Problem

Stained, discolored, or dull-looking teeth or crowns.  In this case the two central incisors are poorly done crowns with unnatural color.

Treatment Options

If you have stained or discolored teeth, but otherwise like your smile the way it is, all you may need are whitening procedures to give you the smile you've always wanted.

People with stained or dull teeth will benefit from whitening - a safe, effective means to whiten stained, discolored or dull teeth (or even a single tooth). In-office and supervised at-home whitening systems are available. At-home systems should be individually fitted and monitored by your cosmetic dentist. In this case, the two central incisors needed to be replaced with all ceramic crowns in order to match the color and vitality of the adjacent  teeth.

Example

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Problem

Unsightly old teeth, crowns or veneers, may benefit from replacement with a new set of properly contoured new veneers.  In this case, the contours and color blending were changed to significantly enhance the patients smile to create a very natural look. The new veneers pick up the natural light much better for a more vital appearance.

Treatment Options

Teeth that are chipped, cracked, or worn can be perfectly restored with ultra-thin, specially made laminates or veneers. Either option can close gaps or disguise discolored teeth that do not respond well to whitening procedures.

Long-lasting porcelain or composite veneers are ultra-thin, specially made laminates that are bonded to the teeth. Veneers are stronger and have a longer life than bonding, but the process requires more time.

Bonding is a process in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened, and then polished for an ideal smile. This procedure usually can be accomplished in a single visit.

Example

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Problem

Missing teeth or unsightly existing bridge or partial.  In this case the lateral incisors are poorly adapted to the tissue and are discolored.

Treatment Options

Missing teeth can be replaced with predictable results using fixed bridges or dental implants. Crown or bridge work is best for correcting major functional or structural problems with individual teeth, missing teeth, or general bite dysfunction.

New porcelain and ceramic technology is available to replace missing and/or severely broken teeth so that no one can tell that the replacements are not real.

Implants are being used to successfully replace teeth for people in all age groups-with esthetic and predictable results. In this case, the two aforementioned lateral incisors were replaced with single tooth implants, thereby resulting in no need for the patient to wear the bulky partial denture.

Example

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Problem

Excessive or uneven gums

Treatment Options

Excessive or uneven gums can be corrected with cosmetic surgery, a gum lift, resulting in a more even, pleasing smile.  This patient benefited from a variety of gum surgery and porcelain veneers to correct the unequal length and discoloration of some of her front teeth. 

Example

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Problem

Old and unsightly Amalgam fillings

Treatment Options

Old, unsightly fillings can now be replaced with esthetic filling materials such as resins and porcelain fillings or crowns.   In this case tooth-colored onlays were used and are virtually undetectable.

Example

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