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Cosmetic Dentistry

 

Porcelain Inlays

Inlay restoration is a custom made filling that uses composite material, tooth colored porcelain, or gold.  Because porcelain inlays have a natural look, they are the most popular. Inlay restoration is made in a dental laboratory, and it 's cemented into the tooth permanently by the dentist. Since inlays are a conservative approach to repairing teeth, it is used for defective fillings, decay, or trauma. Though porcelain inlays repair the tooth, it is not necessarily permanent and may need to be replaced.  However, it is extremely proficient, and with quality care, it can last many years with a beautiful smile! 

An inlay restoration involves two dental visits.  The first visit includes an evaluation that incorporates several impressions that will be used to create a custom inlay. During the procedure, when the tooth is numb, the decay and/or filling material removal will occur.  The space will be completely cleaned, prepped, and shaped to ensure proper fitting of the porcelain inlay.  During this visit, a temporary filling will be applied while your inlay is being made. On the second visit, the new porcelain inlay will be properly fitted and carefully cemented into place.  With a few adjustments to ensure a proper fit, it will be secured and made comfortable for your bite.

In order to maintain the inlay restoration, it is recommended to practice good oral hygiene, a proper diet, and schedule routine dental check ups to ensure your inlay restoration will be long lasting.

 

Reasons for inlay restorations:

•Broken or fractured teeth

•Large fillings

•Cosmetic enhancement 

•Decayed teeth

•Fractured filling

 

Porcelain Onlays

An onlay restoration is the use of composite material in order to create a custom made filling. Because porcelain onlays offer a natural  tooth-colored look, they are the most popular. Onlays are often been called a partial crown. Porcelain onlays are created in a professional dental laboratory.  In regards to onlays purpose, it is used to repair teeth that have large defective fillings, decay, or trauma.  Since onlays are less evasive, it is an ideal alternative to crowns.  Basically, Onlays are identical to inlays, however the exception is that one or more of the chewing cusps have been affected and need to be included in the restoration.  Similar to other dental restorations, only it's not necessary permanent and could require replacement.  However, they are extremely efficient and durable making your smile better than ever.

An onlay procedure can require two appointments. The first appointment is an evaluation that involves several highly efficient impressions that will be used to mold a custom onlay and temporary restoration. After numbing the tooth, the decay, filling, or fractured teeth will be removed. The space will be clean proficiently and prepped, making the area properly shaped to ensure an onlay fit. There will be a temporary filling that is used to protect the tooth while the onlay becomes fitted. Your onlay will then be made in a dental laboratory. On your second visit, the new onlay will be fitted and carefully set with the use of cement to create a permanent placement. There may be a few adjustments, however, this is done to ensure comfortable fit and successful restoration.

Once your onlay restoration is applied, maintain good oral hygiene, practice a proper diet, and regularly schedule routine dental visits, which will make the onlay have a longer lifespan.

 

Reasons for onlay restorations:

•Cosmetic enhancement

•Broken or fractured teeth 

•Fractured filling

•Decayed teeth

•Large Fillings

 

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are customized thin pieces of tooth shaped porcelain, used to bond onto the front of the teeth completely reshaping your teeth creating a beautiful smile. Veneers are an ideal solution to treating many dental conditions. Although they are extremely durable and will last many years, they are not permanent and may some day need replacement.  They too are fabricated at a dental laboratoy. 

The process of getting porcelain veneers usually takes a couple visits. With little or no anesthesia the dentist will prepare by lightly buffing and shaping the surface. Then an impression (mold) will be taken and the dentist will decide what color/shade will be chosen for your new veneers. During your next visit your teeth will be thoroughly cleansed to achieve a very durable bond. Once both tooth and veneers are bonded with a special cement,  a light beam will be used to harden and set the bond. As always it's recommended to brush, floss and visit the dentist regularly to prolong the life of your new veneers. 

 

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

•Worn or chipped teeth

•Crooked teeth

•Unwanted or uneven spaces

•Teeth that are too small or large

•Severely discolored or stained teeth

•Cosmetically creating a uniform, white, beautiful smile 

 

Tooth Whitening 

Tooth whitening is a non-invasive and simple way to change the color of your natural tooth enamel. This is also a great way to enhance the beauty of your smile. This is known to be the number one aesthetic concern of most patients. However, there are several ways to achieve this goal. One of the most popular methods is using the at home whitening system that will dramatically whiten your teeth. Being that tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is highly important to evaluate the replacement of any fillings, crowns, etc. These are then replaced after whitening goal is achieved to match the newly bleached teeth. Since whitening is not permanent, a touch-up may be needed every few years. If you drink coffee, tea, wine, or even smoke, a touch-up maybe needed more often.

This type of tooth whitening requires only two visits. During your first visit, impressions (molds) of your teeth will be made to create a customized, clear plastic, tray. Then at your following visit, you will try on the tray to ensure proper fit. During this time adjustments will be made if need be. 

These trays will be worn twice a day for 30 minutes, or overnight depending on degree of staining or until desired level or whitening has been achieved. Feeling sensitivity during this time is normal, but it will subside once you have stopped bleaching. It's encouraged to regularly visit the dentist to keep-up and maintain a beautiful, white smile! 

Reasons for tooth whitening:

•Yellow or brown stained teeth 

•Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)

•Stained teeth due to medications (Tetracycline, etc)

•Normal wear of outer tooth level

 

 

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