Cosmetic Dentistry

In the past few years, silver restorations have been replaced with tooth-colored fillings, resulting in a smile you can be proud of, and which look completely natural. If you’re unhappy with the unsightliness of silver fillings that were used to fill your teeth years ago, see one of our doctors and have your silver fillings replaced with composite fillings.

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that your dentist uses to improve the appearance of your smile. He will bond the veneers to the surfaces of the teeth to correct certain dental flaws. Your porcelain veneers are customized for a perfect fit and natural appearance. When in place, porcelain veneers can:

• Close spaces between the teeth
• Lighten and brighten the teeth
• Improve the beauty of your smile
• Repair chips, wear, or cracks in teeth
• Correct teeth that are misshapen, crooked, or uneven

The procedure usually requires two visits to our office to complete. When your veneers are in place, you can enjoy a radiant new smile.

Crowns are necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or has suffered from advanced decay and cannot be fixed with bonded filling material. Crowns cover the remaining tooth and restore its function, strength, and esthetics. Several types of esthetic crown materials are available that can mimic the appearance of your natural teeth. Your dentist will discuss these on an individual basis depending on the area of the mouth that needs to be restored.

Bridges can be utilized when tooth loss occurs due to gum disease, decay, or injury. They are cemented in place. The loss of the tooth can create more significant problems for your dental health if it is not corrected. The teeth next to the missing tooth (or teeth) can begin to move and and result in discomfort, bite changes, and an unsightly appearance. With bridges, we can close gaps. The bridge looks and acts just like natural teeth, is permanently cemented, and helps to maintain the position of the rest of your teeth.

A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, but it also prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.