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Cosmetic Dentistry
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Introduction
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Even a subtle change in your smile helps you to project an image of self- confidence
and high personal esteem. When you feel good about yourself, it shows in your appearance.
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Today's advanced techniques and materials can make a real difference. The skill,
experience, and commitment of our practice — using a unique combination of science
and artistry — can literally redesign your smile.
The dentistry can now correct a wide variety of so- called "permanent" dental problems:
- Missing teeth, gaps between teeth, general bite dysfunction
- Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
- Unsightly, stained, or washed-out fillings
- Permanently stained or discolored teeth
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Altered or misshaped gum tissue
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Advanced Technology
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Computerized Office Charts
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Traditional dental charts have many drawbacks. They can be lost or misplaced. If
an x-ray is placed in the wrong chart, it is as good as gone. Also, according to
studies, paper dental charts can become contaminated with bacteria over their lifetime
as they travel from the file cabinet to the dental operatory. Computerized charts,
on the other hand, have many advantages. It is virtually impossible to lose an x-ray.
Each x-ray is digitally matched to a chart when it is taken. Also, each x-ray is
time-stamped to allow us to monitor them. As digital charts are stored on a secure
server and they are backed up daily, they are never lost. The data can be reviewed
in the dental operatory, the doctor’s private office or remotely should you have
an emergency. A digital chart cannot be contaminated with bacteria. It is a much
better system.
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Digital Panorex
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This is just an extension of digital x-rays. This machine allows us to take an x-ray
of our entire jaw without putting anything into your mouth. The Panorex spins around
the outside of your face and exposes a digital plate so that your jaws can be evaluated.
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Digital X-Rays & Imaging
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There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see things we
cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between
your teeth, determine bone level, and health of bone. We can also examine the roots
and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess
damage when trauma occurs. Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing,
treating, and maintaining dental health. In our office, the exposure time for dental
radiographs is extremely minimal. digital imaging technologies within the office.
With digital imaging, exposure time is about 80 percent less when compared to traditional
radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information.
We may be able to see cavities better. The advantages of digital imaging enable
us to not only store patient images, but also enable us to quickly transfer them
to appropriate specialists or insurance companies. Digital x-rays offer more precision
since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film
up to the light. Digital x-rays results in one-sixth the radiation exposure to you.
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Computerized Imaging
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We use the latest interactive computer imaging technology to simulate and design
your preferred smile. Close-up photos of your face and teeth are captured and analyzed
with the help of specially designed graphic programmers. We take great care to show
predictable results and help you understand the health of gums and the importance
of good oral care. Every ones smile is different. You are guided through a series
of choices and based on your preferences we provide you with not only an attractive
smile but also the one that suits you best.
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Structural Balance |
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Predict Smile
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Intraoral Camera
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Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology
and are more comfortable with the high- tech practice. Computers and TV screens
are their primary method of information processing. intraoral camera technology
that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is
a very small camera. In some cases, an intraoral camera is just a few millimeters
long. An intraoral camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your
mouth, teeth, and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear,
defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror
examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you! Intra
oral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer
to provide a permanent record of treatments.
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Laser Decay Detection
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Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in
early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride
treatment and may never need filling.
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Laser Gum Disease Therapy
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Periodontal or gum disease happens when bacteria gets below the gum line and the
attachment between the gum and tooth is lost. Gum disease is a silent, chronic,
painless, and communicable bacterial infection that often goes undetected or ignored
until severe gum and bone destruction is unbearable and no longer able to be ignored.
Left untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss and traditional treatment can be
painful. The latest conservative gum therapy uses a laser. The laser gently disinfects
and evaporates diseased tissues from around the tooth and inside the gum pocket.
This treatment interrupts the bacterial destruction of the tissues and bones, giving
the gum pocket a chance to heal. Systematic repeated therapeutic appointments generally
two to eight, allow the gum pocket to be disease-free and sometimes allow tissues
to reattach to the pocket back to a normal or near-normal depth. This new laser
therapy is gentle, less painful and has a quicker recovery. While surgery may still
be indicated for severely advanced periodontal cases, laser therapy is a much more
conservative, effective, and comfortable option for beginning to moderate periodontal
cases.
