Patient Education
SECTIONS
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Treatment for Crooked or Broken Teeth
For people that naturally develop crooked teeth or are chipped or broken due to injury, there are several alternatives available to help get that perfect smile.
Dental Bonding Dental Contouring Inlays/Onlays Crowns Veneers
Dental Bonding – for crooked or broken teeth
General Information
Dental bonding is a preferred method to fix crooked or broken teeth. It is also referred to as composite or tooth bonding. A clay-like substance made of composite resin is positioned on any tooth in need of repair such as cracked, discolored or chipped areas and crafted to the desired shape, before being hardened by a special light. Dental bonding can also replace silver amalgam fillings.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Dental bonding is a safe, fast, procedure that is usually completed in 1 visit. If many teeth require extensive repair, additional visit(s) may be required. Noticeable results are seen immediately after treatment. Dental bonding is relatively painless, affordable, and has long term results. Dental bonding expands and contracts with the natural tooth. It is an alternative to veneers, bridges and crowns and can offer the appearance of straighter, whiter, healthy teeth.
Timeline
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Visit 1: initial consultation and recommendations. Treatment is scheduled.
Visit 2: Dental professional selects a dental bonding material that will look best for your mouth (color matching) and treats the tooth so the bonding will stick (roughens the tooth). The dental bonding is applied as desired and hardened with the special light. Tooth is polished to match other teeth.
More visits may be required depending on the amount of work required.
Dental Contouring – for crooked, overlapping or misshapen teeth
General Information
For those with overlapping, misshapen, cracked, or crooked teeth or have grooves or holes in a tooth dental can reshape to create a straight, proper appearance to the teeth.
Dental contouring is referred to as cosmetic procedure as improves the appearance of the teeth.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Expect little to no pain. This procedure can be completed within 1 – 3 visits and creates a pleasing appearance that is relatively inexpensive.
Your teeth must be strong as the enamel will be removed. You must have enough healthy bone and tissue for dental contouring to be successful. If too much contouring is done some may experience sensitive teeth and contoured teeth can break so it is important to find an experienced dentist you trust.
Timeline
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Visit 1: Consultation and x-ray to determine strength and health of bone, teeth, and gums. If your mouth is healthy enough, the procedure is booked and you may be shown what you could look like with dental contouring.
Visit 2: Teeth are marked with a pen to show where the changes will be made. Although it is not necessary to be given a painkiller or anesthetic, if you are nervous you may want one to help you keep very still during the procedure. Contouring is completed using drills, abrasive strips, bonding materials and lasers. Contoured teeth are polished. Depending on the extent of the treatment, more visits may be required.
Dental Inlays / Onlays – for mild to moderate damage
General Information
Dental inlays and onlays are used to fix mild to moderate decay, cracks or fractures, or replace metal fillings for a natural looking smile. They are made from tooth colored materials like porcelain, composite and resin, although gold can also be used.
Inlays treat damage to one part of the tooth, and onlays are used to treat damage that extends to other parts of the tooth.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Inlays are often just 2 visits. Dental Inlays and onlays are natural looking and made specifically for your damaged tooth for a long term solution that prevents bacteria from entering. Through saving your natural teeth, it costs you less than dental implants, crowns or bridges. In treating decay, inlays and onlays can allow you to keep your teeth and eliminate sensitivity.
They require very little removal of the tooth’s surface. Inlays and onlays will not change size with hot or cold liquids so they are easier on your teeth as they exert no pressure that will cause your teeth to weaken or crack. They can last up to 30 years, and help strengthen teeth up to 75%.
Some tenderness in the treated area, but can return to work immediately after leaving the dentists office. Inlays and onlays must be securely bonded.
Timeline
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Visit 1: The dental professional will take an impression of your damaged tooth and create a temporary inlay or onlay over the tooth. The impression is sent to the lab to create an inlay or onlay that will fit your tooth exactly.
Usually it takes up to a week or two, depending on how busy your chosen dental practice is.
Visit 2: The damaged tooth is cleaned and temporary inlay or onlay is replaced by the permanent one and sealed with a high strength resin.
Additional visits may be required, depending on the damage.
