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COSMETIC DENTISTRY
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
This can be anything done to correct imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it fixed. The upper teeth usually show when smiling while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to give a stunning look to the mouth. |
We offer a wide variety of cosmetic options. Some of these options are whitening, smile design, recontouring of the shape of the teeth, veneers, white fillings and metal-free all-ceramic crowns.
TEETH WHITENING
This is the procedure of making teeth whiter and more attractive. Our office offers two methods: In-office Zoom! power bleaching and at-home custom tray whitening.
Zoom! is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It is a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth fast - very fast. In just one two-hour appointment, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days of using strips or wearing trays makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual. The Zoom! whitening procedure is simple. It begins with the isolation of your lips and gums. We then apply the proprietary Zoom! whitening gel that is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least three to four shades whiter, sometimes more. A fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You'll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure. Trays with gel are recommended (and included) afterward for maximum whitening and long term maintenance at home.
The at-home tray method involves having impressions taken from which laboratory fabricated custom trays are made. A carbamide peroxide gel is placed in these trays and are worn for 2-4 hours at a time. Many patients just wear them overnight while they sleep as the gel becomes inactivated after about 4 hours. The entire process takes 1-2 weeks. The tray method is recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining, and it may take several months of use to see significant color improvement. For maintenance of whitened teeth the trays should be used every 4-6 months. Refill kits of the gel are offered.
VENEERS
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the parts of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth. This method is usually referred to as bonding. This is a quick way to change the shape and color of your teeth and is quite conservative. However, like all good things, there is a disadvantage in that they are typically not as strong as a porcelain veneer (indirect) and will usually need to be repaired or even replaced over time.
The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In about ten days the veneers return from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.
The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed. Veneers are not recommended for teeth that have existing large fillings or little tooth structure. These types of teeth should be restored with full coverage crowns.
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1346 8th St NE
Suite 102
Auburn, WA 98002
(253) 833-0780
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