Cosmetic dentistry is the correction of imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. Most imperfections can be fixed, most of the time. The upper teeth show usually, only when smiling, while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to provide an attractive appearance.
We offer a wide variety of cosmetic options. Some of these options are whitening, smile design, recontouring of the shape of the teeth, veneers, bonding, and all ceramic/porcelain crowns.
WHITENING
Regardless of the method, all whitening products use similar bleaches. The stronger the bleach concentration, the less time it takes to obtain results. However, with higher concentrations, tooth sensitivity increases. Do office bleaching systems with fancy lights or lasers work better? Honestly, you get the same results with or without the light. I prefer the tray method so exposure time can be increased.
The tray method involves having impressions taken from which laboratory fabricated custom vinyl trays are made. A carbamide peroxide gel is placed in these trays and the trays with gel are worn for about 3 hours, or overnight. The entire process takes 3-4 weeks of daily use. Three different strengths of gel may be used, however the higher the strength, the greater the likelihood of reactions or tooth sensitivity. The tray method is recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining, and it may take several months of use to see significant color improvement. For maintenance of whitened teeth the trays may be used every several months.
The benefit of the tray system is that it is almost half the cost of in-office bleaching, and there is usually less post-treatment sensitivity.
MINIMAL INVASIVE DENTISTRY
Dr. Hart is a firm believer in proactive patient care. Your first visit will involve a comprehensive tutorial on the essentials of proper tooth care and effective cleaning techniques. In the event of a cavity, I find that the less amount of tooth structure removed, the longer that tooth will last. Often the best treatment chioce is one that removes the decay and replaces the removed tooth structure. WIth proper attention to placement technique, direct placement resin and indirect, pressed ceramics can achieve excellent results.
The direct resin technique usually involves placing composite resin on the inside or outside of the tooth using bonding. Bonding is essentially the etching of the tooth to allow resin to stick to it.
The indirect pressed ceramic technique usually involves two appointments because the pressed ceramic will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two weeks the pressed ceramics are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and they are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic. Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect
The indirect pressed ceramic can be used in posterior teeth to replace a loss cusp which before, to make it tooth colored, meant a full coverage crown.
WHAT IS THE BEST COSMETIC DENTISTRY?
Dr. Hart is a perfectionist with exceptionally high standards. Our aim is to provide a natural, attactive look. To achieve the best results we use a local cosmetic laboratory staffed by a seasoned professional with extensive training that makes in-office visits. Our cosmetic cases get the best possilbe results!