Crowns – for severely damaged teeth
General Information
Crowns are materials like porcelain, metal or ceramic that are used to fit over top of, shape and rebuild teeth with a lot of damage. They can cover all or part of a tooth. For teeth that are weak due to a root canal, grinding or more fillings than structure crowns can provide more strength and longevity to teeth while eliminating pain. They can also improve misshapen or discolored teeth look brighter, help cap a dental implant post and anchor bridges for a healthier smile.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Metal crowns are made of very durable materials such as nickel, chromium or gold alloy’s or palladium and can save more of the natural tooth. These crowns are noticeable if they are on any teeth visible during talking or laughing. Ceramic crowns can match tooth color but are a poor choice for molars due to stress caused by eating. Porcelain fused crowns are stronger and look better than metal but do not appear as natural teeth because they are fused to metal and a thin band of metal may be visible. Cheaper resin crowns are available but are damaged easily.
Crowns can be treated like normal teeth with brushing and flossing regularly to avoid decay and infection. Depending on the materials, they will usually require replacement every 5 – 15 years due to wear over time, the fit, and decay. If they crack, chip, or become loose contact your dentist immediately for repair, as bacteria will start breaking the tooth down.
Extensive damage may require other procedures such as root canals.
Cost of a crown varies on the type, not just cost of materials but skill and time required to successfully perform the procedure. Usually materials of natural appearance (porcelain and ceramic) cost more. Patient financing is available for cosmetic dentistry, ask your chosen dentist for details.
Timeline
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Note: some dentists have new technology that allows them to perform the procedure within 1 visit, however crowns usually take 2 – 4 visits depending on what they are treating and the extent of the damage.
Visit 1: consultation, x-ray to determine extent of the damage, and recommendations
Visit 2: You will be placed under general anaesthetic. Some of the damaged tooth is removed to make way for the crown. If the tooth is heavily decayed the dental professional may need to perform additional procedures to build it back up. An impression of your mouth is taken to create the crown that fits perfectly and a temporary one is placed on the tooth or teeth.
It usually takes approximately 2 weeks to create your custom crown in the lab.
Visit 3: Temporary crown is replaced with the custom crown and securely bonded and sealed with a cement paste.
Invisalign® - for Crooked Teeth
General Information
Invisalign ® is an invisible brace to help straighten teeth. A serious of clear plastic molds are used to gradually shift crooked teeth to a desirable place without the appearance of braces.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Braces are very obvious, whereas invisalign® is almost undetectable so you can straighten teeth without anyone knowing. You can brush, floss, eat and drink normally since the trays are removable which reduces the staining and decay that happens with traditional braces.
Those who do not wear their invisible trays 24 hours a day will not see results as quickly. Those with sensitive teeth will notice a change when a new tray is used.
Timeline
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Several visits and a series of trays used over approximately 36 to 60 weeks (same amount of time as traditional braces).
Visit 1: consultation and bite impressions of your mouth. Special computer software and equipment will create the clear retainers, each gently putting pressure on your teeth to straighten. 18 – 30 trays are used in succession as your teeth move into desired place. Each tray is worn for 2 weeks all the time except during meals before the next tray is used.
Veneers – for stained, chipped, or crooked teeth
General Information
Veneers are a thin layer of hard translucent substance such as porcelain that sits on top of the tooth to create the appearance of whiter, healthier teeth and can also be used to fix chipped or crooked teeth. They come in a variety of colors and result in white, shiny teeth. Light hits the ceramic veneers like it does real enamel for a realistic bright look.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Veneers can give you a bright, polished smile that lasts a lifetime. Some dental professionals can show you a computer image of what you may look like with veneers to give you an idea of the result. Care for your teeth with regular brushing and flossing, no special maintenance required.
Veneers should be custom created and fitted by a skilled dental professional. If too much is taken off when a dentist is filing the surface of the tooth down before the veneers can be put on, it can cause sensitivity or pain.
Timeline
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Usually 3 visits in total are required for this procedure. If other procedures are required they may be done at the same time, or require additional visits.
Visit 1: consultation to determine what is required for the ultimate result.
Visit 2: Some enamel will be removed to make room for the veneer and a temporary covering will be applied to protect the teeth.
Your veneers are created in the dental laboratory.
Visit 3: Temporary coverings are replaced with your permanent veneers and sealed.
An experienced dental professional can recommend a solution that is right for you.
Treatment for Missing Teeth
Many people lose teeth from wear, injury, drug use or disease causing a negative impact on self-esteem, inconvenience, and discomfort.
Dental Implants Dentures Dental Bridges
Dental Implants
General Information
Dental implants give you teeth that look and feel natural. A replacement tooth or teeth are planted directly into the bone for a permanent solution. First, a dentist who is an implant professional surgically anchors titanium posts into the jaw. When the gums have sufficiently healed, the new tooth or teeth are attached. Like real teeth, dental implants are stable.
