Aesthetic and Functional Dentistry

Facets

DAVINCI VENEERS?

Today, a wonderful, pearly-white smile is important for a wide variety of reasons. Beautiful teeth can boost self-confidence, and a stunning smile is often the most recognized feature of a person. daVinci dental veneers have been renowned for excellence and durability in the field of cosmetic dentistry for the past 25 years. These ceramic veneers can cover even the most unsightly blemishes on the teeth, and treatment can be completed in two or three visits.

Who is a good candidate for daVinci® veneers?
daVinci veneers are ideal for the nervous patient because they need little or no anesthesia to apply. They’re also highly resistant to staining agents like tobacco, coffee, and red wine. daVinci® veneers look completely natural, feel fantastic, and can instantly cover the most severe cosmetic defects.

daVinci® veneers are wafer-thin, which means that eating, speaking, and biting functions are seldom affected by their placement. daVinci® veneers are available in four different shades, ranging from « bright» to « incredibly bright» and can only be applied to healthy underlying teeth and gums. If your dentist notes tooth decay or gum disease, these issues need to be addressed before the placement of dental veneers.

Here are some of the main advantages associated with daVinci® veneers:

  • High resistance to staining agents.
  • Incredibly strong bonding agent.
  • Little or no anesthesia required.
  • Quick, natural looking results.
  • Transforms even the most disfiguring defects.
  • Unsurpassed whiteness.
  • Wafer thin veneers.

What is the procedure for placing daVinci® veneers?
Your dentist will plan on three visits, though treatment may be completed in two. The first visit involves a thorough investigation of the teeth and the planning of forthcoming treatments. The planning stage is an ideal opportunity to ask questions. Objectives and potential end results will be discussed, and your dentist will ensure that teeth are healthy enough for veneer placement.

The second visit may last several hours. The teeth need to be prepared before the daVinci® veneers are placed. Preparation generally involves light buffing of the teeth to create space for veneer placement. Since daVinci® veneers are wafer-thin, little of the tooth needs to be altered.

When the teeth are fully prepared, impressions are created. These impressions or molds are then sent to a daVinci® laboratory. It generally takes around two weeks for the custom-made daVinci® veneers to be fabricated. In the meantime, a temporary measure is placed to ensure the teeth look pleasant and are fully functional.

During the final visit, the daVinci® veneers are bonded to the teeth. Before bonding permanently, your dentist temporarily places the veneers on the teeth with glycerin. This helps to determine whether the shade and fit are agreeable. If the shade requires alteration, this can be adjusted using colored dental cement.

daVinci® veneers are permanently placed with specialized dental cleansers and bonded using a visible light beam. The light beam hardens the cement and ensures that an ultra-secure affixation occurs. Once the veneers are placed with cement, the color can no longer be altered.

daVinci® veneers produce a stunning result that transforms the smile with minimal discomfort.

If you have any questions about daVinci® veneers, please contact our office.

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, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and 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.

Bridges

FIXED 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:

  • Fill space of missing teeth.
  • Maintain facial shape.
  • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
  • Restore chewing and speaking ability.
  • Restore your smile.
  • Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?
Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of the procedure. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new, permanent bridge.

Teeth Whitening

TEETH WHITENING

Teeth 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 using a home teeth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since teeth 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.

Teeth 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 teeth 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 teeth whitening involve?
This type of teeth 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 special whitening solution 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.

DAY WHITE®

Day White® is a specialized take-home whitening treatment that has been designed for use during daytime hours. Day White® offers an excellent alternative for people who would like to have a brighter smile but do not relish the prospect of wearing strips or whitening trays all night long. In fact, Day White® treatment will only take one hour per day and is substantially less expensive than some in-office alternatives.

Day White® is an extremely user-friendly home treatment. The kit includes whitening gel, a patented syringe, and special whitening trays. There is nothing complicated, messy, or time-consuming about applying Day White®, and it can whiten the teeth by as many as fourteen shades in as few as 10 to 14 days.

How can Day White® help me?
Day White® utilizes proven technology to remove organic stains on the teeth and whiten yellowing dentin and enamel. Day White® has been created with the wearer in mind and comes in several flavors.

Here are some advantages of the Day White® System:

  • Cost effective.
  • Custom-fitted trays.
  • Lower active ingredient concentration (means reduced sensitivity).
  • No radiation.
  • Pleasant flavors in a viscous gel.
  • Teeth whitened by as many as 14 shades.
  • Two half hour treatments twice a day.
  • Unchanged structure of teeth.

