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Bonding
Bonding is used to restore teeth that are chipped, cracked,
discolored, or misarranged. In some cases, it’s used as an
alternative to veneers.
How Does It Work?
The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching
the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a
plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the
dentist. A curing light is used to set the material and then it is
trimmed, smoothed, and polished to a natural appearance. The
procedure can usually be done in one visit.
Considerations
The bonding procedure can significantly improve the
appearance of your teeth and often be completed in a single office
visit. However, the composite material used is not as strong as
your natural tooth enamel, and is more likely to stain, chip or
break than natural teeth.
Crown restorations
A tooth that has been compromised by repeated fillings or root
canal therapy may need to be crowned. The tooth is prepared by
reducing it in all dimensions. An impression is taken and sent to a
dental laboratory for a metal or porcelain crown to be fabricated.
On your second visit the crown is cemented onto your own tooth with
a tight seal. Teeth with crowns should last many years with proper
periodontal care.
While it is possible to have a crown fabricated in one visit with a
specialized machine we feel a custom made crown fabricated by a
skilled dental technician is a better choice for our patients.
Implants
What are implants?
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for
replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural. The
person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually
anything and can smile with confidence , knowing that teeth appear
natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants
are tiny titanium posts, which are placed into the jawbone where
teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the Titanium, creating a
strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can
help preserve facial structure , preventing the bone deterioration,
which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live allowing them to
rediscover comfort and confidence while eating, speaking, and
laughing.
Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root
substitutes that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small
posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the
gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement
teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two
surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your
jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the
implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding
with the jaw bone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures or
temporary crowns.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase
begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small
healing collar. The dentist can then begin making your new teeth.
First an impression is taken, then posts or attachments can be
connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are placed over
the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to
eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in
their daily life.
Inlay/onlay
When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, we
may use an inlay or onlay. These are made of porcelain, gold or
composite resin.
The inlay or onlay pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the
tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the
cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial
reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or
more of the cusps of the tooth.
Both restorations require two appointments to complete the
procedure. While the inlay/onlay is being fabricated at the dental
lab the dentist will apply a temporary sealant to protect your
tooth.
Considerations
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural
tooth by up to 50% Inlays and onlays are bonded directly to the
tooth using a special high strength resin which can actually
increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%. In some cases, where
the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire
crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
Veneers
Teeth that are chipped, cracked, worn, spaced unevenly, crowded,
or severely stained can often be transformed with porcelain
veneers. Veneers are this shells of porcelain that bond directly to
the front of the surface of your anterior (front) teeth. Placing
custom veneers requires a high degree of technical skill and
attention to cosmetic detail. The result is a natural, beautiful
smile.
Will They Look Like Natural Teeth?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra thin porcelain veneers
are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or
wine stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to
healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative
options.
How durable are Porcelain veneers?
With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your
smile for over a decade. Refraining from using your veneers as
tools to cut and open things will prolong their life, and if
accidental breakage or damage occurs, it is usually possible to
repair only the veneer involved.
Endodontic Therapy
Natural teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Even if one of your
teeth becomes injured or diseased, it can often be saved through a
dental procedure known as Endodontic therapy. Years ago, when the
interior pulp of a tooth became damaged or diseased, the only
solution was to extract the tooth. Now, it is often possible to
save such teeth through Endodontic treatment, more commonly known
as root canal therapy. With proper care, teeth that have been saved
through root canal therapy can last as long as your remaining
natural teeth, as long as the tooth is properly restored afterwards
by your dentist.
Invisible Braces
Invisalign can give you the beautiful straight teeth you’ve
always wanted and no one can tell you’re wearing them. They are
removable and virtually invisible. The Invisalign System is a
series of clear orthodontic appliances, called aligners that allow
you to straighten your teeth without having to wear traditional
braces. Each pair of aligners in the series is worn in two week
increments. This moves the teeth in small steps to the desired
final position.
The Invisalign System is an alternative to braces for patients
who have full adult dentition and complete jaw growth, and it is
effective on a broad range of cases. Our doctor’s can determine if
you are a good candidate during an exam.
Porcelain Fillings
Old unsightly silver fillings can now be replaced with esthetic
filling materials such as resins and porcelains. This type of
restoration matches your natural tooth color and is esthetically
pleasing.
Bleaching
Achieving the beautiful, brilliant smile you want may be as simple
as whitening. It is safe effective and the results can be
dazzling!
Whitening removes stains caused by smoking; drinking cola,
coffee. Tea, red wine; aging or chemical damage to teeth.
Intrinsic staining cannot be removed or brightened.
Considerations
The result of tooth whitening can be quite spectacular;
however, if you have an anterior white filling or a crown, the
bleaching process will affect the color of the tooth but not the
restorations. If your teeth are severely stained then veneers may
be more appropriate. This is why if you are considering whitening
your teeth, you should discuss this with your dentist to determine
which method will suit your needs. | 