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Areas of Dental Care that Benefit From Laser Technology:
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- Periodontal or gum related care
- Pediatric procedures
- Apthous ulcer treatment (canker sore)
- Frenectomy (tongue- tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
- Root canal and apiecopectomies
- Crown lengthening, gingivectomy, and other gum corrections
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Comprehensive Treatment Planning
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Before beginning any treatment, a thorough exam is done. This is where all of the
records that have been taken are used to craft the most ideal treatment plan for
your situation. |
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You can be assured that the most advanced dental treatments will be considered as
your treatment plan is being developed. |
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Tooth Whitening
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Tooth Whitening – a Safe, Quick and Inexpensive Procedure. |
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Tooth whitening, formerly known as bleaching, is a dental procedure that can be
used to correct many tooth discolorations. Just about anyone can benefit from tooth
whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as for others. We
can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. We use the latest in whitening
technology to offer a safe method for creating a beautiful smile. In cases of extreme
tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice. But, because of the
low cost of whitening treatments, whitening is nearly always worth a solid try. |
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How is it Done? |
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Once you have decided to whiten your teeth, We will examine your teeth and do a
shade assessment to determine your natural tooth color. An impression is taken to
make a specialized mouth guard to hold the whitening agent against the teeth. In
a few days, your custom mouth guard will be ready for you to pick up. We will provide
you with a special whitening agent that you put into the clear, almost invisible
mouth guard. We will instruct you in the proper use of the mouth guard and whitening
agent. Typically the material is used each day for about 1-2 hours for a week or
two. In most cases, significant whitening will occur in this time period. |
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Is Tooth Whitening Safe? |
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Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision
of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic
dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, it is not recommended
for children under 13 years of age, or women who are pregnant or lactating. |
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Is Whitening your Teeth Painful? |
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No, there is no pain associated with this treatment.
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Are there any Side Effects? |
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Some people may experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold that can
be treated using a fluoride gel. We provide this fluoride gel as part of the customized
tooth whitening treatment. These symptoms disappear within one to three days after
completion of the treatment |
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Braces
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Remember! Orthodontic treatment today is the best solution for most people before
any cosmetic treatment like veneers, laminates etc. Since the treatment usually
takes six months to two years to complete, we recommend that the mal- positioned
teeth be aligned first. It does not ruin natural teeth but instead, leaves it intact
and is almost a permanent solution Orthodontic treatment involves much more than
just straightening your teeth! Your tooth bite, jaw joint articulation and periodontal
health are as equally important to us as your facial appearance and smile.
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Open Bite corrected by Orthodontic Treatment |
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Orthodontic problems require specialized care. Patients who have dental and facial
irregularities should be cared for by an Orthodontist. Our specific qualifications
in the design, application and control of corrective appliances will bring teeth,
lips and jaws into proper alignment for optimal facial balance. |
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Highly placed lqwinco alinged by ortho treatment - without touching the natural
tooth structure it was not possible to do it, in better way by any others procedure
cosmetic.
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Sealants
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Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth,
sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth- colored acrylic "coating" is painted
onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively "seals" the deep grooves acting
as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids
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Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and
plaque that brushing and flossing can't reach.
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Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold
up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication
is needed.
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Children and adults can benefit from sealants in the fight against tooth decay.
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Mercury Free Fillings
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We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have mercury/silver fillings
in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to
the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, mercury/silver fillings ultimately
result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and tooth-colored restorations
(onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable), but also
add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and
very strong thanks to new bonding technologies. |
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Disadvantages of Mercury/Silver Fillings
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Mercury/Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the mercury/silver filling
can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected
and creates an environment where cavities get started once again. With age, the
metal of a mercury/silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.
Mercury/Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak, and
cause stains on your teeth and gums.
Fortunately, mercury/silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth- colored
restorations. |
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Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
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There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded
to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations
can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth
remains intact and stronger. |
Since some resins used in tooth- colored restorations contain fluoride, this can
help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement
at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!
