COSMETIC DENTISTRY

PORCELAIN CROWNS
When a tooth is broken due to a large existing restoration or a large portion of the tooth is affected by tooth decay, then a porcelain crown is necessary. A porcelain crown is made to look like your natural tooth. The dental crown procedure is done in two stages.

First the dentist will contour your natural tooth’s structure to accommodate the crown. In many cases, the doctor will make a digital impression with the LAVA Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S. from 3M ESPE of the tooth along with the surrounding teeth. (See our section which explains the LAVA C.O.S. This digital image is electronically sent to the dental lab, where the crown is created. The doctor will choose a color of porcelain which will best match your existing teeth. A temporary crown will be put in place until your new crown arrives from the lab. At your final visit, the temporary crown is removed and your new porcelain crown is cemented into place.

PORCELAIN INLAYS AND PORCELAIN ONLAYS
A porcelain inlay is porcelain filling that lies within the tooth cusps (the small bumps on the top of the tooth surface). A porcelain onlay is similar to a crown, but not as large. Onlays extend over the top of the tooth and involve a side of the tooth’s surface. Inlays are used on smaller cavities. The inlay/onlay is a two step process.

On your first visit the tooth decay will be removed and in many cases an impression will be taken by the LAVA Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S. from 3M ESPE. A digital image will be electronically sent to a dental lab, where the inlay is created to match the color and specifications of your tooth. The doctor will choose a color or porcelain which will match your teeth. A temporary inlay/onlay will be placed on your tooth. Once the newly created inlay/onlay is returned to the dental office, it will be permanently bonded to your tooth.

TOOTH COLORED COMPOSITE FILLINGS
Tooth Colored composite fillings are commonly known as white fillings. They are more attractive than metal fillings. The composite is colored to match your tooth and is strong, durable and makes for a natural smile. With a composite filling, the dentist can match your tooth since the composite resin can be bonded in thin layers and slowly built up to form the complete filling. The doctor will apply a light which will harden each layer before the next is applied. Once the resin is applied, the tooth is sculpted into the desired shape. Once in place, the restoration will be polished and smoothed.

PORCELAIN FIXED BRIDGES
A bridge is a restoration which replaces one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is used to fill a gap created by a missing tooth (or teeth). The teeth on both sides of the missing tooth are prepared as crowns, and serve as the anchor for the replacement tooth. This way your own teeth support the bridge.

PORCELAIN LAMINATES (VENEERS)
Porcelain veneers are a very popular treatment used today for either cosmetic purposes or to repair damaged, chipped or broken teeth, close gaps, and change the length, size or shape of a tooth. A thin layer of tooth is removed to allow a custom layer of porcelain to be placed over the tooth surface to improve the tooth’s attractiveness.

The veneer material has the translucency of a natural tooth and is bonded over the front surface of your tooth. It can be aligned, shaped and color matched to your surrounding teeth. The porcelain veneer is fitted to your gum line to insure a natural appearance. When the veneer is bonded it increases and restores your tooth’s strength. Minimal tooth preparation is required and in some cases, no tooth preparation is required. The procedure is typically two visits.

ZOOM® CHAIRSIDE WHITENING SYSTEM
The foods and beverages we consume, smoking and the aging process itself can stain and darken your teeth. ZOOM® is a chairside whitening system that is safe, effective, fast, non-invasive and pain free. It is perfect for someone looking for immediate results.

ZOOM® can transform your teeth’s brightness and they result in being shades lighter, all while you sit comfortably and enjoy music or television. Whitening your teeth begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only the teeth exposed. A special whitening gel is applied to the teeth after three 15 minute sessions. The gel is activated by a special light. The gel and the light work together, penetrating the teeth and breaking up stains and discolorations. ZOOM® is fast, safe, convenient and long lasting. You leave our office with a brighter, whiter smile. We also offer an “at home” bleaching kit which can be used in the comfort of your own home.

NIGHT GUARDS FOR GRINDING (BRUXISM)
Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism. Grinding and clenching of your teeth during sleep can sometimes be a result of stress or anxiety. Teeth grinding can transform your bite, loosen teeth, increase sensitivity, cause gum recession and severely damage your teeth over a period of time.

Bruxism can also adversely affect your TMJ (temporomandibular joint). Chronic jaw and facial pain can sometimes be attributed to bruxism as well. We are able to make a small clear appliance which you will wear during sleep to protect and preserve your teeth.

BONDING
Bonding is used to fix small defects, chips, spots and gaps in teeth. It can also lighten stained teeth and cover decalcifications. Bonding covers flaws by applying a thin coat of composite material on your tooth. A high intensity blue light is applied and the bonded surface hardens. The dentist sculpts the tooth to provide a pleasing shape.