Cosmetic Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ
Cosmetic dentistry includes dental procedures that improve a person’s teeth and gums, resulting in a better, more noticeable smile. Although the term cosmetic dentistry is commonly referred to as redundant, since general dentistry is aimed at improving the look and feel of a patient’s teeth; the term focuses more of an emphasis on improving the smile and overall appearance of the teeth.
Dentists who practice cosmetic dentistry have extensive experience in techniques that can greatly improve a person’s confidence and give them a new look on life. A smile can be transformed from a no-tooth grin to a full, brilliant, white smile. It is for these reasons that cosmetic dentistry has become more and more popular throughout the United States.
A Dental crown (or cap) is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth — to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Why are Dental Crowns Needed?
A dental crown may be needed under the following circumstances:
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking
- Hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- Restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling when a lot of tooth support isn’t left
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover a dental implant
- Make a cosmetic modification
What are Dental Crowns Made From?
Crowns are made from several types of materials including metal alloys, ceramics, and porcelain. When a crown is made, the material often is colored to blend in with your natural teeth.
What`s Involved in Placing a Crown?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.
First appointment. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. You may get a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent crown to be ready. While you have a temporary crown, the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold. Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods during this time.
Second appointment. At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed. You will be given care instructions and will discuss regular dental visits to monitor your new crown.
Missing teeth can cause various problems, from difficulty eating and speaking, to poor nutrition and even self-confidence. There are several options available for replacing lost teeth and improving your smile. One of the options is dental bridges.
Dental bridges are a prosthesis (replacement part) that relies on support from the neighboring healthy teeth surrounding the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. The healthy adjacent teeth, called abutments, provide support on either side.
Reasons for getting a bridge:
- Fill space of missing teeth
- Maintain facial shape
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restore chewing and speaking ability
- Restore your smile
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges and crowns, implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from:
- Missing teeth
- Failing teeth
- Chronic dental problems
Implants fit and function like normal teeth, and are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement. Dental implants involve a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jaw bone, acting as a replacement root for teeth. Implants can replace single or multiple missing teeth and will eventually fuse to the bone tissue in your gums creating additional support. The use of implants creates a natural looking smile and enhance your appearance.
Patients with missing teeth can replace them with a permanent alternative to traditional dentures that looks and feels like natural teeth. Offered by our Gilbert dental office, dental implants are custom fit to your mouth, and help with proper chewing and speaking. As they become permanent fixtures of your mouth, they require no additional maintenance outside of your normal dental routine.
The Invisalign® system is virtually invisible, and straightens your teeth to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign® designs your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. All this is based on your specific needs. Then a series of clear aligners, also called invisible braces, are custom-made for your teeth – to gradually move them.
Invisalign® clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign® treatment.
Invisalign® clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
What Kind of Problems can Invisalign® Correct?
Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces; the only difference is that Invisalign® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed at will.
Here are some problems that are commonly corrected with Invisalign®:
- Overcrowding: This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth. Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
- Large gaps between teeth: This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
- Crossbite: This common dental problem occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
- Overbite: This problem occurs when the upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth. Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ may occur.
- Underbite: This is the inverse of the overbite; the lower teeth project further than, or completely cover, the upper teeth. Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.
How does Invisalign® Work?
Invisalign® treatment starts with a consultation at our Gilbert dental office with our Invisalign-trained and certified doctor. Dr. Wieckhorst will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile. Our office uses the latest technology, an Itero scanner to create 3D images of your teeth in just minutes. You’ll be able to see first hand the entire treatment without even wearing the first aligner. By using a 3D scanner, we’re able to more accurately create your aligners, and more do it more comfortably. That means fewer impressions, and no more goop or gagging.
Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. You will wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your doctor. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your beautiful new smile.
Schedule an Invisalign® Consult in Gilbert
Ready to explore the benefits of Invisalign®, and achieving the smile you deserve? Call our Gilbert dentist office today for a consult, and get your FREE 3D scan with Dr. Wieckhorst.
Everyone loves a bright white smile. It is the simplest and fastest way to brighten your smile. The process uses a bleaching method and targets the natural color of tooth enamel and brightens the enamel to create a whiter smile.
What is Teeth Whitening?
At Cobblestone Dental Care, we offer two different whitening options: in house whitening or at-home whitening trays that are worn either twice a day for 30 minutes.
The duration of treatment depends on the desired level of whitening as well as the level of staining. We find a combination of in-office whitening and take-home whitening brings about the best long term whitening results.
What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Any cosmetic procedure has the capability of enhancing the beauty of your appearance. Teeth whitening can create the confidence that comes with having a beautiful, natural looking smile. The procedure is non-invasive and only requires touch-ups every several months to maintain your beautiful new smile.
Would I Benefit from Teeth Whitening?
Almost everyone is a good candidate for this type of treatment. Those who may want to strongly consider whitening their teeth include anyone who has stained or yellowing teeth, or if you’re noticing the natural wearing of your teeth. At our Gilbert dental office, we customize whitening procedure to assure you get great results.
Home And After Care
To find out which teeth whitening option is right for you, call our office today for an appointment.