Aesthetic Dentistry

Tooth Whitening

In our office we have several techniques for whitening your teeth, the principles are the same it's just a difference in the delivery medium.  Whitening in dentistry is based on a carbamide peroxide solution and this solution, like the peroxide we know and use, cleans and flushes.  In the case of a cut or scrape peroxide cleans out dirt and infection.  In the case of carbamide peroxide the stains and dirt are flushed out of your teeth achieving your optimal level of whiteness and brightness.  The various techniques we use are as follows:

• Custom Whitening Trays:  These trays are custom made by a member of our staff and provide you a lifetime of whitening opportunites.  You are fitted and instructed how to use the trays and given a generous supply of carbamide peroxide whitening gel to get started.  Optimal results usually take about three to four weeks and once you achieve that level you can maintain your whitened shade with regular boosts.
• BriteSmile in Office Whitening:  This is the cutting edge of teeth whitening!  The same carbamide peroxide gel that is used in all of the systems is applied directly to your teeth and using a laser curing light the whole process is expedited and its effectiveness increased.  Most of our patients whiten their teeth six to eight shades in just under a two hour visit.

 To see pictures of some of our whitening results click HERE.

Composite Restorations/Fillings

To remove and repair decay or to replace an old amalgam or "silver" filling, tooth colored composite material can be bonded or fused to the existing tooth structure. 

While composite material is first and foremost aesthetically pleasing, it has tremendous functional properties as well.  Composite restorations can prevent decay-causing bacteria from getting into the inner part of the tooth as well as prevent fractures due to the expansion and contraction characteristics of amalgam fillings.  As mentioned earlier, the composite material is bonded or fused to the tooth and reacts to temperature similarly to natural tooth structure.  Previously used amalgam material does not have this atrribute so when the tooth expands from heat the filling does not.  If pressure is applied to the tooth at this moment through chewing or clenching, the filling can be driven deeper into the tooth.  Quite simply this is like a lumberjack using a wedge to split a log.  Composite restorations clearly have beauty twofold, aesthetics and functionality!

                      Before Composites                                         After Composites

 Crowns and Bridges

When the structural integrity of a tooth has been weakend by decay, fractures, defective amalgam fillings or previous root canal therapy we are likely to recommend a crown or "cap".  If you  have had some dental problems and have lost few teeth or your were born with congenitally missing teeth you may have noticed a few things.  You may have found difficulty with chewing food, articulating your words and speaking clearly or you may have even noticed the shape of your face changing.  If this is the case we may be likely to recommend a multiple unit bridge.  All crowns and bridges begin with an appointment to prepare the teeth for permanent restoration, during this appointment you are fitted with custom temporaries.  While your restorations are prepared, the temporaries will protect your teeth from further damage as well as let you get the feeling for what your new smile will feel and look like.  Your permanent restorations are prepared by a select group of aesthetic laboratory technicians using the materials we have prepared and your desires for the restoration.  This process takes two to three weeks.  When completed your permanent restorations will be delivered and your new smile will be ready to go. 

                      Before Crowns                                                   After Crowns      

Veneers

 There is no reason that you should have to put up with teeth that are worn, crooked, badly shaped or spaced improperly.  Veneers can be the answer to a mistake of nature or the results of an injury and help you have a beautiful smile.

 Veneers and crowns are very similar however a veener requires the removal of less tooth structure and a greater artistic talent.  Veneers are a thin, custom made shell crafted of tooth colored material placed to cover the front of the tooth. 

 Also, like a crown, they are fabricated by an aesthetic laboratory technician and because of the demand requirements we usually have the tech visit with the patient during the consult and pre-operatory appointments.  Also, like a crown or bridge, you are fitted with custom temporaries while your veneers are fabricated allowing you time to become comfortable with the look and feel of your new smile.

                             Before Veneers                                           After Veneers