What is cosmetic dentistry?
Patients who are unhappy with broken or stained teeth, or unsightly gaps in their smiles, may visit our Austin office to improve their appearance.
Some examples of cosmetic dentistry include:
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Bleaching, which is whitening the teeth to create a brighter smile
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Tooth reshaping, which involves removing some of the outer layer enamel to change the size or shape of the tooth
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Veneers, also called porcelain laminates, that the cosmetic dentist places to close gaps
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Bite reclamation, which reshapes the teeth to correct damage sustained from grinding or acid reflux
In the past, these procedures were performed with gold and other metals; the materials used in today’s cosmetic dentistry procedures not only make teeth look more natural, but are also stronger and more effective because of developments in adhesive bonding. Porcelain has become the standard material in veneers and crowns, while resin and other bonding agents secure the dental work without compromising the health of the underlying teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry at Mesa Dental
The dental industry has had some remarkable advances in recent years. In times past, dentists were very limited as to what they could use that would actually provide a lasting and consistent restoration in a patient’s mouth. This has greatly changed as cements and materials have drastically improved. The greatest of these advances have been in tooth-colored restorations that can give you that Hollywood Smile!
We at Mesa Dental enjoy learning about the new advances in dentistry and how we can provide our patients with more beautiful smiles. Whether it is by white fillings, all porcelain crowns, or veneers we are able to transform someone’s smile and image with strong and reliable materials.
Some of the conditions that cosmetic dentistry can treat:
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Fill in gaps between teeth
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Change the size, shape, and contour of existing teeth
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Remove stains or lighten color of teeth
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Repair chipped or broken teeth
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Replace missing teeth
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Correct or adjust bite
Veneers
What are Veneers?
Veneers are a slim custom-made porcelain shell designed to cover the front side of one’s teeth. Veneers can be used to close spaces between teeth, restore chipped or worn teeth, cover permanently stained teeth, and create ideal dimensions and position for poorly shaped or slightly crooked teeth. The porcelain veneer is a custom-made porcelain cover that is bonded to the front side of your teeth. Veneers are one of the most popular and effective advances in cosmetic dentistry.
Veneers also have a natural appearance. They basically mimic the enamel of healthy teeth, which keeps your smile looking youthful and natural. In addition, veneers are very durable and can last between 10 and 15 years. If you are wondering if veneers are a good option for you, come to our dentist office in Austin, Texas and we can go over different options for you.
Bonding
Bonding uses tooth-colored materials to replace missing tooth structure or hide cosmetically unappealing minor defects such as chips, discoloration, and even minor gaps in your teeth. This tooth colored material is called “composite resin”. Composite resins add strength and flawlessness to your teeth. The composite chemically “bonds” to your tooth – which is why we call it bonding.
Composite resins come in a variety of shades which Dr. Mann will match to the exact color of your natural teeth. The best part of bonding is that the procedure can usually be completed in one visit.
Why should I get bonding?
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Missing part of your tooth structure
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Hide minor defects in a tooth
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Cover chips
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Help with discoloration
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Close gaps
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Fix decayed teeth (teeth with small cavities)
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Lengthen uneven teeth
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Protect roots exposed by receding gums
What can I expect with bonding?
Because bonding does not involve dental laboratory work, it can usually be accomplished in a single visit to the dental office. First, Dr. Mann will clean the surface of the tooth. She will then “etch” the surface of the tooth with gel. After the etching gel is rinsed off, the resin bonding agent is applied to the tooth and light cured. The composite resin, which is matched to the correct shade of your teeth, is applied in a thin layer, bonding to your tooth. She will then apply a special curing light which will harden the bonding material. Once the first layer is cured, another layer is applied and then cured. She will continue adding layers until the tooth is restored. In the final step, she will then shape and polish the tooth to a natural looking state.