Dental implants are categorized as “restorative dentistry” meaning their function is to repair a problem.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Dental implants can stimulate the underlying bone, which helps prevent bone loss and gum recession. Some use this procedure as an alternative to dentures. The cost is higher, but the results should last a lifetime, they look like real teeth, and are convenient as they require the same care as your real teeth. You can have any number of teeth implanted. If you are having teeth extracted at the same time and your jaw is strong with no disease you may be able to have the implants put in at the same time, saving approximately 3 months of recovery time.
Patients must be screened to see if implant dentistry would work on them. Some medical conditions like diabetes or mouth radiation therapy lower the success rate. Bone grafts and other options are available if there is bone loss, infection or disease. Situations like this will take more time than the regular implant procedure. * NOTE: smoking can affect the healing of your gums. Smokers are advised to quit during implant and recovery.
Timeline
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Dental implants require multiple appointments over approximately 8 months. The process may take more time if you require treatment for infection or bone grafts.
You will meet with your dental professional for an initial exam and consultation. They may ask you for a picture of your smile and discuss the result you want.
Appointment 1 – 2: You are asleep while the doctor places the implants. Typically this can be done in 1 treatment and you will be asked to consume soft foods for a few weeks. You are fitted with a temporary denture or bridge (using adjoining teeth to anchor partial dentures) until your new teeth are put in.
Gums will heal over 3-6 months, allowing implants to bond.
Appointment 2 – 3: Your gums are opened and titanium alloy posts inserted into the implants.
2-6 weeks go by.
You will have a series of visits over 1 – 2 months to put in the new teeth and adjust color and size for a natural appearance.
Dentures
General Information
Dentures are false teeth put into moulds that fit into your mouth. Patients can choose full dentures, a dental bridge whereby partial dentures are fixed into place using the teeth next to the missing tooth, or removable partial dentures that are secured with wire clips.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Dentures are less expensive than implants. They closely resemble natural teeth.
Dentures must be perfectly made to fit your mouth and proper fittings are very difficult so finding a denturist or prosthodontist with experience is essential. Complete dentures usually require 2 or more additional visits to become comfortable. Dentures that are not properly fitted can cause pain. You should expect some irritation and soreness for the first few weeks. Excessive heat or allowing them to dry out may cause dentures to warp, and they are very fragile even if dropped from a few inches. You should brush your dentures daily as you would your teeth.
Prolonged wearing of dentures can cause bone loss in the jaw. Dentures only have about 10% of the chewing power of normal teeth. Most people are unable to bite into hard foods with dentures. Many people experience their lower dentures slipping out of place. Many dental health professionals will put 2 – 4 implants in to help anchor the lower denture.
Visit www.ada.org for additional information on dentures.
Ask your dental health professional about the options with implants and dentures, and what is best for you.
Dental Bridge
General Information
A dental bridge is a fixed partial denture secured with the teeth next to the missing tooth or teeth to give a natural appearance. This false tooth or teeth are connected to the real teeth or dental implants with two dental crowns. The three types of bridges are called Traditional, Cantilever, and Maryland Bonded. A Traditional bridge is the most common: a false tooth secured by a crown on either side that is attached to a real tooth or dental implant. This type of bridge is made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal. Cantilever bridges involve 2 crowns fixed to the false tooth to anchor it to the real teeth on one side. In the Maryland Bonded bridge is the simplest and cheapest method: false teeth and gums that supports itself with a metal framework.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Bridges are more comfortable and natural looking than partial dentures and can last 5 – 15 years or more. Cost varies depending on the type of bridge type you choose based on the health of your mouth, and desired results. It can be a temporary or permanent solution. Brush and floss regularly and schedule regular dental exams. Bridges are sturdy, less expensive than dental implants, can reduce gum disease and help bite problems.
Bridges should not ever move. If your bridge becomes damaged it must be repaired immediately. If not, it can cause infection, affect chewing and feel uncomfortable. It is important that not too much of the teeth that will contain the crowns are filed off as this can cause sensitivity and discomfort as well.
Teeth will be sensitive to extreme temperatures for 2 weeks following the procedure.
Timeline
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A few visits will be required.
Visit 1: consultation and recommendations. You will usually be sedated. The teeth that will contain the crowns will be filed down and impressions will be taken to create the custom crowns. The color of the bridge will be matched to your teeth and you will have a temporary bridge put in.
Visit 2: You will be sedated and the tooth or teeth that will contain the crowns are cleaned. Crowns are cemented on the teeth and the bridge completed. Adjustments will be made and then the bridge will be bonded and sealed.
