Cosmetic, or esthetic dentistry, is dentistry focused on correcting imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it fixed. The upper teeth show, usually, only when smiling, while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be improved to give a stunning look to the mouth!
We offer a wide variety of cosmetic and esthetic options which include but are not limited to whitening, smile design, recontouring of the shape of the teeth, veneers, Invisalign® and all ceramic/porcelain crowns. No matter the reason, our ultimate goal is always to restore a beautiful, healthy smile.
WHITENING
Our office recognizes that life can be hectic and people often have different lifestyles, so we offer a variety of whitening options to help to meet the needs of all of our patients.
Our preferred method for whitening is custom whitening trays that can be used at home for an excellent initial whitening result as well as regular touch-ups. This method involves having impressions taken from which custom trays are made. The professional strength whitening gel is placed in these trays and the trays are worn for 10-30 minutes. The entire process takes 3-4 weeks of daily use. Additionally, these custom trays can be used for in-office whitening which provides a faster whitening result in a controlled setting!
The end results whether using trays at home or doing an in-office procedure are the same-a whiter, brighter smile and a more confident you! The cost of the tray method is about half when compared to many in-office treatments and there is usually less post-treatment sensitivity.
VENEERS
Veneers are ultra-thin coatings, often made from porcelain, that are bonded onto the front of teeth to provide strength and stability.
Placement of veneers is minimally invasive and preserves the strength of the enamel and allows for a long-lasting result. Veneers are semi-translucent and can be made to match the light-transmitting properties of natural teeth. They are metal-free which eliminates the unsightly “black” line often found along the gumline of many traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
The veneer process usually involves two to three appointments because the veneers will be custom fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where custom veneers are fabricated in the size, shape, and color that you desire. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. We work closely with our dental lab as well as the patient throughout the entire process to ensure the patient is satisfied with the results!
INVISALIGN®
Invisalign® straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible custom-molded aligners. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign® straightens your teeth with results you'll notice sooner than you think. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position step by step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual.