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Cosmetic Dentistry
Tooth Whitening | Porcelain Veneers | Composite Veneers | Porcelain Crowns (Caps) | Full Mouth Reconstruction
In the past decade there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.
Cosmetic dental treatments can:
- Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth.
- Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.
- Improve or correct bites.
- Lighten or brighten the color of teeth.
- Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth.
- Replace missing teeth.
- Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.
Remember, your smile speaks before you even say a word!
How do you go about choosing a cosmetic dentist?
Unfortunately, most patients do not know that there are no 'regulations' on cosmetic dentistry. This means that any dentist can say he/she is a cosmetic or aesthetic dentist, regardless of training or experience. Therefore, most dentists say they are 'cosmetic' because they do white fillings or porcelain crowns. When choosing a cosmetic dentist, there are at least three questions I would ask:
What kind of advanced training have you had in cosmetic dentistry?
I have trained and worked through a Mastership in Aesthetic Dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies. This includes numerous courses focusing on different aspects of cosmetic dentistry, performed on live patients. I have trained under Dr. Bill Dickerson and Dr. Ron Jackson, both recognized as top cosmetic dentists throughout the country. After submission of final cases (these are very specific and hard to find), I will be the youngest graduate ever at the Las Vegas Institute.
What type of lab do you use?
Let's face it, the final product is only as good as your lab technician who creates it. We use Sunrise Dental Laboratory (formerly MAC Lab). You may have seen advertisements for MAC veneers in Oprah Magazine or another publication. They are recognized as one of the top labs in the country. Our lab technician, Stanka, and I have developed a great relationship and we communicate on each and every case we send. We take multiple high quality pictures that we email to her, so she can see exactly what we see when matching colors, etc. Her work is nothing short of spectacular.
Do you have pictures of cases that you did that are comparable to my situation?
Any cosmetic dentist that prides himself on his work will have pictures of cases he did to show you. We have displayed some pictures on this website, with many more in the office to view, as our portfolio is always expanding. We pride ourselves in our work, even on your back tooth that no one else will ever see. I live by the saying "Anything worth doing is worth doing well." Come in and find out for yourself.
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Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons for tooth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
- Yellow, brown stained teeth.
What does tooth whitening involve?
This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.
At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.
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Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.
As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for porcelain veneers:
- Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
- Crooked teeth.
- Misshapen teeth.
- Severely discolored or stained teeth.
- Teeth that are too small or large.
- Unwanted or uneven spaces.
- Worn or chipped teeth.
What does getting porcelain veneers involve?
Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and the dentist.
On the second visit the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.
You will receive care instructions for veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers
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Composite Veneers
CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR INFORMATION
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Porcelain Crowns (Caps)
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Cosmetic enhancement.
- Decayed teeth.
- Fractured fillings.
- Large fillings.
- Tooth has a root canal.
What does getting a crown involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
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Full Mouth Reconstruction
CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR INFORMATION
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Please fill out the form below to receive more information from us.
Desert Mountain Dentistry
4365 E Pecos Road Suite # 132
Gilbert, AZ 85295
Tel: 480-988-5700
Fax: 480-988-5715
