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Cosmetic Dentistry
In the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in interest in cosmetic
dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances
our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in
modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick,
painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.
Cosmetic dental treatments can:
- Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth.
- Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.
- Improve or correct bites.
- Lighten or brighten the color of teeth.
- Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth.
- Replace missing teeth.
- Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.
Learn more about:
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Composite Fillings
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by
decay. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled
with a composite filling.
There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages
and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring
your teeth. Composite fillings are tooth colored and they can be closely matched
to the color of existing teeth. They are better than silver fillings because
of their ability to bond to teeth. There is also no mercury in composite fillings.
As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday
have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you
a long lasting, beautiful smile.
Reasons for composite fillings:
- Chipped teeth.
- Closing space between two teeth.
- Esthetic bonding.
- Decayed teeth.
How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb,
your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned
and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. The composite filling will
then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original
shape and function.
It is not unusual to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings
are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates
to the new filling.
You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral
hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life
of your new fillings.
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Porcelain Crowns (Caps)
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.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are
the most esthetic. 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 or your teeth giving you a natural,
long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Cosmetic enhancement.
- Decayed teeth.
- Fractured fillings.
- Large fillings.
- Tooth has a root canal.
What does getting a crown involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will
include taking a highly accurate mold (or impression) that will be used to create
your custom crown. A mold may also be used to create a temporary crown which will
stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated
by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay
and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished,
your temporary crown will be placed and your bite will be checked to ensure you
are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will
be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and
bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits
to check your new crown.
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Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom
made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded
onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives
to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.
As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need
replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful
long lasting smile.
Reasons for porcelain veneers:
- Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
- Crooked teeth.
- Misshapen teeth.
- Severely discolored or stained teeth.
- Teeth that are too small or large.
- Unwanted or uneven spaces.
- Worn or chipped teeth.
What does getting porcelain veneers involve?
Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process. The teeth are
prepared by lightly shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer.
A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen
by you and the dentist.
On the second visit the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a
durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special
light beam is used to harden and set the bond.
You will receive care instructions for veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular
dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.
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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
in-office whitening followed by take home trays. 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
may be 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.
What does tooth whitening involve?
In office whitening
First a special gel is placed over your gums for protection, then a very concentrated
peroxide gel is placed over your teeth. After 15 minutes it is rinsed off. This
procedure is repeated 3 times. Customized molds and trays are made of your teeth
and you are given special whitening gel to take home along with the trays. The whole
appointment is around 1 1/2 hours.
Take Home Whitening
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 a special whitening gel 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 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.
Porcelain Inlays & Onlays
Metal fillings are not the healthiest solution, often expanding and contracting
with temperature changes. This can cause cracking or allow bacteria to affect further
decay. Onlays and Inlays make it possible to replace unsightly silver fillings with
beautiful and healthy tooth-colored restorations. We'll design them to match your
teeth, reviving your natural strength, wear, and function. With new materials such
as pure porcelain, it really is finally possible to beautifully repair and restore
your smile.
Bonding
So you want to enhance your smile, but you have concerns about procedures and cost.
Cosmetic bonding is the perfect solution! Affordable and conservative,
bonding can be used for a variety of enhancements, including whitening stain-resistant
teeth (including tetracycline stains), repairing chips and closing gaps between
teeth. The procedure is simple: a composite material is placed on the tooth,
then shaped to the desired result. Finally, the material is hardened and polished,
creating a natural appearance.
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Esthetic Laser Gum Recontouring
If your gum lines are uneven or excessive, it can cause your teeth to look too short
and detract from your smile. This can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable
about smiling. The good news is that lasers can be used to correct these problems
and essentially recontour your existing gum lines and give them a ‘gum lift' (also
referred to as a gingivectomy).
The first step in gum contouring, is scheduling an initial consultation
with Dr. Li. During this meeting, you can discuss what bothers you about your gums'
appearance, and based on that information, Dr. Li can show you how your gums can
be trimmed and contoured to appear how you would like them. Oftentimes, a combination
of gum contouring and porcelain veneers can be used to create the beautiful smile
you desire.
Using laser dentistry techniques for gum contouring has many advantages over the
surgical procedures of the past, including:
- The procedure can be done in as little as one office visit
- There is minimal bleeding and no scarring
- The laser immediately seals the tissue, so there is a fast and comfortable recovery
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