What are the main considerations before using Day White®?
It should be noted that Day White® should only be applied to healthy teeth. Patients who have tooth decay or gum disease need to have these conditions treated prior to applying the Day White® gel. Day White® may not remove inorganic or deep stains, so it is important to consult with your dentist to ensure that expectations are realistic, considering the current condition of the teeth.

Here are some important points about using Day White®:

  • Once the gel is on the teeth, do not smoke, eat or drink.
  • Consult your dentist before ordering refills.
  • Pregnant and lactating women should not use tooth-whitening products.

How should Day White® be used?
Day White® is a healthy way to whiten teeth. The combination of hydrogen peroxide and Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) enables any imperfections in the surface of the teeth to be filled while the bleaching is underway.

Day White® is available in two low concentrations (7.5% and 9.5%). Each syringe is filled with enough gel to treat the teeth three times daily, so the results are under the patient’s control.

To use Day White®, simply load the gel into the custom-made trays and apply to the teeth for up to 30 minutes twice daily. When the desired time expires, remove the trays, and rinse the mouth. Be sure to thoroughly clean the trays after every application.

Whitening will occur gradually over the course of the Day White® treatment, and the end result will be a pearly white smile.

If you have any questions about Day White®, please contact our office.

ZOOM®

A pearly-white smile is beautiful to look at and can greatly improve self-confidence. Many people are opting for the Zoom!® Chairside Whitening System (Zoom!®) for fast, safe and effective teeth whitening. Zoom!® combines the newest advances in dental technology with proven chemical formulas. This ensures that the bleaching experience is painless, and the results are satisfying.

There are many reasons why teeth become stained or discolored, including tobacco use, and drinking dark liquids such as red wine, coffee, tea and cola. However, the natural aging process and prescription medication use can also cause yellowing and graying.

There are literally hundreds of whitening treatments available in the marketplace, including take-home strips, bleaching toothpastes and take-home whitening gels. Many take-home gels are ineffective and may not elicit the desired results.

Zoom!® has many advantages over these other treatments, including:

  • All teeth treated simultaneously.
  • Faster treatment times.
  • Longer lasting results.
  • Reduced sensitivity.
  • Removal of stains on crowns, veneers and other restorations.
  • Safe procedure and treatment.
  • Treatments are performed by an experienced professional.

It is important to seek advice from the dentist prior to beginning a bleaching regime. Women who are pregnant or lactating should not seek bleaching treatment.

How does Zoom!® whiten the teeth?
Zoom!® is a bleaching process that lightens the dentin and enamel of the teeth. Zoom!® contains a hydrogen peroxide component (25%), which is the active ingredient in the gel. When hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth, the peroxide component breaks down into tiny oxygen bubbles. It is these bubbles that eliminate yellowing and staining.

A mercury metal halide light is used to activate the gel and expedite the whitening process. This specialized light contains a unique infrared filter that works to reduce the amount of heat (and therefore sensitivity) on the surface of the teeth during the procedure. The internal structure of the teeth remains completely healthy and intact during and after the treatment.
As with any whitening system, the post-treatment results can vary according to the degree of staining and the condition of the teeth. A consultation with the dentist prior to treatment will provide information as to what kind of results Zoom!® can provide in specific instances. Zoom!® is only applied to healthy teeth and gums. If tooth decay or gum disease is an issue, these need to be controlled before the bleaching treatment is performed.

How is the Zoom!® treatment performed?
Prior to treatment, there will be a consultation where the dentist will outline the exact procedure. On treatment day, a deep cleaning (prophylaxis) will be performed to rid the teeth of any debris and plaque. Then, special eyewear will be provided to protect the eyes from the halide light, and splashguards to protect the clothing from the bleaching agent.

Here is a brief overview of the Zoom!® procedure:

  • Cheek retractors will be placed to expose the entire surface of the teeth.
  • The gums will be painted or covered to reduce sensitivity.
  • The dentist will apply the whitening gel to the teeth.
  • The halide light will then be applied to activate the gel. This specialized Zoom!® light can be positioned to work on all the teeth simultaneously.
  • After 15 minutes, gel will be removed from the teeth and the mouth will be rinsed.
  • More gel will be applied for another 15 minutes.
  • Again, the gel will be removed and the mouth will be thoroughly cleansed.
  • The final treatment of gel will be applied for 15 minutes.
  • The gel will be removed for the final time.

What happens after treatment?
The same external factors that caused the discoloration in the first place can quickly work their way back onto the teeth. For this reason, the dentist recommends flossing once a day, thorough cleaning with anti-sensitivity toothpaste twice a day, and occasional retreatment with Zoom!® Weekender. These post-treatment measures will ensure that the smile stays at its whitest for a long time.

