As you get older your teeth can become worn, decayed and broken, which can lead to chewing and speaking problems in addition to the obvious aesthetic problems. In addition, a person with missing teeth or noticeable metal fillings may be reluctant to smile.
Ceramic Crowns
A crown (often called a cap) covers the tooth and restores it to its original shape and size. Decay is removed and cleaned from the tooth and a highly accurate impression or mold is made of the prepared surface. This mold is used to create a model of the tooth which is then sent to a special laboratory that will create a gold or porcelain (tooth colored) crown. The crown is then cemented onto the prepared surface of the tooth.
Bridges
A bridge is a single appliance that is generally attached to two teeth on each side of the space where a tooth is missing. An artificial tooth attached in the middle of the bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns (see crowns) and a highly accurate impression or mold is made of the prepared area. This mold is used to create a gold or porcelain (tooth colored) bridge in a special laboratory. The bridge is then cemented onto the prepared surface of the teeth, effectively creating the appearance of a “new” tooth.
Composite Fillings
A composite filling is a tooth colored quartz-like material. After tooth decay is removed and cleaned, this tooth colored material is layered into the tooth. Each layer is hardened or cured with highly intense visible light, and the final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth. The final restoration is virtually invisible.
Inlays and Onlays
Decay is removed and cleaned from the tooth and a highly accurate impression or mold is made of the prepared surface. This mold is used to create a model of the tooth which is then sent to a special laboratory that will create a gold or porcelain (tooth colored) restoration called an inlay or onlay. The inlay or onlay is then cemented into the prepared surface of the tooth.
An inlay covers only one or two surfaces of the tooth and is used to restore a small amount of decay. An onlay actually covers one or more cusps (the chewing surface of the tooth.)
Teeth Whitening and Teeth Whitening Certificates
Teeth whitening improves the appearance of your smile by giving you sparkling white teeth. Virtually everyone who opts for this cosmetic treatment will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. However, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and requires maintenance or “touch-ups” for a prolonged effect.
Soft Tissue Recontouring
Often times patients have an uneven appearance to their smile. Gingival (soft tissue) recontouring is often performed before other esthetic work is done. This procedure is done with a laser, often times without anesthetic, which gives patients a much improved appearance.
TMJ Treatment
Symptoms of TMJ can range for head and neck aches to popping or clicking when you open your jaw. Treatments can range from bite guards to massage therapy and medication.
Partial and Complete Dentures
A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.
Extractions
Unfortunately, due to some of the reasons above, teeth must be removed. Fortunately, however, today’s tooth removal procedures and understanding of anatomy help to make this process more comfortable for the patient than ever before.
Teeth are held in place by fibrous tissue called periodontal ligaments. By carefully severing or breaking these ligaments, teeth may be extracted without causing trauma to the jaw bone or other teeth. Even wisdom tooth removal can be performed with minimal post-operative discomfort if simple procedures are followed based on the tooth location and anatomy of the jaw.