The result is a beautiful smile! |
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Bonding
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An alternative to veneers, bonding can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth
that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or misarranged. |
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How Does It Work? |
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The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying
a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted
into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed,
and polished to a natural appearance. |
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Considerations |
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The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can significantly
improve the appearance of a tooth. However, since the plastic resin used is not
as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip, or break
than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before repair is
needed.
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Veneers
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What Are Porcelain Veneers?
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Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and
top surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and
have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. With veneers
as an alternative, there is no reason to put up with gaps between your teeth, teeth
that are stained, badly shaped, or crooked. A veneer placed on top of your teeth
can correct these maladies, simply and quickly and help you achieve a beautiful
smile! |
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Will They Look Like Normal Teeth?
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When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable
and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and
appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other
restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they
take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.
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How Durable Are Porcelain Veneers?
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With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade.
We will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains
and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available. |
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In dentistry, a veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over atoothsurface,
either to improve the aesthetic sof a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface.
There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer, composite and dental
porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or
indirectly fabricated by a dental technicianin a dental laboratory, and later bondedto
the tooth, typically using a resin cement. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only
be indirectly fabricated.
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Veneers may be used cosmetically to resurface teeth such as to make them appear
straighter and possess a more aesthetically pleasing alignment. This may be a quick
way to improve the appearance of malposed teeth without need to use orthodontics.
However, the amount of malposition of teeth may be such that veneers alone may not
be enough to correct them. Instead, orthodonticswould need to be used, or orthodontics
combined with veneers. Veneers must also be created such that the patient bites
into them with minimal force. Otherwise, they may chip off. Patients whose lower
jaw protrudes out farther than their upper jaw (known as a class III bite) may not
benefit from veneers because the teeth of the lower jaw may bite into the teeth
of the upper jaw such as to dislodge the veneers.
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What are Veneers
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Veneers are an important tool for the cosmetic dentist. A dentist may use one veneer
to restore a single tooth that may have been fractured or discolored, or multiple
teeth to create a attractive smile Many people have small teeth resulting in spaces
that may not be easily closed by orthodontics. Some people have worn away the edges
of their teeth resulting in a prematurely aged appearance, while others may have
malpositioned teeth that appear crooked. Multiple veneers can close these spaces,
lengthen teeth that have been shortened by wear, provide a uniform color, shape,
and symmetry, and make the teeth appear straight.
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Dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create
a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. Even better, the
translucent ceramic quality of today's veneers provides a more natural look than
what's been available in the past.
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Cosmetic Veneers
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Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even
all of your cosmetic dental issues, including:
- Worn enamel: Over time, the thin, hard white substance covering your teeth
(enamel) may become worn, dulled, and discolored. Such wear and discoloration may
be natural or the result of a genetic predisposition; however, it is often a result
of your habits (soft drink, tea, or coffee consumption, smoking, medication use,
etc.).
- Wear and tear: Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more
likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance.
- Genetics: Certain people may be born with abnormal spacing between the teeth
that grows wider as they age.
- Uneven teeth: Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding or general wear
and tear.
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Porcelain Veneers and Composite Resin Veneers
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The two most common materials used in the manufacture of dental veneers are composite
resin and porcelain veneers. Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers can be
fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory; composite veneers can
also be directly fabricated inside your mouth at the dental office.
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Dental veneers that are indirectly fabricated – fabricated in a dental laboratory
– are bonded to the teeth with various types of resin cement. Of the two options,
porcelain veneers are longer lasting and more expensive.
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A Restorative Benefit to Veneers
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In addition to being esthetically pleasing, dental veneers can also serve a functional
purpose by protecting the surface of a damaged tooth. In some cases, veneers may
replace the need for a dental crown, eliminating the need for more invasive tooth
preparation.
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Because dental veneers are so thin, they might require little-to-no tooth reshaping
when bonded onto the tooth. Once veneers are bonded into place, they are relatively
strong and durable; however, care must be taken so as not to abuse veneers because
the thin porcelain shells can damage or break.
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Veneers or Whitening?
