There is an inreased intereset in cosmetic dentistry due to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry.  Cosmetic dental treatments can lighten or brighten the color of teeth, repair or replace decayed, broken, cracked, chiped or missing teeth, change the size or shape of certain teeth and fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.  Our practice offers a variety of cosmetic procedures including  dental implants, porcelain veneers, porcelain inlays, and tooth whitening.

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and are an alternative solution to removable bridges.   An implant is a titanium root that is surgically placed into the jaw bone. After healing an abutment (post) is connected to the impland and a crown is fabricated to give the look of a natural tooth.  A dental implant can replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth, can support a bridge or denture, and resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth spaces.

Gettting an implant requires a number of visits over several months.  X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  The implant is surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months.  A second surgery may be required in order to place the post that will hold the artificial tooth in place.  With some implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial tooth or crown is made and fitted to abutment.  After a healing period, the artificial tooth is securely attached to the implant.

Porcelain veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made and bonded  onto the front of teeth. Veneers can completely reshape teeth and are a viable alternatives to  crowns.  Veneers should be considered if you have crooked or misshaped teeth, teeth that are discolored or stained, teeth that are either too small or too large, and for general cosmetic purposes.

Getting veneers usually requires two visits.  On the first visit, the teeth are  lightly buffed and the surface is shaped with enough removed to allow for the thickness of the veneer. An impression of the teeth is taken and a  color shade will be selected by you.

On the second visit  a special liquid will be used to clean the teeth which are to receive the veneers.  Bonding cement is placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.

A porcelain inlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain.  Inlays can be used as a conservative approach to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma or that have large defective fillings.  Inlays are an alternative to conventional silver and composite fillings and are more conservative than crowns because less tooth structure has to be removed in the inlay process. Teeth that are broken or fractured, decayed or have very large fillings are possible condidates for porcelain inlays.

An inlay procedure usually requires two appointments. During your first appointment impressions will be taken to make a mold that the dental laboratory will use to create your inlay.  Any decay and old filling materials will be removed with the surface prepared and shaped to receive the inlay. A temporary inlay will be applied so that your tooth will be protected while your permanent inlay is being built.

At your second appointment your permanent inlay will be cemented into place.  Any necessary bite adjustments will be made to make sure that you have the best fit. and are comfortable.