A smile is very important. The way your teeth look, does affect how you look and feel.
Bonding
This is a procedure where tooth colored composite resin material is used to fill a gap or space between the teeth or change the shape of a tooth.
Crowns
A tooth with a bad fracture or a large filling breaking down would benefit from being covered up completely with a crown. It will help prevent the tooth from breaking down further and it will look better as well. A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. It helps to protect and strengthen the tooth structure. A root canal tooth will also need to be covered with a crown to help prevent breakage.
Enamel Shaping / Contouring
Sometimes it’s as simple as polishing and changing the shape of an existing tooth to have better continuity with the neighboring teeth.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is a mild bleaching process that removes stains and blends discolorations in teeth. The over the counter whitening solutions are typically not very effective or ADA approved. Our office uses two different types of treatment systems that are very effective in achieving nice results.
Whitening is safe if done properly and with advisement of your dental team.
Tooth whitening results can last up to a few years. Patients may choose to do “touch ups” on their teeth of they drink dark colored beverages or use tobacco. There may be some sensitivity from the whitening process but it’s usually temporary and subsides.
Teeth can be different colors due to:
Veneers
There are two types of veneers:
- Laboratory fabricated porcelain facings that are bonded on the front surfaces of teeth. This can whiten teeth, close spaces, straighten teeth or repair chipped or worn teeth. The veneers are only about 1mm in thickness. These are not placed the same day as teeth are prepared.
- Composite veneers can be done same day in the office. The preparation of the tooth/teeth and application of the composite is done in one visit.