Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry deals with the appearance of the teeth and offers a variety of treatment options. Following are several cosmetic dentistry procedures that Dr. Yang offers.
Invisalign®
When some people think of braces, they envision those traditional, silver “train-track” braces. For adults particularly, the thought of those braces can be a deterrent to achieving proper teeth alignment.
But Invisalign® invisible braces make it possible for people to have straight teeth without the appliances being obvious.
Invisalign® is an alignment system that employs a series of clear plastic aligners custom-fitted for each individual patient that gently guide the teeth into proper position over time.
If you are self-conscious about your smile, but have been apprehensive about seeking treatment, contact us today for a consultation to determine if Invisalign® is a good option for you.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are similar to Lumineers, in that they are a good repair option for chipped or cracked teeth. They also can be used to align teeth and whiten your smile.
Getting porcelain veneers takes two dental visits. At the first appointment, Dr. Yang removes part of the enamel on the teeth that veneers will be placed on. He also performs any necessary reshaping and then roughens the surface of the teeth so the veneers will bond to the surface effectively.
Once this process is completed, we will take an impression of your teeth, which is sent to a dental laboratory and used to create your custom-made veneers. You will be given temporary veneers to wear while your permanent replacements are fabricated.
At your second appointment, the permanent porcelain veneers are bonded to the teeth.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer, about the thickness of a contact lens, that are bonded to the teeth to permanently whiten, align and repair crooked, dingy or chipped teeth in a manner that requires very little altering of the existing tooth structure. These veneers also can be placed over any existing dental bridges or crowns to provide uniformity in tooth color and shape.
Lumineers have been clinically proven to last 20 years or more and require no additional maintenance.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are an aesthetic, safe, permanent option for people who need a tooth repaired and/or strength and function restored to teeth damaged by decay or trauma.
A porcelain crown can repair a single tooth or multiple teeth. They are designed specifically for each individual patient to look and feel like natural teeth.
Porcelain crowns are completed in two dental visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing decay if necessary and is shaped so the crown will fit snugly onto it. An impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the porcelain crown is made.
You will receive a temporary crown to wear while your permanent replacement is made, which typically takes about two weeks. At your second appointment, the crown is fitted onto the tooth and minor adjustments are made if necessary before it is permanently bonded to your natural tooth.
Porcelain Bridges
Just as the name suggests, porcelain bridges can bridge the gap created my one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth to replace a missing tooth, which is bonded to two porcelain crowns on either side of the missing tooth.
Porcelain bridges provide a natural-looking repair that can restore your ability to speak and chew properly, prevent surrounding teeth from drifting out of proper alignment, maintain your facial shape and restore your smile and your confidence.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding uses a composite resin to repair broken or chipped teeth. It also can be used to fill in gaps between the teeth or to recolor and reshape the teeth.
The process involves applying a mild etching solution to the tooth surfaces that will receive the bonding material. Doing so enables the bonding materials to securely adhere to the teeth.
Because bonding resins come in a variety of shades, we can select one that closely matches your natural teeth to provide an aesthetic repair that no one will notice.
