Cosmetic Dentistry
A perfect smile is captivating. Nice-looking teeth give you a certain confidence and ease. Cosmetic dentistry offers many options to enhance your smile.
Tooth Whitening – Many factors can cause discolored teeth:
- Some medical conditions
- Some medications
- Habitually drinking coffee, tea, or cola
- Habitually using tobacco
- The effects of advancing age
A bleaching process can be employed to brighten discolored smiles. Depending upon the type of discoloration, your dentist will select a particular method for whitening your teeth. The “power-bleaching method” is performed entirely within the dentist’s office using a highly concentrated bleaching gel which is activated by a laser or power light. This method most often produces results after one visit. At-home methods show results within 2-4 weeks with the daily use of a custom-fitted mouth appliance that is filled with dentist-dispensed gel. Both techniques effectively remove stains and discoloration to attain a brighter smile.
Bondings
Dental bondings are a simple cosmetic solution for minor cracks, chips, and worn teeth. Enamel-like material is applied to the surface of the tooth and hardened with an ultraviolet light. The material is durable, but the bonding may need replacement after a few years. The procedure is painless and can be completed in one office visit.
Porcelain Fillings
For many years, silver and gold fillings have been the only option available to dental patients. Although these fillings function well, having a mouth full of shiny metal is not appealing to many people. Today, most dentists offer porcelain fillings that match the color of your teeth. Also, these fillings are less likely to cause stress fractures and are identical to a completely natural tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are used to alter teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned. When preparing a tooth for a porcelain veneer, the enamel on the front side of the existing tooth is trimmed back approximately. 5mm. A porcelain laminate is then secured to the tooth with a resin cement making the procedure irreversible. The process requires two to three office visits. Veneers are very durable and patients are able to maintain normal eating habits, with minimal limitations. Dentists do recommend avoiding sticky foods that may twist the laminate. Dentists also caution that some patients may temporarily experience minor hot and cold sensitivity, but it should pass in one to two weeks after insertion.
3131 Stein Boulevard
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 835-7172
(800) 826-7226
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