Cosmetic Bonding
Bonding is a general term for several different procedures in dentistry that use a white composite resin filling material or cement. We offer a variety of services to meet your cosmetic needs.
a) Composite Fillings – These are white fillings that are alternatives to the old amalgam or silver fillings used in dentistry for years. The materials have been improved to the point that they are as good as or better than the old silver fillings in most situations.
b) Aesthetic ‘direct’ bonding – This is a one-appointment solution for chipped, discolored or crooked teeth. The white filling material is bonded directly to the tooth to change its shape, size, or color. Depending on the situation, this can provide a permanent or temporary solution to cosmetic concerns.
c) Porcelain veneers and all porcelain crowns- Veneers, thin layers of porcelain applied only to the front of your teeth, and crowns, porcelain that is cemented on to cover your entire tooth, both require two appointments to complete. At the first appointment your teeth are shaped and a precise model is made of the changes. This model is sent to a dental lab which uses it to construct veneers or crowns that will be cemented to your natural teeth at a second visit. This is a more permanent and often esthetically superior solution for many cosmetic concerns.
Crowns
Crowns may be recommended to change the shape, color, or size of existing teeth for cosmetic reasons. More often they are used to strengthen teeth. We can put a great deal of force on our teeth when chewing or grinding. Teeth may be weakened because of trauma, bruxism (grinding), decay, large fillings, and root canals. Once weakened, they are more prone to fracture, cracking, or even splitting which could lead to the need for root canals or even extractions! Crowns actually encircle the tooth and add strength. This helps prevent further damage and expense. Crowns may be constructed of all porcelain, a combination of porcelain and gold, or completely of gold. Sometimes inlays or onlays (partial crowns) may be considered. A number of factors must be considered and Dr. Reese will help you decide what treatment option is best for your case.
Missing Teeth
If you are missing one or more teeth, it is important to replace those teeth. If not replaced, the remaining teeth may drift or change position. This can lead to spaces, a change in your bite, bone loss, or greater forces and increased wear on your remaining teeth. Two common ways to replace teeth are bridges and implants. Numerous factors must be considered to determine the best treatment for you. After a detailed examination, Dr. Reese can discuss your options and make recommendations for your particular case.
Bridges
One way to replace missing teeth is with a bridge. A bridge involves crowning one or more teeth on either side of the space where a tooth is missing. A bridge is constructed and permanently cemented onto these anchor teeth.
Implants
Another way to replace a missing tooth is with an implant. An implant replaces the root of the missing tooth and a crown is then placed on top of that implant to replace the tooth. Advantages of implants include not having to alter any surrounding teeth and preserving the bone in the area of the missing tooth. Implants are a proven alternative to bridges and dentures in many cases.
Dental Hygiene
This is an important area for all of our patients. I have seen numerous patients who have had extensive dental treatment fail because they were never taught how to care for their treatment! It is important to formulate a hygiene schedule and home care routine that fits your individual needs. In addition to regular cleanings, we counsel you regarding diet, your general health, medications, and other factors that can affect your dental health and the success of any treatment you receive. It has been known for years that certain diseases and medical conditions affect your dental health. More recent research has shown that your dental health can have a significant affect on your general health!
Bleaching
Bleaching, or teeth whitening, has become a popular and easy solution for many of our patients who want a whiter, brighter, younger looking smile. We offer several techniques including Zoom II. Zoom II is a one appointment whitening procedure that you may have seen on TV’s Extreme Makeover. In one to two hours you can have immediate results. Bleaching will have little or no affect on existing fillings or crowns. For this reason, bleaching is often the first step for other cosmetic procedures. After whitening we will match the new fillings, veneers, or crowns to your new whiter, brighter smile. A staff member familiar with the various products and techniques of bleaching will be happy to counsel you regarding what option may be best for you and what results you can expect.
Other Services
Our office also provides limited care in several other areas of dentistry including extractions, root canals, and non-surgical treatment of gum disease. Should you need the care of a specialist, Dr. Reese has a working relationship with several of the top clinicians in the area.
If you have any questions about our services, feel free to call our office. We will be happy to help you. We also have a limited number of FREE REPORTS on various topics of interest —
- Raising Cavity Free Kids,
- Questions To Ask BEFORE Choosing A New Dentist,
- Dental Makeovers For A 5-Star Smile, and more.
So call today 770-429-8989.
We look forward to hearing from you and having you as part of our dental family!
