Today we have the technology to make all porcelain crowns and bridges
that are completely natural looking, strong and biologically compatible.
Also, less tooth structure is removed during preparation,resulting in
a stronger and longer-lasting restoration.
Porcelain veneers are a conservative aesthetic restoration to close gaps,
correct crooked teeth, whiten discolored teeth and give you a beautiful
smile (smile makeover). Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded
to the front and biting surface of the teeth. Very little tooth structure
is removed in order to accomodate the veneer shell. This results in a
strong, functional, natural looking and beautiful smile.
Dental implants are the biggest technological advance in dentistry today.
The ADA considers implants the best way to replace missing teeth. Implants
are titanium pins that are placed where the missing tooth used to be.
Dental implants can be used to replace one or multiple teeth, eliminating
the use of bridges and dentures. Implants can also be used to support
dentures with precision attachments that lock the dentures in place. Patients
don't have to worry about their dentures moving around anymore!!
The dark silver (amalgam) fillings have been the commonly accepted standard
for cavity restoration for decades, but they bring forth a number of disadvantages.
Amalgam fillings are not bonded to the remaining tooth structure, so more
healthy tissue needs to be removed to make sure the restoration stays
in place. They also expand with heat and contract with cold, eventually
causing fractures in the adjacent tooth structure which allows bacteria
to enter, resulting in further decay. Amalgams can also cause gum discoloration.
In our office we restore cavities only witg tooth-colored plastic composite
fillings. This material is bio-compatible and is bonded to the remaining
tooth structure, resulting in a stronger and more conservative restoration.
The procedure is very simple and colors are matched perfectly, resulting
in fillings that are virtually invisible, stronger and longer lasting.
Currently there is a lot of concern about possible health problems caused
by mercury in amalgam fillings. Although the American Dental Association
asserts that dental amalgam materials are safe, some countries in Europe
have banned the use of silver/mercury alloys for dental restorations.
In our office we utilize a specific amalgam removal protocol when replacing
silver amalgam fillings with composites. Special high-suction device called
Clean Up is used to protect patients against contamination when removing
old amalgams.
Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners that dentists use
as an alternative to traditional metal braces. The most obvious advantage
of the treatment is cosmetic: the aligners are completely transparent,
therefore far more difficult to detect than traditional wire and bracket
braces. This makes the method particularly popular among adults who want
to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal braces,
which are commonly worn by children and adolescents. In addition, the
aligners are more comfortable than braces and can be removed for meals
or teeth brushing.2
