Porcelain Crowns
Skillfully fabricated Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
can defy detection. With today’s emphasis on having an attractive, self-confident smile, crowns and bridges can be an
effective part of cosmetic dental treatment. Because they are designed to look and feel like “real teeth”, porcelain
crowns produce dramatic results.
These restorations require enough reduction of the existing tooth to create
a complete coverage or "capping" of the tooth structure. The crown will add strength to a tooth weakened from excessive
wear, decay, or oversized fillings. The crown may or may not have a layer of metal under the porcelain to add additional strength.
The porcelain glass gives a very natural luster and "lifelike" appearance to the crown. Crowns can help the cosmetic
appearance of teeth, as we can fabricate them in any shape, shade, or size to remedy an existing undesirable appearance due
to gapped, rotated, chipped, worn, or discolored teeth.
In bridges, crowns are used to replace an actual missing
tooth. These crowns are anchored to the teeth on either side, with a bridge section connecting the two crowns.
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Cosmetic Crowns
Composite fillings are a durable alternative to amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are made of a composite plastic material
and, due to their natural tooth color, are typically used for front teeth and the area of teeth that are closest to the gum
line. The composite plastic filling material is applied layer by layer and then cured using an ultraviolet light.
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Tooth Whitening Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental
treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because
having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten
teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since
tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.
Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Tooth whitening
is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons
for tooth whitening: - Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline,
etc.).
- Yellow,
brown stained teeth.
This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds)
will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.
At your second appointment, you will try on the
trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution
either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level
of whitening. It is normal to experience some slight tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth,
but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching. You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays,
and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile. Professional In office bleaching provides
up to 8 shades lighter. In our office we use zoom bleaching system. | 
