One of our goals is for all our patients to be happy with and confident about their smile. If there is something you’re not happy with about your teeth, we can help you.
There are many procedures to improve worn, discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing teeth. Some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures are whitening, bonding, crowns and veneers.
WHITENING
Teeth whitening (aka-bleaching) is the process of using a type of peroxide to lighten teeth and staining. Not everyone is a candidate for whitening, so the first step is to figure out the cause of the stain. Stains can form due to age, heredity, medications or behaviors (like smoking or drinking coffee/tea).
We can further determine if whitening is an option with additional evaluations of gum sensitivity, existing dental work, planned dental work, the number of teeth needing whitening as well as other factors which are unique to each patient.
If after a complete evaluation whitening is a viable option for you, we will make one of several recommendations:
A professional at home teeth whitening kit with custom trays; a professional power whitening session performed in the office; or an over the counter whitening product.
Whitening results can last anywhere from 3 months to several years. For optimal results, we recommend a touch up routine every 3 to 6 months.
While teeth whitening is not harmful to the teeth, some people may experience temporary sensitivity to the gums/mouth.
| In addition to whitening, Dr. Chicvak also completed veneers for this patient on the two side front teeth. |
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BONDING
Bonding or composite is tooth colored material placed on the teeth to fill spaces, change color or repair cavities and broken teeth. Cosmetic bonding can usually be done in one visit and typically lasts for several years before needing replacement.
CROWNS
Crowns (aka-caps) are used on a tooth that needs more extensive repair. We use top quality porcelain that allows us to work with you to choose a precise color match to your teeth to ensure the most natural look.
This patient had confidence issues with her smile.
After a combination of bonding and crowns for her top teeth, she now smiles all the time! |
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VENEERS
Veneers are aesthetic layers for the teeth. Teeth that are essentially healthy but have poor color and shape are the best candidates for veneers.
There are 2 types: composite veneers and porcelain laminate veneers.
Composite veneers use bonding or composite material to reshape and repair a tooth. Based on each patient evaluation and the uniqueness of their situation, we may recommend this option for a younger patient where gums have not matured or for an adult that needs minimal enhancement of a tooth.
Porcelain laminate veneers are thin pieces of ceramic which replace the tooth enamel. We use these when more extensive work on a tooth is needed. Typically, a porcelain laminate veneer is more lifelike and can last anywhere from 7 to 20 years.
| "Dr. Chicvak literally changed my life!" - Svetlana (completed veneers on both front side teeth) |
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| Things to Consider... |
| The most common reasons for needing cosmetic replacements of teeth are from using teeth to do things they weren’t meant for like opening bags, chewing nails or cuticles, cracking nuts, chewing bones, crunching ice or opening bottle tops…so DON’T do that! |
| Another reason could be due to teeth grinding. Grinding (aka-Bruxism) could be due to everyday stress or could be an indication of a much larger problem. We will help you determine the cause of your grinding and recommend the appropriate appliance for your needs because, after we do the cosmetic fixes to your teeth, we want to make sure they stay that way! |
If you want to improve your smile request an appointment or contact us today and experience what Dentistry Done Better is all about!