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Bonding
If you have a small gap in the middle of your smile that you want to close
up, then bonding is the solution
for you. Resin fillings can be used to close small gaps between teeth
as well as repair teeth that may be
chipped or discolored. Bonding is also great for recession areas, where
the gums have receded and have
exposed the dentin area of your tooth. The filling not only eliminates
the hot/cold sensitivity that you may
be experiencing, but also helps to protect the tooth from decay.
Veneers
Porcelain laminate veneers are the perfect answer for someone that may
have larger gaps between their
teeth, misshaped teeth, or slightly crooked teeth. The veneer is more
permanent than bonding. There are
two visits associated with this procedure, the first appointment consists
of preparing the tooth for the
veneer by reducing your tooth structure by approximately .5mm then a temporary
veneer is fabricated
and placed. At your second visit the permanent veneer is placed with a
light sensitive resin, which is
hardened by a UV light. Due to the removal of enamel during the preparation
of the tooth, you may
experience some hot and cold sensitivity. This is normal and should be
eliminated once the permanent
veneer is placed.
Teeth Bleaching
Using
the "ZOOM!" system, we apply a proprietaryl whitening gel and
use a special lamp that produces results in only a single 45 minute
treatment. For those not wanting to deal with strips or trays, and
wanting immediate results, "ZOOM!" is a great option.
Another excellent, non-invasive way to achieve a beautiful, white smile
is
to use custom trays. For people that have slight discoloration or staining
this process is a practical option. It only takes two weeks to achieve
your
maximum whitening, and maintenance is minimal. This involves custom
trays that will be filled with bleaching solution, and kept in your mouth
while
you sleep. This consists of two appointments. At your first appointment
we will make impressions of your
mouth. At your second visit, we will try-in your trays, and trim if necessary.
Finally, we will discuss
bleaching techniques with you, and make sure that we haveset appropriate
whitening expectations for
you as you proceed through the process.
Teeth Straightening
Braces are no longer the only option to straighter, evenly spaced
teeth. Invisalign is a virtually invisible set of inserts that gently
realign your teeth over time. Your Invisalign treatment will consist
of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks.
Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to
gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system
is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised
by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you'll end up with
a smile that truly fits.
Crowns
The reasons that necessitate a crown are many. For example, a broken tooth,
a root canal treated tooth, extensive decay, or a tooth with an existing
large filling that is threatened by further decay and unable to support
the filling. You may also prefer to have a crown for cosmetic reasons
as well. A crown can straighten out front teeth, or can make your smile
whiter if your teeth are discolored. If you desire to have the perfect
smile this may be a great option. This procedure also consists of two
visits. During your first appointment, your tooth will be prepared, and
a temporary crown will be placed. At your second visit, the permanent
crown will be cemented, and adjusted if necessary. Crowns are made from
a variety of materials such as full porcelain, porcelain fused to metal,
or gold. Depending on where the crown is needed you may want to discuss
your options with Dr. Nelson to determine which material will be best
for you.
Bridge
Do you have several teeth that are damaged in the front of your mouth,
or are you missing teeth? A bridge is necessary when a tooth or several
teeth are missing from a specific area. A bridge can give you the freedom
to chew or smile again. This procedure consists of three visits. At your
first visit please plan for a minimum of two hours, at that time we will
prepare the existing teeth that will support the bridge, and a temporary
bridge will be placed. We will then schedule you to return in two weeks
for a metal try-in. If the metal is a good fit, we will then schedule
you to have the permanent bridge cemented, usually within 2 weeks of the
try-in appointment. You also have the choice of materials such as gold
or porcelain fused to metal, again depending on the location of the bridge
you and Dr. Nelson can discuss the best option for you.
Implants
This is a great alternative to the crowns, bridges and dentures. Like
crowns and bridges the implant is a permanent solution. Though, unlike
crowns and bridges that are placed in your mouth with cement, an implant
is actually screwed into a post that has been inserted into your bone
by an oral surgeon. The implant acts more like a natural tooth in that
it is placed into your bone; this creates more stability, and overall
better dental health since just one tooth is being affected opposed to
two or more. The treatment time with the oral surgeon can take up to one
year. Once your treatment with the oral surgeon is complete, and your
site is fully healed it is time to see Dr. Nelson for the final phase
of your implant treatment. This phase consists of three visits. At your
first visit we will take impressions to begin the fabrication of your
crown. During your second visit we will try in your materials and at your
final visit we will place your permanent crown.
White Fillings
For patients that prefer to have composite or white fillings instead of
the standard silver amalgam for their posterior teeth, this option is
available. It is more common today for patients to want to have a whiter
smile. Many patients have amalgam fillings that are graying out their
smile, and this allows them the opportunity to have fillings while still
maintaining a bright smile. This procedure can be completed in one appointment,
depending on how many fillings you would like replaced. The decay, if
present, is drilled out, and the tooth is prepared for the composite filling
to be bonded. The filling is then light cured, and adjusted to ensure
proper biting. If you notice that your bite is off after you have left
the office, please notify us immediately as this may cause sensitivity
and pain while biting.
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