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Teeth whitening may provide a white smile for mildly discolored teeth. Some people
who are interested in veneers will find that simpler alternative of whitening, perhaps
combined with some simple orthodontic alignment is possible. The placement of dental
veneers requires the “shaping” or “prepping” of all teeth being fitted with the
custom- designed shells. This process permanently alters the teeth that are treated
and is therefore not recommended if your natural teeth are functionally and esthetically
adequate.
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If you have a severe case of dull or discolored teeth, you may have to opt for dental
veneers. Veneers do have the added benefits of longevity and a proven ability to
enhance the appearance of the mouth, smile, and possibly other areas of an aged
face that would be better supported by properly shaped teeth. Although veneers require
a much larger commitment than teeth whitening, the results are typically well worth
it.
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What are some of the advantages of porcelain veneers over other types of cosmetic
dental bonding procedures?
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Porcelain Veneers Create a Very Life-Like tooth Appearance.
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You might be surprised to learn that while a large portion of every tooth is composed
of dental enamel, teeth are not solid enamel. The enamel component of a tooth is
actually just an outer encasement. The hard tooth tissue that lies underneath a
tooth's enamel layer is termed "dentin."
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One property of tooth enamel is that it's translucent. This means that when light
strikes a tooth's surface it is not immediately reflected off, but instead penetrates
into its enamel layer. Once the light has passed through the full thickness of the
enamel it reflects off the opaque (non-translucent) tooth dentin that lies underneath,
and then on back out of the tooth. This manner of handling light, the translucency
effect of a tooth's enamel, is an important aspect of what give teeth their characteristic
lustrous appearance.
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Since porcelain veneers are glass-like in nature (ceramic) they have a great advantage
over other cosmetic bonding techniques by way of the fact that they are translucent.
When a porcelain veneer is bonded onto a tooth's surface it will closely mimic the
light handling characteristics of dental enamel.
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When light strikes the surface of a veneered tooth it can penetrate on into the
veneer's porcelain, just like it does with dental enamel. Once it has traversed
the full thickness of the porcelain the light will reflect off the opaque cement
and tooth dentin that lies underneath the veneer, and then on back out of the tooth.
This translucency effect of the porcelain creates a lustrous appearance for the
tooth that very closely resembles the appearance of enamel.
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What Steps Does a Dentist Take When they make a Porcelain Veneer for a Tooth?
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The steps outlined below are those that are usually needed when a porcelain veneer
(porcelain laminate)is made for a single tooth. Although we only describe and illustrate
one tooth being veneered, many teeth can undergo the veneering process simultaneously,
as a group.
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In most cases two dentalappointments will be required for the veneering process.
Usually the time span lying between these two visits will be one to two weeks.
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Trimming a Tooth For a Porcelain Veneer.
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When a tooth is prepared to receive a porcelain veneer the enamel on the front side
of the tooth, the side where the porcelain veneer will be bonded, must be trimmed
back. In most cases the dentist's goal will be to trim the tooth's surface about
the same amount as the thickness of the veneer that will ultimately be bonded into
place. This way the overall size of the tooth will not be changed dramatically.
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Usually the amount of tooth enamel that the dentist will shave off is on the order
of .5 to .7 millimeters. This amount is similar to that of the thickness of a chicken
egg's shell. And when compared to most other dental procedures this is a very small
amount. Before this trimming is begun, you and your dentist will decide if your
tooth should be numbed with a local anesthetic.
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Taking an Impression of the Trimmed Tooth.
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Once the proper amount of enamel has been trimmed, your dentist will need to make
a copy of your tooth (take an impression). Your porcelain veneer will then be fabricated
using this impression. .If your dentist does not have a milling machine it can be
for good reason. Many dentistsfeel that the esthetic and physical properties of
a porcelain veneer that has been crafted by hand are superior to those of a veneer
milled by a machine, and therefore worth the wait.
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After the Tooth has been Prepared For the Porcelain Veneer.
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In those cases where your veneer will be created by a dental laboratory technician,
you will have to wait while your veneer is being made. The question at this point
in the procedure is whether or not a temporary veneer will be placed on your tooth
during this waiting period.
- Those cases where no temporary veneer is placed. Since some enamel has been trimmed
away from your tooth you can expect that its front side will feel a little rough.
