Problems Solved
by Cosmetic Dentistry

Dull or Stained Teeth 

Dull or Light to Moderate Staining

"Extrinsic" stains are those that result from staining sources external to the teeth and are located mostly in the enamel (hard exterior) of the teeth.

Moderate to Severe Staining or Dark Teeth

"Intrinsic" stains are stains originating from within the tooth. These stains are deep and usually located in the dentin (under the enamel) of the teeth.

Closing Spaces 

Small Space(s): 1-3 mm

If the space is at the mid-line (center of the smile) it is best done by Cosmetic Bonding to enlarge both adjacent teeth and thereby closing the gap in a balanced way. If it is not in the mid-line the space may be closed by simply enlarging one tooth if esthetics and the bite permits.

Moderate Space(s): 3-6 mm

Because bonding has limited edge strength, it becomes necessary to consider the stronger Laminate / Veneer or Crown and again give consideration to balance and esthetic.

Large Space(s): 6-12 mm

These spaces are large enough to consider "adding" a tooth to close the gap. This is accomplished by a Bridge (a false tooth is placed between and supported by the adjacent teeth). Many times a more conservative Maryland Bridge can be used.

Spaces Caused by "Small" Teeth (Peg Laterals)

A relatively common cause of space is the "small" or "underdeveloped" tooth. Bonding or Laminate / Veneers may be used to normalize the size and close or reduce the space.

Multiple Spaces (Spread-out Teeth)

When Many Spaces exist it is best to consider a complete smile makeover using Laminate / Veneers.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Small Chips or Breaks

Cosmetic Bonding is usually sufficient if the chips or breaks are small and not subject to biting pressures. If they are in the bite, then Laminate / Veneers are more appropriate.

Medium Fractures

Laminate / Veneers are the restoration of choice.

Large Fractures

When there is little tooth left and inadequate support, full Crowns become the solution.

Small Defects, Isolated Stains, Blemishes

"White" spots, blemishes & isolated stains can usually be covered with Cosmetic Bonding or Laminates. The sizes, quantity, expected result and costs normally determine which of the two is best for you.

Large "Halo" or "Two-Tone" Teeth

A certain amount (1-2 mm) of translucency at the tips of the front teeth is normal. In some cases the translucency extends for 3-5 mm and gives the teeth a two-toned effect. Depending on the patient's bite, sometimes a small amount of Bonding can be applied to the back of the tooth to "opaque" the translucency; otherwise either Exterior Cosmetic Bonding or Laminate / Veneers may be required. Other types of two-tone or banding that are a result of tetracycline or genetics are covered under Stained.

Crooked or Mal-Positioned Teeth

Crooked teeth are normally straightened by orthodontics. It is the more natural and preferred treatment. However, the many new cosmetic options now available do allow us to "straighten" front teeth instantly and is frequently less costly than orthodontics. The principle is simple and results can be astonishing. Crooked teeth are "straightened" cosmetically by "trimming the peaks and filling the valleys", and best accomplished by Laminates / Veneers. Simple cases may use Cosmetic Bonding, whereas extreme cases may involve Crowns. Using these procedures it is possible to "straighten" teeth in as few as one or two visits and avoid the costly and time consuming (2-3 yrs.) orthodontics.

Gummy Smile / Short Teeth

This is a complex problem which needs very careful diagnosis for proper treatment. The cause can be related to bone growth, tissue overgrowth, failure of teeth to fully erupt or genetically short teeth. Depending on the cause, treatment would be orthodontics, surgery, or Laminate / Veneers or a combination thereof.

Worn Teeth 

Worn teeth can be restored to their natural lengths and beauty by using Crowns or Laminates / Veneers. However it is important to determine the cause of the wear (bruxing, grinding at night, stress, malocclusion) for proper treatment.

Discolored, Old or Ugly Fillings

Unfortunately nothing lasts forever. Age and use breaks or wears down fillings and discolors even the most beautiful of works. If the fillings are large and on the front teeth but still good, covering them with Laminate / Veneers may be the best solution. If they are small, perhaps replacing them with new White Fillings might be adequate. For large fillings with recurring decay and/or inadequate tooth structure remaining, Porcelain Crowns are best.

Replacing Silver Fillings or Gold Crowns

Silver fillings and gold crowns have been the mainstay of dentistry for over 100 years. Until recently there were no suitable alternatives. Today we do have a choice especially when it comes to cosmetics. Unsightly silver filling with adequate tooth support may be replaced with Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings or with Porcelain Inlays / On lays. Gold crowns and large silver fillings with inadequate strength are replaced with Porcelain Crowns.

Unsightly Crowns (Color, Broken, Exposed Metal)

Unsightly crown, whether due to poor color math, chipped or broken porcelain or the frequently "dark band" showing from exposed metal are best replaced with new Porcelain Crowns unless they are part of a large bridge. Small Chips may be repaired through special Bonding techniques, most repairs are of a temporary nature and a compromised treatment. The exception as noted above is for bridgework. Due to cost and other factors, some repair techniques may be feasible. Only by visiting our office can we make a proper assessment, recommend treatment and give you a cost estimate.

Exposed Roots, Erosion or Decay

Many of us have some gum recession and exposed roots. Except for gum disease, most of the time the cause is "toothbrush abrasion" or overaggressive brushing. Using a hard or medium toothbrush and back & forth brushing are the main culprits. Use a soft brush only and brush up & down or in a circular pattern to avoid further deterioration. Frequently this aggressive brushing results in "V" shaped grooves or erosion cut in the roots. These areas may be sensitive, trap food and/or lead to tooth decay. These grooves should be filled with tooth colored Composite Fillings to reduce sensitivity, fill the unsightly groove and enhance appearance and prevent further wear. In some extreme cases for cosmetic purposes Laminates / Veneers may be chosen.

Uneven, Rough, Sharp Corners & Fangs

Sometimes natural, but most often due to uneven wear and aging, these minor defects can be corrected by simple Shaping & Contouring. The 'personality" of our smile is often expressed by the shape and arrangement of our teeth and the contour of our smile. Younger and more feminine smiles have more rounded teeth that are cradled nicely by the lower lip. Masculine teeth tend to be squarer and bolder. Sharper more pronounced cuspids (eye teeth) project a more dominant and aggressive personality.

If shaping and contouring is not adequate to get the desired results, it may be necessary to include some Cosmetic Bonding or even Veneers/Laminates for more extreme cases.

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