Dental bonding is an efficient, affordable process of bonding tooth-colored resin to the teeth to hide imperfections like small gaps, minor chips, and discoloration. Along with cosmetic benefits, bonding can also be used to fill cavities. Over time, the bonding may need to be touched up or replaced...

When a significant amount of a tooth has been lost from decay or injury, but still worth saving – a crown may be in your best interest. A crown fortifies and restores damaged teeth, letting them function and look just like natural teeth.

When a tooth is beyond repair or missing completely, a dental implant with a crown is widely considered to be the best solution. The next best thing is often a three-unit fixed bridge which uses your natural teeth on either side of the gap. Longer bridges can be used to span longer gaps.

Crowns and bridges are made by a dental technician that uses the mold of your teeth to determine the exact shape and size of the restoration. The process usually only takes a few weeks to create to help you look your best with your new smile.

The longevity of a crown or bridge depends mostly on the dental health and hygiene habits of the patient. Routine exams and cleanings as well as brushing and flossing regularly will help keep your smile looking great for years to come.

A crown or bridge can help in many different scenarios. Here are a few that may apply to your case:

• A crown can cover and secure a tooth that has cracked or chipped.
• A darkened or discolored tooth that doesn’t respond to whitening treatments will look bright, smooth, and polished after a crown is added.
• A dental bridge will fill in spaces caused by lost or extracted teeth.
• A crown will shore up a tooth that is vulnerable after root canal therapy.

Veneers are thin, custom made pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that 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...

Teeth 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.

Teeth 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.
• 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.