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Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

• Teeth Whitening
• Composite Bonding
• LUMINEERS®
• Porcelain Veneers
• White (Composite) Fillings

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening offers tremendous advantages compared to commercially available home treatments. Custom tray design and quality materials are the cornerstones of professional teeth whitening. Prior to whitening, the dentist determines if a patient is a good candidate. A good cosmetic dentist has many forms of whitening treatment and will determine which is optimal for a specific patient based on many variables. Teeth whitening is not like hair coloring; while your hair will grow out or fade if you're not satisfied with results, you only have one set of teeth!

Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, it is inevitable that over time some yellowing or discoloration will occur. This gradual change can be caused by aging, substances that stain your teeth (such as coffee and tobacco), excessive fluoride, or the deterioration of a tooth's nerve. Teeth whitening treatments can be performed either as an at-home, dentist-supervised process or in the dentist's chair. While neither of these methods can stop future discoloration, these treatments bring about whiter teeth and help create a more vibrant smile.

At-home Whitening

The most popular method of teeth whitening is the at-home, dentist-supervised option. During your visit to the dentist, he takes a mold of your teeth and creates a comfortable, customized mouth tray. The mouth tray holds a mild solution whose main ingredient is carbamide peroxide, a substance that reacts with water to release a non-toxic bleaching element (hydrogen peroxide). The mouth tray is placed inside the mouth , and sits only against the teeth, thereby avoiding contact with the gums. Patients can choose either to wear the mouth tray throughout the night or for stretches that last from two to four hours. When the mouth tray is worn throughout the night, the treatment lasts one to two weeks. Patients with more sensitive teeth may opt for day treatments where the trays are worn for one-half-to-two hours per day for two weeks.

Zoom!® Chairside Tooth Whitening System

Our patients couldn't be happier with Zoom!® teeth whitening. This advanced whitening technique takes a little over an hour and produces amazing, instantaneous results, right in our office. Zoom!® patients often see at least eight shades improvement, and a significant number see up to 12 shades improvement after undergoing the Zoom!® procedure.

The Zoom!® Chairside Whitening System is the result of three years of intensive research and development by Discus Dental™ and represents the most advanced technology available in tooth whitening. This treatment involves coating the teeth with a paste-like form of hydrogen peroxide. When this paste is exposed to a special Zoom!® lamp, the tooth's enamel takes on a whiter appearance. This procedure lasts approximately one hour and involves no further at-home treatment. While more convenient than take-home treatments, it is more expensive and follow-up procedures or occasional home whitening are usually necessary.

Patient Concerns

When using the at-home treatment, patient's teeth may feel a heightened, but temporary, sensitivity. The gums may also feel more sensitive or burn slightly. Not all people experience the quality of whiteness they had hoped for on their first treatment and they may require a "touch-up" treatment. Whitening treatments begin to fade in one to four years. It should be noted that tooth whitening treatments have no effect on the artificial materials used for bonds, veneers, or capped teeth.

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Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a technique used to improve the appearance of your teeth. The term composite bonding refers to any composite material, either a plastic or resin, which is bonded to an existing tooth. Bonding is ideal for fixing chipped or cracked teeth, hiding discoloration on the tooth's surface, or reducing the gaps in between teeth. Whatever the specific intent, composite bonding creates more aesthetically-pleasing teeth and a more vibrant smile. Unlike porcelain veneers or crowns, composite bonding removes little if any of the original tooth.

The Advantages of Bonding

Composite bonding is a quick process, typically lasting less than an hour. Bonding has become as popular an option as porcelain veneers and crowns at our Michigan office because it does not reduce the tooth's original structure. It is also a relatively inexpensive procedure. And finally, composite resins are available in many different shades. The shade can be customized to match the natural color of the original tooth.

