Bonding
This term has two different meanings. Traditionally, it has meant the application of a composite resin to teeth to improve their appearance. It also means the process by which composite resin and ceramic restorations are secured to the teeth.

Braces
An orthodontic treatment using brackets and wires to move teeth into a more favorable position. "Invisible" braces that use a series of clear plastic aligners to move teeth have recently been developed. There are some limitations to the use of aligners.

Bsolid
A restorative appliance that replaces a missing tooth or teeth. A bsolid has crowns on each end with the replacement tooth attached between them. This appliance is cemented in place and requires the supporting teeth to be ground down to receive the crowns.

Build Up
This procedure involves removing the old filling material and decay from a broken-down tooth, then bonding in tooth-colored composite resin to create a solid core which is then covered by a ceramic restoration.

Complete Dentistry
Based on the concept of finding and treating the causes rather than the effects of problems, this approach to dental treatment analyzes, diagnoses, and treats all components of the chewing system. Once treatment has been completed, only maintenance is required. For example, if the cause of a broken tooth is not diagnosed and treated before the tooth is restored, it may break again or result in a related problem. Complete dentistry is rapidly becoming the standard of care as opposed to the old approach of repair dentistry.

Composite Resin
This tooth-colored filling material contains minute particles for added strength.

Crown
A restoration fabricated by the dental laboratory that covers the entire tooth. Crowns can be ceramic, part ceramic and part metal, or all metal. They are used when the tooth is severely broken down and a more conservative alternative will not be sufficient for lasting protection.

Diagnostic Workup
This starting point for complete dentistry begins with a comprehensive oral exam, testing, information gathering, obtaining records, and taking photographs. After a thorough analysis of all findings, a five-phase master plan is established -- Design and Engineering Phase, Stabilization Phase, Referral Phase (to specialists if necessary), Restorative Phase, and Protective Phase.
 

Composite Resin
This tooth-colored filling material contains minute particles for added strength.

Crown
A restoration fabricated by the dental laboratory that covers the entire tooth. Crowns can be ceramic, part ceramic and part metal, or all metal. They are used when the tooth is severely broken down and a more conservative alternative will not be sufficient for lasting protection.

Diagnostic Workup
This starting point for complete dentistry begins with a comprehensive oral exam, testing, information gathering, obtaining records, and taking photographs. After a thorough analysis of all findings, a five-phase master plan is established -- Design and Engineering Phase, Stabilization Phase, Referral Phase (to specialists if necessary), Restorative Phase, and Protective Phase.

Gum Lift
This minor surgical procedure recontours the gum tissue to improve balance and harmony.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation
This is an extensive process that involves every tooth in the mouth. Establishing optimum oral health requires strict attention to design and engineering principles, artistic ability, exquisite teamwork, and lots of patience.
 

Implants
Small titanium cylinders resembling tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Titanium is bio-compatible to allow the bone to actually grow and attach itself to the implant. Compared to bsolids, implants help preserve bone and allow for better hygiene.

Laboratory
A dental facility, separate from the dental office, that fabricates dental restorations according to specifications provided by the dentist. Fees charged by the laboratory are separate from fees charged by the dental office.

Mouthguard
An appliance worn to protect the teeth. There are generally two types: one that is softer and usually worn as a sports mouthguard, and one that is fabricated and customized to stabilize the teeth and protect against further damage. This latter type is known as a precision bite stabilizer.
 

Onlay
A restoration fabricated by the dental laboratory to cover some of the side surfaces and all of the chewing surface of back teeth. It is used in conjunction with a build up as the most conservative way to give the tooth maximum strength and protection.
 

Periodontal Disease
This bacterial disease attacks the supporting structures between the teeth and bone. Several factors can initiate the disease -- systemic conditions, lack of proper oral hygiene, and excessive stress from a misaligned bite. Periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable, but can lead to tooth loss if ignored.

Phases
The five important parts of the diagnostic workup that leads to complete dentistry: 1. Design and Engineering Phase -- In this phase, the dentist takes all findings and applies them to the particular case. For example, taking measurements from photographs and models to determine the proper sizes and lengths of teeth to fit within the frame created by the lips; determining if a bite realignment is necessary to eliminate destructive forces; and creating a three-dimensional mock-up of the proposed treatment for the patient's review. 2. Stabilization Phase -- Bite realignment is accomplished, all decay is removed, broken-down teeth are built up, all functional principles are worked out, and gum tissue is brought into a healthy state. This is the most important phase, for it is from here that the beautiful smile blossoms. 3. Referral Phase -- Specialists such as periodontists, root canal specialists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists are consulted and utilized if necessary. 4. Restorative Phase -- In this phase, all treatment is performed in a logical, systematic sequence. 5. Protective Phase -- The dentist constructs a precision bite stabilizer to protect the newly restored teeth and stabilize their position to minimize the introduction of destructive forces. This provides long-term protection for the entire investment for approximately the cost of one crown.

