this treatment.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are a restorative dentistry procedure used to restore teeth that have been broken, chipped, discolored or misshapen. These cosmetic dental work options are especially popular for the front teeth, as they look very natural and blend beautifully with the smile.
Porcelain is a beautiful, translucent material that closely mimics the appearance of tooth enamel. This makes porcelain crowns the preferred option for front teeth and any other tooth that will be visible when smiling or speaking, as they will appear to seamlessly blend with the surrounding teeth.
Porcelain crowns are strong and durable and can withstand daily chewing and biting forces. They are also highly stain resistant, which helps them maintain their bright white color over time.
Dental Implants
When it comes to creating a first positive impression, nothing works better than a confident smile. Unfortunately, crooked and missing teeth can diminish this effect.
Fortunately, modern dental technology has developed a revolutionary solution: dental implants. These amazing devices mimic the function of natural tooth roots while providing a sturdy foundation for lifelike restorations. The combination of implant posts and a quality crown produces results that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
The procedure begins with oral surgery to place the titanium implant in the jaw. The implant will remain covered for a period of time while it fuses with the bone (a process called osseointegration). Once the implant has healed, your dentist will attach a connector called an abutment to the top of the implant. A custom-fabricated crown will then be affixed to the abutment, completing your new tooth. Follow-up appointments allow your dentist to evaluate your progress, make adjustments, and ensure that healing and osseointegration are on track.
Teeth Whitening
Having white teeth can help make your smile look brighter and healthier. Over time, teeth can become discolored due to certain foods and beverages or as a natural part of the aging process. Fortunately, there are many options for restoring a gleaming smile.
In most cases, teeth whitening is safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive. Many people choose to use over-the-counter whitening products such as whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, and whitening strips. These typically contain a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide which gradually lightens tooth enamel over time.
For a quicker and more dramatic whitening result, a dental professional can apply teeth bleaching gel directly to the patient’s tooth surface in the office. They will usually leave the whitening agent on for a designated amount of time, such as 30 minutes to an hour. Once the desired shade is achieved, the whitening treatment can be removed and the smile evaluated. Patients who regularly brush and floss and avoid staining foods and beverages can enjoy whitening results that last up to two years or more.