Cosmetic Dentistry And Tooth Whitening

Porcelain Crowns & Dental Bonding

January 7th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Dental bonding - also known as composite bonding - is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s appearance and smile.

Dental bonding can be an option:

To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
To repair chipped or cracked teeth
To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
To close spaces between teeth
To make teeth look longer
To change the shape of teeth
As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
To protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed due to gums receding

The Dental Bonding Procedure

Dental bonding on the anterior or front teeth is an excellent method for repairing minor imperfections such as chips and stains. It can repair cracked, chipped, and discolored teeth as well as replace silver amalgam fillings. Dental bonding can also be a great alternative to more extensive (and expensive) cosmetic dentistry treatment with porcelain veneers, bridges, and crowns. Dental bonding is an excellent option for individuals looking to repair imperfections in their smile.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns have been used in dentistry for more than fifty years. Porcelain crowns refer to a dental crown made utilizing porcelain. These crowns are not as strong as bonded crowns, however they can look very natural and are most often used for front teeth.

Porcelain crowns tend to require two to three appointments to create and the most important aspect of it is how accurately it fits and color-matches the affected tooth. Porcelain crowns are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not.

Porcelain crowns are usually used on teeth that can be seen when a person smiles so that the crown appears to be the same color as the rest of the natural teeth.

If you have large visible fillings when you speak or smile, crowns can eliminate the metallic look. Crowns protect and cover cracked or damaged teeth while restoring your smile to its original strength and beauty. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile, and they are the perfect permanent restoration when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed or compromised aesthetically.

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Options For Whiter Teeth and a Brighter Smile

July 24th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Let’s take a look at some of the options available for a bright smile and whiter teeth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied to the teeth and hardened with a special light, which in effect “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. Dental bonding (also known as composite bonding) on the anterior or front teeth is an excellent method for repairing minor imperfections such as chips and stains and is also an excellent way to fix cosmetic and structural imperfections in the teeth.

Tooth Whitening

The goal with teeth whitenening is to produce a brighter whiter smile quickly. Whitening (bleaching) can be done either in a dentist’s office or at home, using a system dispensed by your dentist or an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help remove surface stains between dental visits. It’s not uncommon for teeth to become slightly sensitive during the whitening process as many whitening kits prescribed by dentists today contain a solution of 10-15% carbamide peroxide.

Crowns

Crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth and protect it from further decay. Crowns are firmly attached to your real tooth beneath, anchored by the tooth’s own roots, and are extremely durable. Crowns are permanent dental fixtures that are cemented into place over a partial tooth. Dental crowns are a valuable way to restore a tooth to its original shape, strengthen a weak tooth, and/or improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth.

Dental bonding can repair cracked, chipped, and discolored teeth as well as replace silver amalgam fillings. Dental bonding is also a great alternative to more extensive cosmetic dentistry treatment with porcelain veneers, bridges, and crowns. Dental bonding is an excellent option for individuals looking to repair imperfections in their smile. Dental bonding lasts about five to ten years.

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