BLEACHING Back to V.I.P. Smiles Page
Bleaching is a procedure that brightens teeth that are discolored, stained, or have been darkened because of injury. It can be performed on any tooth, even one that has had root canal treatment. There are two types of bleaching procedures. Bleaching may be done completely in the dental office (known as chairside or power zoom bleaching) or a system may be dispensed by the dentist for the patient to use at home (nightguard bleaching).

 
LUMINEERS / VENEERS Back to V.I.P. Smiles Page
Veneers are thin custom made shells made of tooth-colored materials that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are fabricated by a dental technician, usually in a commercial dental laboratory, from a model provided by the dental office. Veneers are used to close gaps or cover teeth that are stained, poorly shaped, or slightly crooked.

 
BONDING Back to V.I.P. Smiles Page
Bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored materials are applied to the surface of a tooth. Bonding covers discolorations, repairs chips, breaks and cracks and fills in gaps. It is a virtually painless procedure that is usually completed in one visit. Periodically, it may have to be recoated or replaced, since it usually lasts from five to seven years.

 
RECONTOURING Back to V.I.P. Smiles Page
Enamel Shaping is a process of contouring natural teeth to improve their overall appearance. When teeth are slightly crowded or uneven, or when eye teeth appear too long, enamel shaping may be used to correct the flaw. Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth by removing or contouring enamel to create harmony and balance in the mouth. This more conservative process cannot solve all problems. Crowded teeth may need braces.

 
BRIDGES Back to V.I.P. Smiles Page
    With time, if even one tooth is missing, the space may cause your teeth in front of the space to drift back creating spaces in between front teeth, teeth behind space to tilt forward or tooth above space to erupt down. There are two types of bridges:
Fixed Bridge: This bridge is cemented in place over the teeth just like a single crown, and are not removable. Bridges can be made of white porcelain, gold, a silver colored metal, or a combination of these. A fixed bridge is the most realistic method of replacing teeth, both in appearance and chewing comfort.
Removable Partial: This is designed to be inserted and removed by the patient. It is held in place by mental clasps surrounding your natural teeth. It can be used in place of a fixed bridge or in cases where a fixed bridge cannot be used.

 
DENTAL IMPLANTS Back to V.I.P. Smiles Page
Unlike conventional, removable dentures which are designed to fit against the gums, dental implants actually provide tooth roots. As the name implies, implant dentures are permanently positioned below the surface of the gums and utilize the bone to give stability to the new teeth. With Dental Implants there is no slipping, no pain or discomfort, no tedious removal for overnight soaking, no adhesives. Implants stay in your mouth just as natural teeth do. Because implants remain in the mouth at all times, there is often a dramatic improvement in the person's appearance, in the way they talk, and most important, in the foods they eat. Because implants are placed below the gum surface, the procedure is properly called surgery, but it is performed under local anesthetic and IV sedation if desired.

 
CROWNS Back to V.I.P. Smiles Page
The purpose of a crown is to protect and strengthen a brittle, weakened or badly broken tooth, (like a root canal tooth or a tooth with a very large filling). A crown may be made out of gold, a silver colored metal or white porcelain. Crowns are similar to a thimble fitting over a finger and fits the tooth precisely and is cemented to the prepared tooth. Porcelain crowns are often used for cosmetic reasons.

 
COMPOSITES Back to V.I.P. Smiles Page
Composites are fillings that are designed to match the color of your teeth. They may be used to restore a decayed tooth or repair a defect. Although they are often used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, they may be used on a back tooth when the restoration is small, or in cases where it may be visible.