You might also find that there is a prominent corner or angle on your tooth that
your tongue finds irresistible to investigate repeatedly. Despite these new irregularities
it's expected that you will become accustom to the shape of your tooth soon enough.
- Because some enamel has been trimmed from your tooth you might experience an increase
in sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. This is very normal. You simply
need to moderate your exposure to these types of items.
- Those cases where a temporary veneer is placed. It may be possible that your dentist
can create a temporary veneer for you to wear during that time period while the
dental laboratory is fabricating your porcelain veneer.
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Bonding of the Veneer
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At the time of your next appointment, We will first place the veneer on your teeth
with water or glycerin to check the fit and color. At this point, the color of the
veneer can still be adjusted by the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once
the color is determined and the veneer is ready to be applied, the tooth is cleaned
with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Special cement is placed between the
teeth and the veneer and a visible light beam is used to harden the cement. This
appointment takes approximately one to two hours. |
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How Long Will Porcelain Veneers Last?
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There are no hard and fast rules about how long you can expect your porcelain veneers
(porcelain laminates) to last. You can certainly expect that they will remain cosmetically
pleasing and structurally sound for many years, but it is unrealistic to expect
that they will last forever. With good home care and by exercising good judgment,
it seems likely that a porcelain veneer could last well in excess of ten years.
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What Should you do to take Good Care of your Porcelain Veneers?
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The expected lifespan of your porcelain veneers can be heavily influenced by the
way you use and take care of them. Here are some suggestions:
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Practice Good Oral Home Care.
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Just as with any tooth, your veneered tooth should be brushed and flossed thoroughly
on a daily basis. Ask your dentistfor specific recommendations but, in general,
any non
abrasivetoothpaste which contains fluoride should be suitable.
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By practicing good oral home care you can help to minimize the chance that decay
will form on those aspects of your tooth that are not covered by the veneer. Additionally,
thorough plaque removal will help to ensure that the level of the gum line on your
tooth will not recede in response to gum inflammation (gingivitis or periodontitis)
that has been caused by dental plaque. Since in most cases the edge of a porcelain
veneer will end right at the gum line, if you allow any gum recession to occur the
cosmetic appearance of the veneered tooth can be spoiled.
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Avoid Exposing your Porcelain Veneers to Excessive Forces.
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Porcelain veneers are not intended to have to withstand heavy forces or sharp impacts.
You should avoid biting your fingernails or biting on hair pins, bottles, ice, or
any other hard items because doing so can break or dislodge a veneer. If you engage
in sporting events you should wear an athletic mouthguard.
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Avoid Clenching and Grinding your Teeth.
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People who clench and grind their teeth dentists use the term "bruxism" to refer
to this activity) can easily chip or break their porcelain veneers because of the
heavy forces generated by these actions. If you know that you do brux, or if your
dentist finds evidence of your bruxing behavior in the appearance of your teeth,
you must control this activity during your waking hours. For protection when you
are sleeping, your dentist should fabricate a plastic night guard for you to wear.
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Good home care, meaning keeping plaque and debris from accumulating in the area
of the edged of your porcelain veneer, can help to minimize the potential that the
veneer's cement will stain. Also, avoid an excessive exposure to tea, coffee, red
wine, colas, and tobacco products.
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What Should you do if your Porcelain Veneer Comes off or Breaks?
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If your porcelain veneer (porcelain laminate) comes off, carefully remove the veneer
from your mouth without damaging it further. If you find only one piece then the
veneer may not have broken but instead may have just come off your tooth, fully
intact. If the veneer is whole, your dentist may be able to reattach it to your
tooth. If the porcelain veneer is broken your dentist's only option will be to make
you a new one.
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Check to See if the Veneer is Intact.
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To get an idea if your porcelain veneer is whole, take a look at the veneer's general
shape. The outlines of veneers are usually somewhat symmetrical and rounded. You
can also evaluate the tooth from which the veneer has dislodged. You may see a segment
of the veneer still attached to your tooth, indicating that it is broken.
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Store the Veneer Carefully.
