Here are some definitions of key dental terms to help you become more familiar with dentistry and the services we provide at our offices:
If you are a dental patient who is not happy with how white your teeth look, or if you are unhappy with your smile, make a consultation appointment with one of our Cosmetic Dentists today!
Porcelain Crowns
A crown is placed on top of a tooth to prevent it from breaking. Teeth that have large fillings are prone to cracking or breaking. A crown, especially if it has metal in it protects a tooth against breaking. Most common crowns utilize a metal lining covered with porcelain that do not appear as natural as light is not able to pass through them as it is through natural teeth. This results in a dark or grey line next to the gum line. Porcelain, all-ceramic non-metal crowns provide a more natural look resulting in a more natural, beautiful smile.
Dental Implants
Implants are artificial tooth replacements. A dental implant is a small, sturdy, titanium post that acts as the root structure would for a natural tooth. A dental implant is placed into your upper or lower jaw bone. After the bone has grown around the implant, implants can hold a crown, bridge or over-denture just like roots hold natural teeth in place. Implants are very durable and can last a lifetime.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the top cosmetic procedure performed in America today. It is ideal for treating discolorations on the enamel and dentin of your teeth. Stains from coffee, tea, and even smoking can be minimized or even eliminated in just one visit. Having your teeth whitened is one of the easiest ways to reinvigorate your smile and brighten your outlook. For more noticeable results, teeth whitening may also be combined with porcelain veneers, dental bonding, porcelain fillings, and other cosmetic dentistry services.
Bleaching
Bleaching is a teeth whitening procedure by using oxidizing agents like Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide Peroxide. These oxidizing agents when used on the teeth penetrate through the teeth into the enamel and oxidize the stain deposits. Over a period of time the dentin layer lying underneath the enamel s also bleached.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is used for basic tooth restoration in an attempt to restore the tooth’s natural beauty. During this process a composite filling is first placed on the teeth and thin coat of plastic is used to sculpt the teeth and provide it with shape and color. The plastic is then hardened with the help of a high intensity light and later the surface is finely polished.
Full Mouth Rehab
Full mouth rehab involves a comprehensive dental treatment involving different procedures to make your mouth fully functional as well as esthetically beautiful. The type of procedures and time taken may vary depending on each patient’s individual case.
Veneers
Veneers are a cosmetic option that can cover a multitude of dental flaws such as Cracks and chips, Discoloration, Wide teeth gaps or Worn Enamel. They are either made of porcelain or composite resin. A small portion of the tooth enamel is removed and the veneer is cemented over it.
Tooth Contouring and Reshaping
Chipped tooth, grooves or worn edges can come in the way of one having a beautiful smile and affect one’s confidence. Such minor defects can however be polished with the help of several polishing instruments to give teeth a more attractive shape. It is quick, painless and can restore one’s natural smile with minimal invasion.