Additional visits may be required depending on the damage.
Treatment for Stained or Dark Teeth
General Information
In Office Treatments At Home Treatments Teeth Whitening Side Effects
This procedure is used to brighten the natural color of your teeth for a healthier look that lasts a long time. Sometimes this process can also eliminate stains and discolorations found in teeth. Teeth whitening is classified as cosmetic dentistry. Procedures are completed by a dentist for immediate and best results; however there are also retail products available that often can complement the in-office whitening procedures. Prices and results vary, and there are options for every budget.
Many have experienced increased confidence and improved appearance from teeth whitening. Teeth always appear brighter after a whitening procedure. The final result you see will depend on the type and severity of the stain, and what type of procedure was used. Yellow or brown teeth, discolored from age or stained from coffee, tea, or smoking lighten four to five shades on average. Teeth that appear gray from antibiotics or have darker natural pigmentation will typically lighten two to three shades and will take longer to whiten.
Your dental professional can recommend the best treatment for you.
Teeth Whitening Systems
The best results are achieved through in-office laser teeth whitening. Retail teeth whitening products with custom-fit trays or strips can also be effective. For the safest results, perform any retail product teeth whitening under your dentist's supervision.
In-Office Treatments
Laser Teeth Whitening
General Information
Teeth whitening systems usually involve a dental professional using a bleaching gel and laser light combination to intensify the whitening process. The gel is carefully applied to the teeth only, then exposed briefly to the laser. Popular teeth whitening systems include Zoom!®, Rembrandt® Teeth Whitening, and BriteSmile®.
Pro’s and Con’s
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This method takes only a few minutes and is great for sensitive teeth, as it is closely monitored. This should be a painless procedure and you should see results immediately upon leaving the dentists office.
Timeline
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Visit 1: treatment – subsequent treatments depend on desired results and condition of teeth. Repeat as you wish.
Veneers
Veneers are also used to create the appearance of whiter, healthier teeth.
General Information
Veneers are a thin layer of hard translucent substance such as porcelain that sits on top of the tooth to create the appearance of whiter, healthier teeth and can also be used to fix chipped or crooked teeth. They come in a variety of colors and result in white, shiny teeth. Light hits the ceramic veneers like it does real enamel for a realistic bright look.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Veneers can give you a bright, polished smile that lasts a lifetime. Some dental professionals can show you a computer image of what you may look like with veneers to give you an idea of the result. Care for your teeth with regular brushing and flossing, no special maintenance required.
Veneers should be custom created and fitted by a skilled dental professional. If too much is taken off when a dentist is filing the surface of the tooth down before the veneers can be put on, it can cause sensitivity or pain.
Timeline
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Usually 3 visits in total are required for this procedure. If other procedures are required they may be done at the same time, or require additional visits.
Visit 1: consultation to determine what is required for the ultimate result.
Visit 2: Some enamel will be removed to make room for the veneer and a temporary covering will be applied to protect the teeth.
Your veneers are created in the dental laboratory.
Visit 3: Temporary coverings are replaced with your permanent veneers and sealed.
At-Home Tooth Whitening
A cosmetic dentist can take imprints of your teeth and then make custom-fitted trays for you to take home to complete the tooth whitening process under that dentists care. Over the counter alternatives include whitening strips placed on your teeth for a period of time, products painted on the teeth, whitening kits and toothpastes that include whitening products. These toothpastes are especially useful after an in-office whitening procedure as they help keep the teeth whiter and brighter longer.
Teeth Whitening Side Effects
Teeth whitening gel used in these various methods can cause temporary sensitivity to hot and cold, and sometimes to air. Trays used in bleaching procedures can also cause gum and tooth sensitivity. Some retail whitening products other than toothpaste may degrade enamel on the teeth if used too frequently. Those with sensitive teeth, or seeking more effective methods may prefer to have their whitening performed by a cosmetic dentist or supervised in their dentists’ office. Other than the sensitivity mentioned, there are no other known detrimental effects of in-office whitening if used as the dentists recommends.
Treatment for Cavities
White Fillings Dental Inlays/Onlays Dental Crowns White Fillings (Composites)
General Information
Cavities eat away at your teeth causing holes to form. If left untreated you will lose your teeth. White fillings are often used to fill in these holes. Fillings are also made of metals such as silver amalgam which are noticeable when you open your mouth to talk or laugh but now are offered in a safer mixture of resins in white shades to mimic the color of your teeth and go unseen. Since silver amalgam fillings can be toxic if mercury leaks from the filling into your body, many choose to replace these fillings with the white ones. Noted health risks of silver amalgam fillings include physical problems such as birth defects, neurodegenerative disorders as well as mental disorders.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Safer, fast way to take care of your teeth. Fillings should be invisible to those around you – it will just look like part of your tooth.
