Cosmetic Dentistry

Due to their noteworthy ability to transform a person’s smile and physical appearance dental implants are considered a component of cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants are titanium screws drilled into a patient’s jawbone. The implant is fitted with a connective device called an abutment and the abutment is topped with the artificial tooth, or crown. At the Centers for Dental Implants, implant surgery is one of our main focuses (single implants, or multiple implants). If you’re interested in learning about our dental implant treatment options, click on the link that discusses implant placement in greater detail and feel free to contact us via phone or email with any additional questions you may have.

Dentures are all about providing patients with a balance between function, aesthetics and cost. For some patients leery of extensive surgery dentures is a great choice. Dentures are prosthetic appliances attached to patients’ upper or lower jaw through a variety of methods, including adhesives, implants, natural suction, and other innovative approaches. For a more thorough review of dentures, please visit the Centers for Dental Implants section dedicated to this topic.

Composite bonding or simply bonding is the process by which composite materials are glued on to your existing teeth. The composite is made from an enamel-like material that closely resembles natural teeth. Once placed the material is sculpted into shape, allowed to harden and then polished. Typical examples of a bonding procedure involve what’s known as “inlays and onlays.” For definitional purposes we’ll keep it simple:

Inlays – An inlay is a premolded filling custom fit into the grooves of a tooth. These indentations are designed to not extend over the cusps of tooth and the procedure is one that’s used to repair a tooth after it has been injured or has experienced decay that does not affect the cusps of the tooth. In order to determine whether an inlay makes the most sense one of our dentists will take an impression and send it to the lab. Inlays are made from porcelain or composite resin. The color will be matched exactly to your tooth. The repair is nearly invisible.
Onlays – An onlay is similar to an inlay but it’s typically used on a tooth with more serious damage. That means damage to the “cusp” or tips of the tooth. The biting surface may be impacted too. As with other procedures the dentist will numb the patient with a local anesthetic. The dentist will then drill the tooth to clean out the cavity. Decayed matter is removed and a temporary inlay is inserted. Meanwhile the patient’s impressions are sent off to the lab. Once the permanent onlays are delivered another appointment will be scheduled to fit the final onlay in place.

Veneers are a thin piece of porcelain placed over your natural teeth. Unlike more invasive crowns or braces, veneers are capable of improving a host of minor imperfections in teeth alignment, fractures, chips, and coloration. They can also add strength and resiliency to your teeth. Because veneers are bonded to your teeth this is a permanent solution and should be considered carefully. The veneer-fitting process takes one to two appointments. Prefabricated veneers usually takes one appointment. If the lab is manufacturing it takes two appointments. Care for your veneers is as simple as basic upkeep: brush and floss regularly, though you may want to limit beverages that stain your teeth.