The Process

The dentist begins by examining and cleaning the tooth to be bonded. Once the tooth is properly prepped, the dentist rubs the tooth with a mild solution that facilitates the bonding of the composite resin to the tooth. The composite resin is then applied in several coats. Each coat is hardened (or set) using a specially designed dentist's light. Once the dentist has placed an adequate amount of resin on the tooth, the bond is sculpted to achieve the desired shape and texture. Bonding is performed in the dentist's chair and usually does not require any anesthesia.

After your Bonds are Placed

Proper care of the bonded tooth ensures the durability of the bonding. As with natural teeth, bonded teeth should be brushed and flossed daily. This is especially important if you drink coffee or tea or smoke tobacco; all of these substances stain composite bonds. Bonds typically do not last as long as veneers or crowns, and may need to be retouched or replaced every five to ten years.

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Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin, customized covers that are laid onto the teeth and bonded to the surface. Although they can be made of different materials, porcelain is frequently used because of its durability and realistic appearance. We offer porcelain veneers at the Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Michigan as a conservative alternative to crowns since they require less removal of the tooth's original surface. With veneers in place, patients can expect straighter, whiter, and more even-looking teeth.

The Procedure

During your initial visit, you and Dr. Milan will discuss the process of placing porcelain veneers at our Birmingham, Michigan office. Dr. Milan will also discuss the options available to you (e.g., types and shades of veneers). On your next visit, we remove a very small layer of each tooth's outer enamel. A local anesthesia may be used. Dr. Milan makes a mold of the teeth from which our very talented lab technician creates customized veneers for the teeth. The lab prepares the veneers in roughly seven to ten days. During this time, temporary veneers are crafted by Dr. Milan and worn by the patient. The temporaries allow us to preview what the final veneers will look like while changes could still be made if necessary. Once the porcelain veneers have returned from the lab in Birmingham, Michigan, the patient makes their final dental visit in which we apply the veneers to the teeth using a bonding material. When exposed to light, this bonding material dries and hardens. The finished result is extremely strong.

Following the Procedure

Patients may experience some sensitivity in the teeth, especially to hot or cold substances. This sensitivity should lessen within two weeks. If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect the teeth. Veneers are quite strong and can withstand considerable force when a patient bites down, but they may fracture or break if abused. Patients should therefore avoid hard or sharp foods such as ice or pistachio shells that may cause undue stress. Veneers should be cared for in much the same way as normal teeth; this includes daily brushing, flossing, and periodic check-ups with a dentist. Given the proper care, veneers can keep you smiling for decades to come. If you want to find out more about porcelain veneers at the Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, contact us today.

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White (Composite) Fillings

Until recently, dentists filled and sealed cavities exclusively using a silver and mercury amalgam. Unfortunately, these fillings (or restorations) weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that has to be removed. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative. Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic substance that includes a hardening agent.

Pros and Cons of Composite Fillings

The major advantage of these fillings is that they come in a range of shades that closely match the color of an individual's tooth. Due to the increased strength of modern composite material, they can now also be used in the back teeth. Unfortunately, composite fillings are twice as expensive as traditional restorations. Dental insurance typically covers the cost of composite fillings up to the price of the silver / mercury fillings.

The Filling Procedures

During your initial visit to the dentist, he or she begins by anesthetizing the tooth and removing any remaining filling and / or decay. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist places the composite into the tooth, where it binds to the original surface. The process is typically performed in several layers, each layer being cured or hardened through exposure to a hardening light. When properly placed by a skilled cosmetic dentist, composite fillings should give you many years of use while keeping a natural appearance.

Porcelain Inlays / Onlays

Replacing large fillings in back teeth often requires stronger, more precisely contoured restorations. These are called inlays or onlays depending on whether they are being placed inside the tooth or on its outer surface. These restorations need to be custom-made at an off-site dental lab; therefore, two visits may be required. Once the dental office receives the custom inlay or onlay, the patient returns to the dentist's office, where the restorations are bonded into place.

Onlays protect teeth similarly to crowns, but conserve more natural tooth structure. Onlays should provide decades of service. Dr. Milan has restored beauty and function to the teeth of thousands of patients through the placement of custom-crafted inlays and onlays.

 

 

 

 

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