Repair Dentistry
An outdated approach to dental treatment where individual teeth are repaired one by one over time without diagnosing the cause of the problems. This approach always leaves the mouth in some state of disrepair.

Restoration
A term that refers to any filling, crown, onlay, or veneer which is used to restore a tooth to health.

Veneer
A thin layer of material, either composite resin or ceramic, that is applied to the surface of the tooth to improve appearance and function. Porcelain veneer technique is an offshoot of the basic science of cosmetic dental bonding. Dentists have had materials available to them for decades that are capable of creating a tenacious bond with tooth enamel. Porcelain veneer technique utilizes the bonding capability of these materials to securely attach a thin shell of porcelain (the porcelain veneer) to a tooth. Although porcelain is inherently brittle, when it is firmly bonded to a sturdy substructure (a tooth) it becomes very strong and durable. Two of the greatest advantages of porcelain veneers over other types of cosmetic dental bonding are:
1) Porcelain veneers create a very life-like tooth appearance.
2) Porcelain veneers resist staining.
 

Tooth Whitening
Commonly referred to as "bleaching", this process brightens and whitens stained, discolored, or dull teeth using an in-office power bleaching method or a dentist-supervised, at-home whitening method. Both methods utilize a form of peroxide -- either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide -- which is harmless when used under supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions
 

What is cosmetic dentistry? What credentials should I look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist? Why is the bite important? What are the differences between bonding and veneers? Are tooth-colored fillings better than silver/mercury fillings? Why are night-time appliances (mouthguards) necessary? What can be done about a "gummy" smile? How can I get straighter teeth without braces? How can I close the gaps between my teeth? How can missing teeth be replaced? Why does the gum around crowns look purple? How long will aesthetic dental treatment last?

What is cosmetic dentistry?
Traditionally, the term "cosmetic" refers to a procedure that improves the appearance. For successful, long-lasting results, it is crucial to design and engineer the mouth's "function" as well as improve appearance. We refer to this combined approach as Aesthetic Dentistry.

What credentials should I look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist?
Ask dentists what advanced courses they have taken and if they have received any special recognition within their field. Also, ask if they are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and if they are accredited by the Academy. You can visit the website of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry at for more information.

Why is the bite important?
The bite must be stable and balanced so there are no points of excessive stress that could potentially cause ceramic restorations or teeth to break, or cause some type of joint dysfunction.

What can be done about a "gummy" smile?
If you show too much gum when you smile, there is a minor surgical procedure called a "gum lift" that reduces the amount of gum that shows.

Are tooth-colored fillings better than silver/mercury fillings?
Generally, yes. Aside from the unappealing appearance of silver fillings, they can cause teeth to fracture over time. However, the dentist needs to know where and how to use the tooth-colored material. As a simple rule, the smaller the filling, the better it is to use tooth-colored material. As fillings get bigger, ceramic restorations are needed.

Why does the gum around crowns look purple?
This can occur for several reasons: the crown may not fit well, it may be too far under the gum, or it may have a metal base that blocks light. Teeth are like little fiber optic units. When light hits them, it illuminates the teeth and the surrounding gum tissue to give it that healthy pink glow. Metal blocks the light, causing the tissue to look dark. Crowns that are all ceramic are best for a natural appearance.

What are the differences between bonding and veneers?
Bonding is an older term that refers to applying a composite resin as a "veneer" directly to the teeth. Veneers are usually thought of as being made from a ceramic material that is "bonded" to the teeth. Less durable than ceramic, resin will stain more readily and will need replacing more frequently. Ceramic veneers are generally more expensive than resin due to additional laboratory fees.

How can I get straighter teeth without braces?
This can often be accomplished with the use of ceramic veneers to give the appearance of straighter teeth.

How can I close the gaps between my teeth?
Depending on the situation, gaps can be closed either with orthodontic treatment or by bonding or ceramic veneers. This requires analysis to make sure the teeth are properly proportioned and fit within the frame of the lips and the size of the face.

How can missing teeth be replaced?
Generally, there are two ways to replace missing teeth: either by a removable denture of some kind or by a bsolid or implants that stay in place in the mouth. Treatment depends on the number of teeth missing; the condition of the teeth adjacent to the space; the quality and quantity of bone where the teeth are missing; whether or not there is periodontal disease; and the overall health of the mouth.

Why are night-time appliances (mouthguards) necessary?
If designed correctly, night-time appliances (mouthguards) help keep teeth from moving, protect ceramic restorations, and protect teeth from wear damage caused by grinding or clenching.

How long will aesthetic dental treatment last?
Longevity varies from person to person depending on oral habits, home care, and compliance with utilizing the precision bite stabilizer. We do our best to deliver high-quality treatment that will last many years.

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