If you have questions about the Zoom!® Chairside System, please ask your dentist.

BRITESMILE®

A pearly white smile can be an excellent confidence booster. Yellowing or stained teeth are unpleasant to look at and can negatively affect your overall appearance. The BriteSmile® Whitening System is a quick, safe, and gentle way to restore the natural color of your teeth with minimal discomfort. BriteSmile® uses a combination of gel and light to whiten teeth by up to 14 shades in just one hour.

BriteSmile® has several advantages over comparable whitening systems. First, the bleaching gel does not need to be activated by lasers or heat. This means that no radiation enters the body. Instead, BriteSmile® utilizes a unique lamp that propels blue light toward the teeth and expedites whitening. All of the key ?smile? teeth will be bleached in a uniform way, without creating hypersensitive lips, gums, or soft tissue. BriteSmile® gel is much more viscous, which prevents tooth dehydration and creates longer lasting results.

How can BriteSmile® help me?
The best candidates for the BriteSmile® whitening procedure have strong, healthy teeth and gums. If gum disease is an issue, it needs to be treated prior to the gel application. Whitening treatment may not be a good option for patients with highly sensitive teeth, thinning teeth, or teeth that exhibit deep inorganic staining.

BriteSmile® can effectively alleviate the following problems:

  • Staining caused by tobacco use.
  • Staining caused by strong foods and drinks.
  • Yellowing teeth caused by aging.
  • Greying teeth (usually hereditary).
  • Organic staining.

What preparation is necessary before the BriteSmile® treatment?
BriteSmile® elicits the best results on clean, healthy teeth. Therefore, a thorough cleaning is recommended prior to treatment, to rid the teeth of plaque, tartar, and rotting food particles. The dentist will always thoroughly examine the teeth while performing the cleaning to check for any fractures, inflammation, or decay. Photographs might also be taken of the teeth prior to the bleaching procedure. This makes ?before and after? comparisons more evident.

Though the whitening procedure only takes an hour in the office, BriteSmile® toothpaste, dental trays, and a less concentrated version of the gel can be given for home use. BriteSmile® is long lasting and effective, but stains can quickly reappear on the teeth ? particularly if tobacco is being used.

What does BriteSmile® treatment involve?
None of the steps in the BriteSmile® system should cause discomfort. The BriteSmile® gel only contains a 15% or 25% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which means the teeth and gums should not feel uncomfortable. Many of the alternative whitening treatments contain a 35% or 50% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which dehydrates teeth and causes them to become hypersensitive. BriteSmile® gel is balanced with water and glycerin which work together to hydrate the teeth. The bleaching gel is applied to the teeth for three twenty-minute intervals as follows:

  • A retractor is placed inside the mouth to fully expose the teeth.
  • A hardening resin is applied to the gums to prevent the bleaching gel from irritating them.
  • The gel and blue light are applied to the teeth for twenty minutes.
  • The dentist checks whitening progress.
  • The gel is removed, and more gel is applied for another twenty minutes.
  • The gel is again removed, and more gel is applied for an additional twenty minutes.
  • The retractors are removed when the final gel application is complete.
  • The mouth is rinsed and the new tooth color is measured immediately.

The teeth may look incredibly white immediately after treatment due to mild dehydration. The actual color of teeth will become apparent when the teeth have had 48 hours to rehydrate.

If you have any questions or concerns about BriteSmile® or other whitening treatments, please contact our office.

LUMINEERS®

LUMINEERS® are an excellent option for people who are unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of their teeth. These ultra-thin, porcelain slips fit perfectly over teeth, making them look cosmetically perfect and completely beautiful. An off-white or crooked smile can cause serious confidence problems. LUMINEERS® are a fantastic alternative for patients wanting a beautiful smile without surgery, harsh chemicals or painful treatments.

For LUMINEERS® to be applied, the underlying teeth, bone and gums must be healthy. Patients with gum disease or tooth decay must be treated prior to LUMINEERS® placement. Unlike dental veneers, LUMINEERS® can be left in place for over 20 years or removed upon request to expose the intact original teeth. LUMINEERS® can be fitted in just two appointments, and instantly add pizzazz to the smile.

Here are some of the problems that LUMINEERS® can solve:

  • Large gaps between the teeth.
  • Misaligned teeth.
  • Misshapen teeth.
  • Stained teeth.
  • Uneven gums and teeth.
  • Unnatural looking bridges and crowns.

How can LUMINEERS® benefit me?
LUMINEERS® provide a wide range of advantages over similar treatments. The most meaningful advantage to anxious patients is that no painful alterations of the teeth are required prior to the LUMINEERS® application. The covers themselves are so thin and unobtrusive that speech and eating are seldom affected.

