Treatment Options (Call the office for more details -- these are meant only as outlines) Lightening the teeth either by applying bleach in a custom tray, or by the use of whitening strips. We recommend Crest Whitestrips to start the whitening process. If you prefer more intense whitening, we also offer the Colgate Visible White system for home use.
Porcelain covers over the front of teeth to improve the esthetics. This is a less destructive procedure than crowns and is possible when there is not decay or broken down teeth. Veneers are usually done to cover the six front upper teeth to make the shade consistent. They are less expensive than crowns, but are normally not covered by insurance plans.
The placement of plastic (composite) which adheres to the tooth. Generally refers to plastic on the front of the tooth for esthetics, but bonding is done every time there is a plastic filling placed in a tooth, to improve the retention. We use a light to cure the plastic.
Coverings over teeth, sometimes called caps. These are necessary when there is extensive destruction of the tooth due to a lost filling or decay. If there is a very large filling present in a tooth, a crown is helpful because it holds the tooth together -- it is stronger and more esthetic. Most crowns done in our office are porcelain-covered so the crown will match the color of the surrounding teeth. Following a root canal, a crown is usually placed because such a tooth is weaker following the root canal. In that case a post is usually placed inside the tooth to strengthen it prior to the construction of a crown. Crowns are cemented permanently.
The use of crowns to fill in spaces
where a tooth has been lost. A dental bridge resembles a bridge across a
river in that there are connections at both ends and a span in the middle.
There is a "false tooth" crown (pontic) in
between the crowns which serve as anchors (abutments). A bridge is all in one
piece and is cemented permanently. The result is more teeth for use with
chewing, and they look like teeth and are comfortable. Implants Implants, performed by an oral surgeon, are then restored in our office with a crown or a bridge depending on the number and location of the implant(s). This is a custom procedure, and the results are very favorable! Implants can also be used to anchor dentures more securely in the mouth.
Usually refers to a prosthesis that replaces all of the teeth. Also called a "plate". A complete denture can be done after teeth are extracted or can be remade when an earlier denture is worn or ill-fitting. In time a denture may have to be "relined" -- plastic placed inside a denture to improve the fit.
This is a "plate" which replaces only some missing teeth. The partial then clips onto the teeth that remain in the mouth. It is removable and should be cleaned every day. In general, it is better to keep as many of your own teeth, because the partial will be more stable when it has teeth to clip onto. We offer nearly invisible “clasps” in our Valplast partials.
Generally from dental amalgam ("silver fillings") or composite ("plastic"). Most back teeth can be filled in either way, depending on the size of the cavity. Amalgam restorations are usually less expensive and may be the only way to fill a tooth. But composite fillings are always used on front teeth because of esthetics, and can be used more frequently on back teeth as well.
Also called "scaling and root planing", which is done when it is necessary to clean
teeth deeper under the gum line than usual. When there is periodontal
(gum) pocketing, and tartar forms under the gum line or on the root surface, it
is important that these deposits be removed to try to regain the health of the
tissues. Most commonly done when there had been a long time between cleanings.
Scaling and root planing is usually done in more than
one appointment, and most often under local anesthetic. We have a machine that assists
us in removal of the deposits, which makes it easier and more comfortable for
the patient. We recommend and sell rechargeable electric toothbrushes such as the Oral-B Sonic Complete and the Sonicare FlexCare. |