Smile Makeover Cosmetic Dentistry
Do I Need a Smile Makeover?
- From subtle changes to major repairs, a dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. We can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers and reshaping and contouring.
- These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems, such as an uneven bite.
Teeth Whitening
- Bleaching is a common and popular process used to whiten teeth. Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while others just want a whiter shade.
- Discoloration occurs under the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be hereditary or due simply to getting older.
- Most of our patients prefer to have their teeth whitened in the office. We use a system call Zoom!. It is the same one used by Extreme Makeover on ABC. People like this because it is fast and convenient. The typical whitening process is completed in about an hour.
- We also offer a custom take-home whitening system. With this, our patients can whiten their teeth at their own convenience. The process usually requires about 5-7 applications and can be finished in one week.
Bonding
- Bonding is tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. Requiring a single office visit, bonding lasts several years. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restorations, such as veneers. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities. The benefit of bonding is that it can be very conservative and little excess tooth structure needs to be removed.
Crowns
- Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. Due to their cost, they are used in cases where other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but are not for every situation.
Veneers
- Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or teeth that are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Little or no anesthesia is needed. Veneers are used to treat some of the same problems as bonding. This treatment may be an alternative to crowns.
Contouring and reshaping
- Tooth reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped or irregularly shaped teeth or even overlapping teeth in a single session. Tooth reshaping and contouring is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth. Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with bite. It is common for bonding to be combined with tooth reshaping.
- This procedure is ideal for candidates with normal, healthy teeth but who want subtle changes to their smile. We will take X-rays to evaluate the size and location of the pulp of each tooth to ensure that there's enough bone between the teeth to support them.
Which procedure is right for me?
- When considering dental treatment, you’ll have many questions.
- What will the changes look like?
- What type of maintenance will be required?
- How long will it take?
- We are here to answer any questions you may have about techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and the desired result you want often dictates the best procedure.