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Place your veneer in a protective container, such as a cotton-filled pill box. Even
if the veneer is broken it's not a bad idea to save the parts and show them to your
dentist. They could possibly be of interest or help to them.
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Let your Dentist's Office Know that your Porcelain Veneer is Off.
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You will, of course, need to contact your dentist's office and report to them what
has occurred. Ask your dentist for specific instructions but, in general, if a porcelain
veneer (like those we have described on these pages where only a minimal amount
of tooth structure has been removed to make the veneer) has simply broken or come
off there is little potential for a serious tooth problem developing. Remember,
in many cases teeth being veneered are left uncovered for the entire one to two
weeks during which their veneers are being fabricated.
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Since all or part of the veneer is missing you can expect that your tooth's shape
might be rough or irritating to your lip or tongue. The tooth itself could be expected
to have a heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages because the
veneer is no longer there to cover and protect the tooth struckure.
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Crowns
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Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable.
We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like
your natural teeth.
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Where damage to a person's teeth is extreme and apparently beyond repair, we can
use porcelain or porcelain fused to metal crowns to make the smile appear "as new".
This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe dental problems,
even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional
bite. We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make
for people using this technology. These treatments are used for a long-lasting correction
of major dental problems. It is not unusual for these treatments to last for 15
to 20 years, which is as close to permanent as dental treatment can get.
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How Long Does It Take?
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A traditional crown requires at least two office visits. Initially, we will remove
decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal.
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On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown, and then fit and adjust
the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new
beautiful looking tooth. |
Key Benefits
- Replaces missing teeth
- Offers support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth
- Looks completely natural
- Fixes "smile" and functional chewing problems.
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What Is The Capability Of A Crown?
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Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused
through accidents, diseases, or wear and tear. Major problems can usually be corrected
using these techniques. Materials used in these repairs are either high-grade porcelain
or porcelain bonded to gold. The higher strength of the porcelain and gold materials
is recommended to treat the most serious of dental problems. Where accidental damage
has occurred resulting in lost teeth, or teeth have broken away through excessive
wear, or as the result of old fillings breaking, crowns and/or bridges can be used
as a long-term solution.
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Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth. This is usually due to
hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth
relieves the pain and allows a return of full dental function for these teeth. In
front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause appearance problems
due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases
where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent
breakage. |
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Bridges
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All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper
alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn't necessarily have to occur as you age.
But if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your
mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss. |
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Options
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A bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to
adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached
(fixed bridges) or they can be removable.
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Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding
the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached
to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments. |
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If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your
appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions
from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it's difficult to do these things.
Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore
your dental health and appearance. |
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What Is A Bridge/Fixed Partial Denture?
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A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are
absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental
professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned.
Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
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Why Do I Need A Bridge?
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Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A
bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your
mouth to sink and your face to look older. |
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Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to
complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues
when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders. |
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Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of
missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
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Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds
we use to speak clearly.
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How Is A Bridge Made and Attached?
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The procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first
appointment, We will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion
of the enamel and dentin. |
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Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to
match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to the lab
where the bridge will be constructed. |
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Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left
by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which
are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge. |
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What Materials are used?
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Bridges can be constructed from non- precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination
of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either a precious or non-precious
metal. |
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How Do I Take Care Of My Bridge?
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A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth
clean. This is of critical importance since the bridge relies on the neighboring
teeth for support. |
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Dental Implants
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Dental implants have completely changed restorative dentistry. They are designed
to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like
natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually
anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth appear natural
and that their facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny
titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone
bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition,
implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that
occurs when teeth are missing. |
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Dental implants are changing the way people live! With dental implants, people are
rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life. |
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If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that
you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation
visits, Your questions and concerns are important to us. Out team will work with
you very closely to help make your procedure a success. |
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Procedure
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Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically
placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implants which protrude
through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement
teeth.
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For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures.
First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months
following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding
with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet
during this time. At the same time, our office designs the final bridgework or denture,
which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
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After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The oral surgeon
or periodontist will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. An
impression must be taken. Following this, posts or attachments can be connected
to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments.
The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience
any disruption in their daily life.
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