Bonding

Bonding is a multi-purpose technique that can help repair and enhance your smile.  We can close spaces, whiten teeth and attach other restorations (like veneers) to the teeth.

Bonding has many advantages.  It is minimally invasive, usually involves one office visit and is virtually pain free.It's greatest benefit, however, is how it boosts self-esteem.  If you are reluctant to smile because of the appearance of one or more teeth then bonding may give you the confidence you need to smile freely.

Anyone who has cracked, chipped or widely spaced teeth may be a candidate for bonding.  It should last between four to ten years depending on where it is in your mouth.  Comosite resin (bonding) isn't as strong as natural teeth and can be chipped or broken if not properly cared for.  Over time the bonded area can be touched up and even rebonded if necessary.

Please visit our Smile Gallery to view more before and after photos of this procedure.

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Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are probably the most esthetic means of creating a more pleasing and beautiful smile. They require a minimal amount of tooth reduction and are, therefore, a more conservative restoration than a crown. Porcelain veneers allow us to alter tooth position, shape, size and color. They are not the only alternative for all esthetic abnormalities but are truly a remarkable restoration when they are the treatment of choice.

Some facts you might want to know about Porcelain Veneers:
Since they require approximately .5mm of tooth reduction, porcelain veneers are NOT considered a reversible form of treatment.

Occasionally the preparation of a Porcelain Laminate Veneer does not necessitate the use of a local anesthetic. However, for those patients that are particularly sensitive or anxious, a local anesthetic is advisable.

Once in place, your laminates are very strong and will resist most of the forces placed upon them by a normal diet. Porcelain has great crushing strength but poor tensile strength. Therefore, you should avoid anything that will tend to twist the laminate. Opening pistachio nuts with your teeth, chewing on bones or jelly apples is probably not a good idea. As with most things, common sense should prevail.

Please visit our Smile Gallery to view more before and after photos of this procedure.

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Dental Implants

Dental Implants are artificial devices used to replace missing teeth. They may replace a missing front, back or series of teeth. For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural. Surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, implants fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.

Implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps the replacement teeth feel more natural and some people find the secure fit very comfortable.

Candidates for dental implants must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation will help determione if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Please visit our Smile Gallery to view more before and after photos of this procedure.

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Crown & Bridge

CROWNS

A crown is a restoration that covers a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. Its purpose is to strengthen and improve the appearance of a tooth. A crown is placed to support a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining, and to protect weak teeth from fracturing. Other reasons include: attaching a bridge, restoring fractured teeth, and to cover a dental implant. Most of our crowns are made of tooth colored porcelain for a natural look. In some instances (usually due to biting pressure) we may advise gold for the very back teeth.

BRIDGEWORK

A bridge is a restoration which replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. Your appearance, dental health and the proper functioning of your mouth are all important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support the lips and cheeks when teeth have been lost.

Dental health suffers when teeth are not replaced. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may move up or down toward the space. This places unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues of the mouth.

A bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by missing tooth. A false tooth (called a pontic ) replaces the lost tooth. The pontic is attached to crowns, which are cemented to the natural teeth and provide support for the bridge.

Please visit our Smile Gallery to view more before and after photos of this procedure.

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Tooth Colored Restorations

Tooth Colored Restorations are fillings designed to match the color of your teeth. They may be used to restore a decayed tooth or repair a defect. Although they are often used on the front teeth (see Direct Resin Bonding) where a natural appearance is important, they are also commonly used on the back teeth. These restorations are prepared and placed in one dental visit. Your dentist will mix the composite material and match it to your tooth color for a natural appearance.

Please visit our Smile Gallery to view more before and after photos of this procedure.

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