Timeline
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Usually 1 treatment is needed. Depending on the number of teeth with cavities and any other problems additional visits may be required.
Visit 1: consultation, cleaning, and then the area around your tooth will be numbed. The cavity will be removed, and your tooth cleaned out. The white resin will be color matched to your tooth, and applied. A special light will harden the white filling, and you will be on your way. You should not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after the treatment.
Dental Inlays / Onlays – for mild to moderate damage
General Information
Dental inlays and onlays are used to fix mild to moderate decay, cracks or fractures, or replace metal fillings for a natural looking smile. They are made from tooth colored materials like porcelain, composite and resin, although gold can also be used.
Inlays treat damage to one part of the tooth, and onlays are used to treat damage that extends to other parts of the tooth.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Inlays are often just 2 visits. Dental Inlays and onlays are natural looking and made specifically for your damaged tooth for a long term solution that prevents bacteria from entering. Through saving your natural teeth, it costs you less than dental implants, crowns or bridges. In treating decay, inlays and onlays can allow you to keep your teeth and eliminate sensitivity.
They require very little removal of the tooth’s surface. Inlays and onlays will not change size with hot or cold liquids so they are easier on your teeth as they exert no pressure that will cause your teeth to weaken or crack. They can last up to 30 years, and help strengthen teeth up to 75%.
Some tenderness in the treated area, but can return to work immediately after leaving the dentists office. Inlays and onlays must be securely bonded.
Timeline
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Visit 1: The dental professional will take an impression of your damaged tooth and create a temporary inlay or onlay over the tooth. The impression is sent to the lab to create an inlay or onlay that will fit your tooth exactly.
Usually it takes up to a week or two, depending on how busy your chosen dental practice is.
Visit 2: The damaged tooth is cleaned and temporary inlay or onlay is replaced by the permanent one and sealed with a high strength resin.
Additional visits may be required, depending on the damage.
Crowns – for severely damaged teeth
General Information
Crowns are materials like porcelain, metal or ceramic that are used to fit over top of, shape and rebuild teeth with a lot of damage. They can cover all or part of a tooth. For teeth that are weak due to a root canal, grinding or more fillings than structure crowns can provide more strength and longevity to teeth while eliminating pain. They can also improve misshapen or discolored teeth look brighter, help cap a dental implant post and anchor bridges for a healthier smile.
Pro’s and Con’s
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Metal crowns are made of very durable materials such as nickel, chromium or gold alloy’s or palladium and can save more of the natural tooth. These crowns are noticeable if they are on any teeth visible during talking or laughing. Ceramic crowns can match tooth color but are a poor choice for molars due to stress caused by eating. Porcelain fused crowns are stronger and look better than metal but do not appear as natural teeth because they are fused to metal and a thin band of metal may be visible. Cheaper resin crowns are available but are damaged easily.
Crowns can be treated like normal teeth with brushing and flossing regularly to avoid decay and infection. Depending on the materials, they will usually require replacement every 5 – 15 years due to wear over time, the fit, and decay. If they crack, chip, or become loose contact your dentist immediately for repair, as bacteria will start breaking the tooth down.
Extensive damage may require other procedures such as root canals.
Cost of a crown varies on the type, not just cost of materials but skill and time required to successfully perform the procedure. Usually materials of natural appearance (porcelain and ceramic) cost more. Patient financing is available for cosmetic dentistry, ask your chosen dentist for details.
Timeline
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Note: some dentists have new technology that allows them to perform the procedure within 1 visit, however crowns usually take 2 – 4 visits depending on what they are treating and the extent of the damage.
Visit 1: consultation, x-ray to determine extent of the damage, and recommendations
Visit 2: You will be placed under general anesthetic. Some of the damaged tooth is removed to make way for the crown. If the tooth is heavily decayed the dental professional may need to perform additional procedures to build it back up. An impression of your mouth is taken to create the crown that fits perfectly and a temporary one is placed on the tooth or teeth.
It usually takes approximately 2 weeks to create your custom crown in the lab.
Visit 3: Temporary crown is replaced with the custom crown and securely bonded and sealed with a cement paste.
An experienced dental professional can recommend the best option to suit your needs.
Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. David L. Duke
Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Wayne Myles
Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. J. Steven Baker
