Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a fantastic way to repair or enhance the appearance of front teeth. They can be used to whiten teeth, close spaces and create a great smile. Using veneers, we can even perform virtually "instant orthodontics" to straighten crooked teeth and give you the bright smile you always wanted.
Veneers can:
- Reduce or eliminate spaces between the teeth (diastemas)
- Repair broken or chipped teeth
- Whiten dark teeth, yellow teeth, permanently stained teeth or otherwise discolored teeth
- Correct misshapen or crooked teeth
- Close small holes or pits in teeth
- Improve the appearance of teeth that are too small, too big, or uneven
Porcelain veneers are thin shells custom-made in a lab and applied to the teeth. They require two appointments: one for taking an impression, and a second for preparing the natural teeth and placing the veneers once they have been created. Lumineers are a new kind of porcelain veneers that are so thin they don't require any tooth-buffing before placement (see below).
What are the steps of porcelain veneer placement?
At your first appointment, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth so he or she can create veneers that are appropriate for your individual smile.
During your second appointment, the natural teeth that will be receiving veneers are "buffed" or "shaved" a very small amount to compensate for the added thickness of the veneers, so afterwards your teeth are the same size as they were before. Your dentist holds the veneers to your teeth to confirm that they're the correct shape, size and color, and then he or she bonds the veneers in place with the help of an etching solution and a special light. The veneers will last for about 10-15 years. Oftentimes, it is possible to "try on" your veneers first with a temporary cement to see how they will look. Ask your dentist about this option.
Why choose veneers over crowns?
Veneers offer several advantages over crowns; veneers are more durable, often do not require much (if any) removal of the natural tooth material, and will not stain or change color-and they tend to cost less.
» Contact us for more information on Porcelain Veneers
BriteSmile®
Revolutionizing the teeth whitening industry for almost a decade, BriteSmile® makes a difference in smiles with state-of-the-art technology that is both safe and effective. BriteSmile's patented light technology features a specially designed lamp that shines a gentle, blue light on the teeth, and the unique shape helps illuminate and whiten both the top and bottom at the same time. This efficient light source allows for the use of a lower level of the active ingredient, ensuring that the BriteSmile® whitening treatment is pain-free and clinically proven safe for tooth enamel as well as skin, gums and other soft tissues. Imagine a smile that is up to 14 shades brighter in just one hour. This clinically proven treatment improves oral health while whitening teeth, encouraging overall better hygiene.
» Contact us for more information on BriteSmile®
Composite Fillings
The back teeth are noticeable when we talk and especially when we laugh. Seeing dark, unsightly areas of metal can detract from an otherwise perfect set of teeth. Now there are fillings available that are specially designed to match the natural color of the tooth. These directly placed, bonded resin fillings can make a tooth look like new, whether they are used for small areas of decay or to replace current fillings.
Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings also restore most of the original strength of the tooth. Silver weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking.
» Contact us for more information on Composite Fillings
Invisalign®
Now you can enjoy the smile you have always wanted without the annoyance of metal braces in your mouth. No huge brackets darkening your smile. No irritated lips or cheeks. No worries about mouth injury while playing sports.
Invisalign® is a remarkable system of virtually invisible aligners that straighten teeth comfortably without metal bands, brackets or wires. The pieces are custom-made to fit your teeth and are easily removable so you can eat, drink, brush, floss, and remove the aligners for special occasions if you need to. Best of all, no one will know you're wearing Invisalign aligners unless you tell them.
What are some of the benefits of Invisalign over regular braces?
Invisalign offers many benefits over traditional metal braces, including:
- Cosmetically appealing
- Low cost / flexible payment options
- Little to no impact on daily life
- Less pain
- Greater flexibility; aligners can be removed at any time
- Easy to keep the teeth clean and healthy
- No dietary restrictions
- No tightening sessions at the orthodontist's office; simply switch from one set of aligners to the next when the time comes