Crowns, onlays, inlays, veneers - with CEREC© technology, there's no need for impressions, temporaries, delivery visits or a second time getting numb. Your damaged tooth is restored in one appointment . . . leaving you more time for whatever's important to you!
CEREC© porcelain restorations offer proven strength for the biting surfaces of teeth. Dental insurances generally permit replacement for amalgams once a year, composites once per two years, and porcelain every five years. CEREC©'s decades of clinical research and documentation show that 84.5% of CEREC© restorations are still viable eighteen years after original placement in the mouth. Restoration longevity represents less potential complications for the nerve of the tooth over the lifespan of that tooth.
How does CEREC© work?
CEREC©'s bluecam LED camera captures an optical impression of your damaged tooth, entirely eliminating traditional impression molds. The optical impression transfers to a medical grade computer where 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software designs a restoration to the exact contours of your damaged tooth. CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology automatically mills your new tooth with two high-speed diamond burs - while you watch!
Benefits?
CEREC© fillings are natural-looking, metal-free, mercury-free, highly biocompatible, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. They preserve healthy natural tooth structure. Milled from solid porcelain blocks, CEREC© restorations exhibit strength and longevity that can exceed lab-fabricated porcelain (which can be marred during the heating/mold-pressing process by shrinkage, porosity, and micro fractures).
The greatest value?
Dentistry simplified.
No more impression molds, no more temporaries, no more delivery appointments, no need to get numb a second time!
For more information, visit the CEREC© website: www.sirona.com.
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This can be anything done to correct imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it fixed. The upper teeth show, usually, only when smiling, while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to give a stunning look to the mouth.
Designs in Dentistry, LLC offers a wide variety of cosmetic options. Some of these options are whitening, smile design, recontouring of the shape of the teeth, veneers, bonding, and all ceramic/porcelain crowns.
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Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.
The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.
The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.
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A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft.
Implants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don't have to be taken out all the time.
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This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth, and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.
It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of bad things. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and, with one missing, they start to "fall." As this worsens the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before them, too, are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.
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Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whitening stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients. Our office offers two methods of whitening: in-office whitening and an in-home whitening kit.
In-office whitening is an ideal procedure for anyone wanting immediate results. Because the entire procedure takes place in our office in about an hour, it is the perfect choice for busy individuals. In this process, a protective gel is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue. A special light-activated gel is then applied to your teeth and a special light or laser is used to enhance the action of the agent. Finally, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays for at home touch-up, and give you instructions for keeping your smile bright. The result is dramatically whiter teeth that will last for years.
Our in-home whitening kit is called Tres White. Tres White is a safe and effective tooth whitening system for people who have healthy, un-restored teeth and would like a brighter, white smile. Tres White's thin membrane tray is pre-loaded with two distinct gels: 1. a 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening gel for whitening teeth 2. a gingival barrier gel (pre-loaded along the gingival margin) for protecting the soft tissues. The two gels work together to provide the most innovative whitening process available. Treswhite is so thin, clear and pliable, it can be worn without anyone knowing it's there.
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Amalgam fillings contain 48%-52% mercury. Temperature extremes in the mouth caused by hot or cold drinks and food make mercury fillings expand and contract inside the tooth. Most studies place amalgam-filling longevity at 5? -11? years. Over those 5-11 years, expansion and contraction of the fillings inevitably weaken remaining natural tooth structure. Weakened tooth structure can lead to seemingly sudden tooth breakage. Expansion and contraction can also pull the edges of amalgam fillings away from the natural tooth. When space opens between the mercury filling and the natural tooth, bacteria and debris seep under the filling. The metal of the old amalgam blocks x-rays. There is often little or no warning of incipient spread of decay, even if you have two regular exams and cleanings per year. By the time you feel pain, the nerve may already be involved.
White Composite Restorations
The longevity of white composite fillings tends to be inversely proportionate to the size. The smaller composite fillings exhibit longevity similar to that of amalgams. In fact, teeth restored with small composite fillings can reach strength approaching 98% of the original pre-decayed state because composites bond to the tooth, sealing edges. Proper bases and bonding agents provide more protection for the pulp than what is possible with mercury-amalgam restorations. Size-wise, then, a composite performs well if there is more tooth than filling. If there is more filling than tooth, composites tend to flex, lose their bond, and leak. Eventual breakdown allows for recurrent decay, making porcelain the preferred restorative material for biting surfaces, larger cavities, and fractured teeth.
