Tooth colored fillings (white fillings)
directly bond to the teeth, providing strength
in addition to aesthetics. Composite fillings are preferred over amalgam fillings
(silver fillings) due to their ability to bond and become a part of the tooth structure,
whereas amalgam fillings
are held in place by the shape of the prepared tooth structure.
An implant is placed in the gums where
teeth are missing. When the implant is ready to be restored (usually within 4-6
months after placement), impressions are taken and sent to the lab to make the permanent
crown that will be attached to the implant. Implant
restoration can last a lifetime.
A crown is done to strengthen the tooth
that is otherwise weakened by a large filling, fracture, decay or when it is badly
damaged. There are several indications for placing a crown on a tooth, these can
be due to aesthetic considerations, but most are due to considerable loss of tooth
structure. A crown also protects the tooth
from heavy biting forces we generate on our teeth while chewing. Once restored with
a crown, the tooth functions as a natural
tooth.
A bridge is a tooth replacement option. It is done to replace a missing tooth by
joining an artificial tooth permanently to the adjacent
teeth on each side of the missing area. The teeth on each side of the missing area
will be prepared for a crown, another crown will be made to replace the
tooth on the missing area. This will be attached to the crowns adjacent
to it. A bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces missing teeth.
Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created
for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic
that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place,
based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to
attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until
your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The
best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth.
Dental veneers are custom-designed thin
layers of porcelain material that are placed only on the front of the
tooth to improve the appearance of the teeth. Veneers can be used to fix
worn tooth enamel, chips, cracks, and even overlapping tooth alignment or spacing
with minimal reduction of tooth
structure.
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored
resin is bonded to the teeth's surface to enhance aesthetics. Bonding is usually
applied in areas of very low bite pressure such as the anterior (front) teeth. Dental
bonding can be used as an option for correction of the following:
- To repair chipped or cracked teeth
- To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- To close spaces between teeth
- To make teeth look longer
- To change the shape of teeth
Scaling and root planning is the most common and conservative form of
treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. The process involves the removal
of plaque and tarter that has moved below the gumline. Scaling and root planing
treatment is usually divided into multiple
visits. The hygienist uses special instruments to reach below the gumline. Local
anesthetic may be used to numb the area being treated during each
visit.
After the scaling and root planing
treatment is complete,
patients return on a 3-4 month periodontal maintenance schedule as part
of the periodontal therapy. It is important to frequently monitor the health of
the gums as well as keep the periodontal pockets clean and free of infection.