COSMETIC DENTISTRY
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CROWNS:
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. There are many reasons for placing a crown such as, broken or fractured teeth, cosmetic enhancement, decay, fractured or large fillings, and for teeth that have had a root canal. Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth coloured crowns) are the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
BRIDGES:
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear. Reasons for a fixed bridge include: filling the space of missing teeth, maintaining facial shape, preventing remaining teeth from drifting out of position, restoring chewing and speaking ability, restoring your smile, and to upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance. Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth. Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
WHITENING
Take home whitening is a comfortable and convenient way to esthetically improve your smile. Once you have had a consultation with one of our dentists to ensure you are a candidate for whitening, we will then take custom impressions and fabricate a whitening tray just for you.
Take home whitening has been proven to be safe and effective. The active ingredient in the whitening gel is carbamide peroxide. This ingredient has been used in many clinical trials to ensure low risk to the patient and high results.
Once you have decided to whiten your teeth, the gel is placed inside your custom fitted trays. You will then wear the trays for the allotted time. As you are wearing these trays the gel quickly dissolves, oxygen then enters your enamel and the inside portion of your teeth (dentin) begins to lighten.
After a few days your teeth will noticeably begin to “whiten”, you will continue to wear your trays with the whitening gel for a period of two weeks. Once you have reached your optimum shade there is no need to continue.
Touch up for whitening depends on your daily oral health care schedule. Drinking tea, red wine or eating blueberries will decrease the timeline for the whitening to maintain its shade level. Smoking will also reduce the timeline for your maximum shade and you may find touch ups are required more often than someone who does not do any of the above.
*Results may vary, please ask us if you have any questions or concerns prior to proceeding with whitening.