Cosmetic Dentistry
Have you ever wondered if it was possible to fix that chip in your tooth, fill that gap, or have whiter or straighter teeth? Ever wonder how much time and effort it would take? Chances are, most dental solutions only take a few appointments, some can be achieved in one! With the variety of dental materials and techniques available, you're on your way to your ideal smile.
Chip, Gaps, and Defects:
A chipped front tooth can be very distracting to an otherwise great smile. A "Dave Letterman" gap between your two front teeth may make you think twice about laughing out loud. A dark spot or uneven sized teeth may diminish confidence.
Good news is that these are all potentially solved in one or two visits! In most cases, white filling materials (composite resin bonding) that are almost perfectly matched to the shade of your teeth can fill these chips, gaps and defects, virtually eliminating embarrassment! For larger chips, gaps, or defects, perhaps veneers or caps are indicated.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the fronts of teeth, while caps or crowns cover over the entire tooth. Veneers are recommended when most of the tooth is not restored, while crowns are recommended when a lot of tooth structure has been lost.
Veneers and crowns are more expensive than white fillings and may take a couple more appointments but they are stronger, more color stable, and when demanded, provide better esthetics. Veneers and crowns are also great for the difficult staining cases resistant to simple bleaching!
Missing Teeth:
A large gap caused by a missing tooth or teeth can also be readily solved. With only one or two teeth missing, the options to fill the space are greater. Implants are tooth-like titanium screws planted into the space and built up with a crown to resemble a natural tooth! Implants are ideal if the other teeth surrounding the space are non-restored, "virgin" teeth. However, implants are restricted to certain sites in the mouth, and are still very costly.
Bridges are caps cemented on the adjacent teeth to the space, joined by a crown that covers the empty span. Economically about the cost of three or more crowns, a bridge is recommended if the adjacent teeth are also structurally weak and would also benefit from full crowning. Bridges, then, not only fills the gap but can also restore unsightly, heavily restored teeth to a white whole tooth! And the final option would be a partial denture.
Dentures can replace many missing teeth at once and thus may be indicated when teeth are missing here and there. They do take a lot of getting used to, so only you and your dentist can determine if dentures are right for you.
Too Many Teeth - Not Enough Space!
Crowding or crooked teeth are generally due to too many teeth trying to fit into a particular amount of space. Minor crowding may be solved with a retainer or with braces, while severe crowding may involve some extractions, and/or oral surgery to correct.
Is this type of treatment only for kids? Oh course not!! More and more adults are enjoying the comforts of straighter teeth not just for esthetics but also for healthy teeth and gums. With porcelain braces and many movie stars wearing braces, it's hip to be "wired as an adult"!!
Remember: Asking a dentist which of the cosmetic dentistry options are best suited to your needs is half way to looking and feeling great about your smile!!
Next to a nice pair of eyes, the first thing people notice about you is your smile. In particular, they notice how white your teeth are. Are you embarrassed to show off your "not-so-white"teeth? Don't fret since white smiles are more often "created" than "genetic"!
What causes teeth to discolor?
Extrinsic Stains:
These are factors that can stain the outside layer of teeth,. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, eating certain foods (eg. foods prepared with dark dyes such as soy sauce), drinking certain beverages (eg. coffee, tea, colas), and certain medications can cause extrinsic staining. Once the teeth are scaled, polished, and free of outer stains, you and your dentist can decide if your teeth's natural inner color can benefit from the whitening process.
Intrinsic Stains:
These are factors that stain the inner layer of the teeth. The contributing factors are genetics, the aging process, accidents, and certain medications that were taken at an early age. Generally, yellowing of teeth are can usually benefit from whitening, however, dark bands of brown or yellow, patches of dark spots, or a single dark tooth may be more difficult to whiten. Ask your dentist if you are a good candidate for simple bleaching, or if other means of cosmetic dentistry is better suited for your needs. (See the other articles under Cosmetic Dentistry!)
Whiter teeth in days:
Starting on a "clean teeth slate", you can receive either in-office bleaching and/or a supervised home treatment, depending on your needs. The dentist-supervised home kits are very effective as well as economical.
They consist of first making thin clear plastic mouth-guards specifically molded to your mouth These "custom trays" are then loaded up daily with bleaching gel and worn either during the night or for a couple hours during the day depending on the product.
We recommend bleaching the top teeth first and using your bottom teeth for comparison. You'll be amazed with your own personal "Before and After". Although results may vary, most people will see results within 7-10 days/nights!
Risks and Benefits:
The bleaching agent in the home kits is often a low percentage carbomide peroxide that is non-toxic even if ingested. If used as recommended, the only real risk appears to be a mild sensitivity during the treatment. The sensitivity disappears when the treatment is arrested or when finished.
A fluoride treatment during the bleaching may also help to alleviate sensitivity. Persons with sensitive teeth should alert their dentist prior to treatment. The benefits are a bright smile that lasts ( a touch-up with extra bleaching gel may be required in six to twelve months!)and the confidence of knowing that your first impression will be a WHITE one!