Composites are a plastic-like material in the resin family used to fill teeth. The traditional composite resins are made up of a large amount of inorganic filler particles bound by an organic polymer matrix or mesh. The newer generation composites have superior properties which include higher strength, hardness, elasticity, abrasion resistance and high polishability to make the restoration appear lifelike. Uses include cosmetic, filling cavities, correcting size, color and shapes of teeth. They can be used in front as well as back teeth.

Procedure whereby a tooth is covered to strengthen a damaged tooth. The tooth may have been damaged by decay, or have a previous restoration that has fractured. Tooth that had root canal treatment done is also crowned if there  is insufficient tooth structure or if the dentist feels that the tooth will last longer by protecting it with the crown. There are several types of crowns. The dentist and patient will make the decision as to which one is best for patient. This involves several phases. One in which the dentist prepares the tooth and a temporary crown is fabricated and used to temporize the tooth while the crown is being processed in a dental laboratory. The second step is inserting the permanent crown. Failing to return to have the permanent crown placed can cause damage to the underlying tooth due to weakness and poor fit of the temporary crown.

A traditional fixed bridge is composed of a full artificial tooth with crowns attached to either side.  These crowns are cemented over the teeth next to the missing tooth, and hold the artificial tooth in place where your missing tooth had been.  Bridges are custom designed to look just like natural teeth and to fit with your bite.

 

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Veneers are porcelain wafers that are laboratory fabricated and are bonded onto the tooth. They are highly esthetic and lifelike. They are designed to correct colors, sizes, shapes, spaces and alignments of teeth. They are stronger and more durable than composites.

 

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Bleaching is a safe, effective way to lighten the color of teeth. A mold of the teeth are taken to fabricate bleaching trays which custom fit the patient’s mouth. The patient wears these trays usually for 30-45 minutes or overnight depending on the product strength selected. Most treatment takes two weeks, however, more time may be needed in severely stained or discolored teeth.

 

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A procedure whereby a dentist uses special dental adhesives between tooth surface and another material. The tooth is first chemically treated with a special dental acid which causes microscopic porosites in the enamel. The adhesives form a bond with the bonding material. These materials come in various colors and shades. There are also flowable and dough-like materials. The dentist chooses the one he feels best suits the procedure he is performing. The materials at present are highly polishable, are very strong and most last quite a long time. Some even contain fluoride which aids in preventing new cavities from forming. Bonding uses include restoring chips, filling holes, spaces or discolorations.

Tooth reshaping, or contouring, is one of few instant treatments now available in cosmetic dentistry.  Dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in just one session. Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth.