Teeth Whitening

As we age and our teeth are exposed to oral environment, various changes occur.  One of these common changes is tooth discoloration. 

Discoloring of teeth are caused by a variety things, including:

• Red wine

• Tea

• Smoking

• Coffee

• Soda

• Medical condition/Medications

• Lack of dental cleaning

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Tooth whitening or bleaching is a simple, non-invasive way to change the appearance of your natural teeth.  There are a variety of ways to whiten teeth.  We offer in-office whitening and at-home whitening treatments.

 Reasons for whitening:

•  Stained teeth due to diet

•  Stained teeth due to medical condition

• Excessive wear

• Matching tooth color/shade

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It is important to note that whitening only changes the appearance of natural teeth; it will not change old fillings, veneers, or crowns.  However, new restorations can be done to match the appearance of whitened teeth.

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Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are a very thin tooth shaped, and tooth colored porcelain that are bonded to the front teeth to create an attractive smile.  Veneers enable teeth to be reshaped without needing to crown an entire tooth.  Veneers are an excellent option for a variety of cosmetic needs.

Reasons for Veneers:

• Misshapen teeth

• Crooked teeth

• Spacing between teeth

• Severely discolored teeth

• Teeth that are too large or too small

• Teeth with several old fillings/bonding

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Porcelain Crowns

A crown or cap is a restoration that replaces the entire outer surface of a tooth.  A crown strengthens and protects a tooth that would otherwise be subject to future damage that cannot be replaced with a filling.  Although crowns are made of a variety of materials, porcelain is the most popular because of the ability to match the color of natural teeth.  Our dentists will record the shade, shape, and size of your teeth, so that the crown will blend in as one of your natural teeth.

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What steps are involved in getting a crown?

A crown procedure typically takes two or more appointments.  At the first appointment, the dentist will create a mold of your tooth in order to make a temporary crown while the final crown in being processed.  While the tooth is numbed, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and by shaping the tooth to allow a crown to fit.  Then we will take an accurate impression of the prepared tooth, and the temporary crown will be placed.  You will wear the temporary crown for about 2-3 weeks while the final crown is made.  At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the tooth is cleaned.  The final crown is checked for an accurate fit and bite, and then cemented into place. You will then be given proper instructions to keep your new crown clean; and be encouraged to have regular visits to check the health of the crown long term.

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*For Temporary Dental Crown Care please click here*

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Composite Fillings

A composite filling is used to repair a tooth with decay, fracture, cracks, or wear.  During a filling appointment, the area around the tooth may be numbed for your comfort, then, the affected area of the tooth (decay, crack line, old restoration) would be removed.  After the affected area is removed, a tooth colored composite filling is placed. There are many types of composite materials with a variety of advantages and disadvantages.  We will be able to give the best option for your specific case.  Composite fillings have the added benefit of being tooth colors, which allows for an esthetically pleasing restoration.

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Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures and Partial Dentures are a common choice for the replacement of several missing teeth or an entire arch of teeth.  Dentures are removable appliances that resemble natural looking teeth. There are two types of removable denture appliances, full dentures and partial dentures. A full denture replaces one or both arches of missing teeth whereas a partial denture replaces missing teeth while natural teeth are also present. Dentures are made two ways: “conventional” or “immediate”.  A conventional denture is made after teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has had time to heal.  An immediate denture is made prior to the removal of teeth and placed immediately after the teeth are extracted.  This allows the patient to never be without teeth.  After the delivery of both conventional and immediate dentures, adjustments will be needed to ensure a proper fit and function of the denture.

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Dental Implants 

Dental implants are screw shaped titanium fixtures that replace the root of a missing tooth.  The surrounding bone fuses to the dental implant and keeps it stable.  They can be placed in the upper and lower jaw.  Once the bone has healed around the implant, a crown or cap is made to fit the implant.  Implants can be used to replace one or multiple teeth.

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*What can dental implants replace?

Dental implants can be used to replace single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or an entire arch of missing teeth.

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Fixed Bridges 

A fixed bridge is a series of crowns that replace the space of a missing tooth or teeth.  A bridge allows the area of a missing tooth or teeth to be replaced with a false tooth that is connected to crowns placed adjacent to the missing space.  Just like a crown procedure, there are typically two appointments.  The first appointment the teeth are prepared and an impression or mold is taken of the teeth. A temporary is then placed over the teeth.  At the second appointment the temporary is removed, the bridge is checked for an accurate fit and bite, and cemented into place.  You will then be given proper instructions to keep your new bridge clean; and encouraged to have regular visits to check to health of the bridge long term.