Here are some of the other advantages of LUMINEERS®:

  • Last over 20 years.
  • No harsh drilling of inner tooth mechanisms.
  • No injections.
  • No pain or discomfort.
  • Only two dental visits required.
  • Option to place multiple LUMINEERS® at one time.
  • Perfect, pearly-white teeth.
  • Thickness of a contact lens.
  • Totally reversible treatment.

Are LUMINEERS® strong enough?
LUMINEERS® are constructed from Cerinate® porcelain, which is known for its exceptional strength. Even though LUMINEERS® are thinner than dental veneers, they are less likely to break or chip. Additionally, Cerinate® porcelain can be color-modified and balanced. This means that different levels of opaqueness and translucency can be utilized.

How are LUMINEERS® applied to the teeth?
One of the main reasons LUMINEERS® are so easy to fit is that little etching has to be done beforehand. With veneers, many teeth might have to be permanently altered or drilled to ensure the best fit. However, LUMINEERS® offer a beautiful end product without any drilling, anesthesia or extensive etching. This factor alone can reduce the time in the dental chair by almost half, when compared to traditional veneers.

During the initial visit, bite impressions and X-rays are taken to determine the exact way the teeth fit together. The dentist also thoroughly examines the teeth to ensure that no tooth decay and no signs of gum disease are present. Together, the dentist and patient choose the color of the LUMINEERS® and the desired level of transparency. The bite impressions are sent to the laboratory to be custom-crafted.

The LUMINEERS® are bonded to the teeth at the second appointment. If bonding substance has oozed out from beneath the LUMINEERS®, this is carefully removed using a beveled featheredge margin. Once the LUMINEERS® are in place, the dentist polishes them until they are completely smooth. The advantage of this smoothness is that bacteria and staining agents cannot easily adhere to the surface of the LUMINEERS®.

The LUMINEERS® are finally separated. Up until this point, they are still attached where the bite impressions suggest teeth would naturally join. The treatment is finished, leaving a beautiful white smile, and perfect, healthy teeth.
If you have questions or concerns about LUMINEERS®, please contact out practice.

LUMINEERS® and Cerinate® are registered trademarks of Den-Mat Holdings LLC.

Crown Lengthening

CROWN LENGTHENING


Crown lengthening is generally performed to improve the health of the gum tissue or to prepare the mouth for restorative or cosmetic procedures. In addition, crown lengthening procedures can also be used to correct a ?gummy? smile, where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue. Crown lengthening exposes more of the natural tooth by reshaping or recontouring bone and gum tissue. This treatment can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth, or the entire gum line, exposing an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Reasons for crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is a versatile and common procedure that has many effective uses and benefits. The vast majority of patients who have undergone this type of surgery are highly delighted with the results.

Here are some of the most common reasons for crown lengthening:

  • Restoration of damaged teeth – Periodontal disease can cause severe damage to the teeth, as can trauma and decay. Where teeth have been broken beneath the gum line, crown lengthening can be used to prepare the area for a new restoration to correct the damaged teeth.
  • Cosmetic uses – Extra gum tissue can make teeth look unnaturally short and can also increase susceptibility to periodontal infections. Removing excess gum tissue can restore a balanced, healthy look and improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
  • Dental crowns – Crown lengthening provides more space between the supporting jawbone and dental crown. This prevents the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone once it is in place.

What does crown lengthening involve?

Crown lengthening is normally performed under local anesthetic. The amount of time this procedure takes will largely depend on how many teeth are involved and whether a small amount of bone needs to be removed along with the soft tissue. Any existing dental crowns will be removed prior to the procedure and replaced immediately afterwards.

Your dentist will make a series of small incisions around the soft tissue in order to separate the gums away from the teeth. Even if only one tooth requires the re-contour, neighboring teeth are usually treated to provide a more even reshaping. Separating the gums provides your dentist with access to the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone.

In some cases, the removal of a small amount of tissue will provide enough tooth exposure to place a crown. In other cases, your dentist will also need to remove a small amount of bone from around the teeth. The bone is usually removed using a combination of special hand instruments, and rotary instruments. The rotary instruments roughly resemble the drill that is used in cavity treatment.

The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums will have been repositioned. The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned.

Your dentist will secure the surgical site using an intraoral (periodontal) bandage which serves to prevent infection. Prescriptions may be provided for pain medication, and a chlorhexidine (antimicrobial) mouth rinse may be given to help reduce any bacteria attempting to re-colonize. The surgical site will be completely healed in approximately two to three months.

If you have any questions about crown lengthening, please contact our office.