Veneers
Porcelain veneers are basically very thin “false fronts” for your teeth. They are custom created based on a mold of your mouth and teeth, then they are attached to your teeth using a high-strength dental bonding agent. The new porcelain veneer will look quite natural and white. Porcelain veneers are very strong, and they are very adept at resisting staining.
Treatment Process
The procedure generally is done in two visits: the first to lightly prepare the teeth and make the impressions; and the second to apply the custom created veneers. A third visit is also usually scheduled a week after the procedure to evaluate the placement, perform minor adjustments and answer any questions you may have. Our on-site laboratory technicians help customize each and every case, thus achieving the most esthetic and natural outcome.
Teeth Whitening
There are two main methods of whitening. The first method is in-office, and involves applying a high concentration of whitening agent for a short period of time. A light-cured protective barrier is carefully painted on the gums and papilla (the tips of the gums between the teeth) to ensure the bleaching agent only reacts with teeth, and keeps the gums and papilla untouched. This in office method takes about 1.5 hours and can produce immediate results.
The other method involves using a thin mouthguard or strip to hold a low concentration of whitening agent next to the teeth for as long as several hours per day for a period of 5 to 14 days. This process is slower, although quite effective.
In a consultation, we’ll discuss which option is best suited to you. In fact there are times when we use both options in combination to maximize the effect.
Dentures
Dentures (more commonly known as false teeth) are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable, however there are many different denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental implants. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older.
Types of Dentures
There are various types of dentures. A partial denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces multiple missing teeth. It can be attached to the teeth with clasps (clasp or conventional partial) or it can be attached to the teeth with crowns with precision attachments (hidden clasps). Both types have a metal framework and plastic teeth and gum areas.A fixed denture replacement solution consists of a dental implant bridge (sometimes called permanent dentures) that is supported by four or more dental implants. By using dental implants to secure the permanent dentures, the need for denture adhesive is a thing of the past. Because the dental implants function like the natural roots, the permanent dentures will feel very much like your natural teeth did.
dental implants
Dental implants are titanium tooth/root substitutes that are surgically placed in the jawbone and act as anchors to stabilize artificial teeth. They can replace one, some, or all missing teeth and help anchor dentures, crowns or bridges in place. Individuals with adequate bone level and density who are not prone to infection and can maintain stringent oral hygiene are good candidates according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Chronic problems, such as clenching, bruxism, or systemic diseases, such as diabetes, decrease the success rate for implants dramatically. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol may not be good candidates.
Treatment Process
Implant treatment consists of two surgical stages and a restorative phase, generally over a period between 4-8 months. First, the implants are placed and buried in bone and allowed to heal for a period of 3-6 months. A second, simpler surgery is then needed to expose the implants for final restorations. The restorative treatment will follow with impression and fitting of the prostheses.
Crowns
A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth. While unarguably beneficial to dental health, the procedure and materials can be relatively expensive.
Treatment Process
The CAD/CAM method of fabricating all-ceramic restorations is by electronically capturing and storing a photographic image of the prepared tooth and, using computer technology, crafting a 3D restoration design that conforms to all the necessary specifications of the proposed inlay, onlay or single-unit crown; there is no impression. After selecting the proper features and making various decisions on the computerized model, the dentist directs the computer to send the information to a local milling machine. This machine will then use its specially designed diamond burs to mill the restoration from a solid ingot of a ceramic of pre-determined shade to match the patient’s tooth. After about 20 minutes, the restoration is complete, and the dentist sections it from the remainder of the unmilled ingot and tries it in the mouth. If the restoration fits well, the dentist can cement the restoration immediately.
Bridges
There are different types of bridges, depending on how they are fabricated and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth. Conventionally, bridges are made using the indirect method of restoration however, bridges can be fabricated directly in the mouth using such materials as composite resin.
A bridge is fabricated by reducing the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth by a preparation pattern determined by the location of the teeth and by the material from which the bridge is fabricated. In other words, the abutment teeth are reduced in size to accommodate the material to be used to restore the size and shape of the original teeth in a correct alignment and contact with the opposing teeth.
Treatment Process
During your initial consultation, we will examine the health of your gums and other teeth to evaluate if you are a candidate for a dental bridge. You will then be given a local anesthetic, after which we will prepare the teeth required to support the bridge. If the support teeth are badly broken down or decayed, we may have to build them up before they can be used as support teeth for the bridge.
We will make an impression of the prepared teeth. Your bridge will be fabricated on this cast by our skilled dental technologists so that it precisely fits the prepared teeth. While your bridge is being fabricated, you will be fitted with a temporary bridge so the teeth and gums can be protected from damage until the permanent bridge is made. The dental bridge treatment will be completed during a second visit to our office. The bridge will be fitted and cemented.
We offer conventional metal based ceramic bridges as well as non-metal based, all-ceramic crowns that are customized to your mouth.