Even for smaller restorations, positive points of comparison with amalgams do not mean composites are the perfect filling material for everyone. There is speculation over potential estrogen-mimicking effects of plastic chemicals like Bisphenol A contained in certain composite resins.
Any dental material made with BisGMA may contain trace amounts of Bisphenol A. Some companies strive to produce significantly less toxic materials. VOCO (www.voco.com) brand restorative materials contain 30-50% less resin than many other composite brands, proportionately reducing potential presence of trace amounts of bisphenols. Furthermore, VOCO does not add Bisphenol A or B to its composites. Because less resin is present in its products, VOCO tests high for biocompatibility (Clifford Labs: www.ccrlab.com), and Scientific Health Solutions classifies VOCO products (Admira, Grandio, etc.) in the Least Reactive Components category for dental restorative materials. Other brands similar to VOCO are available.
Porcelain Restorations
Porcelain is the most biocompatible, hypo-allergenic, non-metallic restorative material of which we are aware at this time. Porcelain restorations are also dramatically less effected by factors that influence longevity of both amalgams and white composite fillings: ie restorative technique, filling size, your body chemistry, and your nutritional intake. Porcelain restorations (inlays, onlays, crowns) can last 12-15 years or longer. We offer lab-processed porcelain or, for your convenience, CERECŪ CAD/CAM technology for same-day on-site porcelain restorations.
Longevity
Potential longevity of dental restorations is a critical factor because every dental procedure represents trauma to the nerve of the tooth. Repeated trauma to the nerve from filling replacement during the course of a lifetime will eventually cause nerve breakdown. Porcelain restorations cost more initially than amalgams or composites, but porcelain's longevity decreases potential need for root canal therapy.
Whether the filling is of amalgam, white composite or porcelain, longevity is influenced by the amount of natural tooth structure preserved during removal of decay. An amalgam filling can not adhere to tooth surfaces, and the amalgam-placing dentist must create an undercut after removing decay, sacrificing healthy tooth structure to trap the amalgam filling in place. For composites or porcelain, the dentist strives to remove decay only. The cleaned-out space inside the tooth for a composite or porcelain prep often has relatively straight or inward-slanting walls. Healthy tooth structure is preserved.
Again, we encourage you to research safety issues surrounding amalgam restorations for yourself. When existing amalgam fillings are mechanically intact, it must be your personal choice to have them replaced with other materials, whether for health or esthetic reasons.
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This is used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don't want that. So the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
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TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it's where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong a good deal of trouble can result.
Problems in this area can cause:
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face
Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and taken to extremes, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.
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Do your gums bleed when you brush? You may have gingivitis, a reversible, mild form of bacteria-caused periodontal disease. Untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis with unpredictable rapidity, attacking gums, periodontal ligaments, and supporting bone structure.
Certain factors predictably increase the risk of developing periodontal disease: tobacco use, systemic diseases such as diabetes, some medications including steroids and oral contraceptives, pregnancy, improperly fitting bridges or partials, crooked crowded teeth, and defective fillings.
It is possible to suffer from periodontitis and not be aware of its presence until tissues and bones are severely damaged. Pain is not always the first symptom. Look for these signs: bleeding, tenderness, redness, or swelling in the gums, gums pulling away from teeth, loose or shifting teeth, change in the fit of partial dentures, change in the way teeth come together when biting, and/or constant bad breath or bad taste.
Periodontitis can be addressed non-surgically through regular professional (periodontal-therapy) cleanings and advances such as oxygen-ozone therapy.
If you do have periodontitis, never grow lax. Everyday factors like stress, fatigue, poor nutrition, and illness can influence the health of your gums. Regular exams and professional cleanings are key in prevention, early detection, and maintenance, and they are typically supported 80-100% by dental insurance contracts!
Protect your health! Periodontal disease is not just about gums and teeth. Research connects periodontitis with a significantly increased risk of heart disease, artery blockage, stroke, stomach ulcers, diabetes, pre-term delivery, low birth-weight babies, and bacterial pneumonia.
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Soft tissue lasers are used to safely remove soft tissue, such as excess gum tissue. The soft tissue laser can also be employed to destroy bacteria in gum pockets, preventing infection and allowing the tissue to return to a healthy state. The soft tissue laser enabled the dentist to treat our patients with extreme accuracy and eliminates the need for most stitches.
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