| Smile Makeovers |
| A
smile makeover can be any combination of cosmetic dental
procedures where the intent is to enhance the beauty
and appearance of the smile. The makeover will focus
on correcting various problems, including teeth that
are crooked, chipped or broken, missing teeth, gaps,
discolored teeth and even unsightly gums. We can dramatically
change the length, width, color and shape of a tooth
to create a smile that is straight, white and even.
Smile makeovers are typically created through the use
of porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and porcelain
onlays, all of which offer a natural look and feel.
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| Porcelain Veneers |
| Veneers
are a thin shell of porcelain custom made to fit precisely
over the front of an existing tooth. Although they are
very thin, veneers become very strong once bonded to
the tooth with a special resin. Porcelain veneers are
used to whiten teeth, close spaces, fix broken/chipped
teeth, and correct misshapen or misaligned teeth. Veneers
allow light to transmit through the tooth, resulting
in a more translucent and natural appearance. Veneers
have advantages over other treatments in that little
tooth structure needs to be removed, a healthy, natural
look is achieved with little or no discomfort, and they
are strong, durable, and color stable.
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| Porcelain Inlays |
| An
inlay is a dental restoration that can be made from gold,
resin, or porcelain. They are stronger than composite fillings,
and more conservative than crowns since less natural tooth
is required to be removed during the treatment. Since the
margins are invisible, it does not need to be placed below
the gum line, which is healthier and easier on the gums. They
are bonded to the teeth to create a tight fit and restore
the tooth’s strength. Porcelain inlays wear better than
composite fillings, and are usually less expensive than crowns.
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| Tooth Whitening |
| Over
time, teeth may darken or become discolored. Smoking, coffee,
tea and certain fruits can stain teeth. Tooth whitening is
a bleaching process that reverses discolorations of the enamel
to create a whiter, brighter smile After determining the exact
cause of your tooth discoloration, we will recommend a whitening
regime to meet your specific situation. |
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| Tooth Colored
Fillings |
Tooth
colored fillings (also known as composite fillings) are made
from materials that designed to match the appearance of the
natural tooth. After the decayed part of the tooth is removed,
the surface is cleansed and etched with a mild acid. An adhesive
is applied, followed by several thin layers of the composite.
Once filled, the composite is chemically cured with a special
light, and polished .
Since composite fillings blend well with tooth enamel,
they often best suited for teeth closest to the front of
the month. Since composite fillings bond to teeth adhesively,
less of the healthy natural tooth needs to be removed to
hold the filling in place.
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| Metal Free Crowns |
A
crown (also called a cap) is a prosthetic covering that is
used to restore teeth where the structure is too weakened
or damaged to accept amalgam or dental composite fillings.
The most common type of crown is made out of porcelain fused
to metal (PFM). After a few years, recession of the gums can
expose the metal, causing black margins against the gum. And
for some, the metal can cause allergic reactions and gum tissue
irritation.
A metal free crown is solely composed of reinforced porcelain,
which creates a more natural looking smile. These crowns
allow the natural tooth color to show through, aiding in
more effective color matching. Since porcelain is a very
strong material, it can actually increase the strength of
the tooth.
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