Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

Dental bonding or tooth bonding is a technique used for small defects, such as chipped teeth, spots, gaps between teeth, discolorations, fracture repairs, reshaping of teeth and repair of cavities.

Dental bonding is performed directly onto the tooth so this technique requires expertise and artistry at the same time. Colors must be matched and blended, and the tooth must be sculpted and then polished to achieve a beautiful end result.

In only one visit, dental bonding produces dramatic results; more complicated cases will take more than one visit. Although no cosmetic dentistry procedure should take the place of the good oral hygiene practices of daily brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings, dental bonding does brighten your smile easily and quickly.

In addition to your daily brushing and flossing routine, it is suggested you use a gentle toothpaste recommended by your dentist for bonded teeth, slice hard foods like apples and carrots before enjoying them and avoid bad habits like biting fingernails and chewing pencils.
The procedure is virtually pain-free, although some sensitivity may be noticed for a short time following the dental bonding.

A good candidate for dental bonding enjoys good oral health, is in good physical condition, a non-smoker and has realistic goals and expectations regarding the expected results.

To learn more about the dental bonding procedure and what it can do for your smile, please contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today.

A dental bridge is usually recommended as a solution if you have one or more missing teeth. Missing teeth leave gaps in your mouth that eventually cause your remaining teeth to shift into the empty spaces left behind by your missing teeth, which results in a problem bite. Missing teeth can also lead to gum disease (periodontitis) or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ).

Dental bridges usually replace one or more missing teeth, with the bridge cemented to your natural teeth or implants adjacent to the empty spaces left by the missing teeth. These teeth serve as anchors for the dental bridge.

In order for a bridge to be properly fitted, your dentist must prepare your teeth and make a mold for the bridge, which is then sent off to a dental laboratory to be made to your custom specifications. A temporary bridge is fitted while your permanent bridge is being made.

When your permanent bridge is completed, the temporary bridge is removed and your permanent bridge is cemented over your prepared teeth. Regular good oral hygiene practices, such as daily brushing and flossing and regular professional dental cleanings, will ensure the longevity of your bridge. A bridge can lose its anchoring support if the teeth or gums holding it in place are damaged by dental or gum disease.

To learn more about dental bridges and how they can improve the look and functionality of your teeth, please contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today.

A dental crown is a restoration that encases your entire tooth and is often referred to as a "cap." Dental crowns can be used to protect a damaged tooth, restore a tooth with extensive decay, or replace a pre-existing crown. The purpose of a dental crown is to encase a tooth within a custom-designed material. Dental crowns can strengthen a damaged tooth and improve its appearance, shape and alignment.

Dental crowns are recommended when restoring a fractured tooth, attaching a bridge, covering a dental implant, covering a tooth that has had a root canal treatment or covering a discolored or poorly shaped tooth.

During the dental crown procedure, your cosmetic dentist prepares your tooth and makes a mold to send off to a dental laboratory. A temporary crown is created and fitted to protect your natural tooth while you await your custom-designed crown. When your crown is completed, it will be cemented or bonded at your next visit to the dentist.

In the past, gold crowns were very popular, but recently porcelain crowns have gained in popularity because they are more aesthetically pleasing and are very strong and durable.

A highly skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist has the ability to fit you with a customized crown that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

If you feel you could benefit from being fitted with a dental crown, but need more information about the options available to you, please contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today.

Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay or to restore teeth that are cracked but are not damaged to the point of needing a dental crown. Dental inlays are used to treat teeth that have decay within their indented top surfaces, and onlays treat decay on the top projections of teeth.

Inlays and onlays are commonly made of porcelain, composite resin and even gold. Inlays and onlays are often also used to replace metal fillings for patients who want a more natural looking smile. By saving decayed teeth, inlays and onlays can prevent the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future and are so durable they can last thirty years or longer.

The placement of inlays and onlays can be accomplished in two dental visits. Since inlays and onlays are made from durable material, they offer a longer-lasting and more natural appearing result than metal fillings. Inlays and onlays also help eliminate tooth sensitivity and tooth loss, are virtually invisible, and help strengthen your teeth. There is usually no downtime associated with these treatments, so you can return to normal daily activities immediately.

If you would like to learn whether you can benefit from an inlay or an onlay, please contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today.