Cosmetic Dentistry.

The terms cosmetic, esthetic or aesthetic dentistry are used interchangeable. Patients should know that there is no speciality of “cosmetic dentistry” and all general dentists are cosmetic dentists.

When people think of cosmetic dentistry services they usually are referring to whitening/bleaching, porcelain veneers, and “white” fillings such as composite (plastic) fillings & porcelain inlays and onlays. Our office offers all those services.

Porcelain veneers involve shaving the front side of teeth down slightly and bonding porcelain veneers to those surfaces. Done correctly, sometimes these veneers can last 15 years or more. However, we often find that patients do not need veneers. Sometimes, simply whitening, recontouring teeth and providing simple composite bondings may be enough to satisfy a patient’s aesthetic concerns. Anytime we can avoid preparing a tooth with our dental handpiece, the patient wins. To quote Dr. John Kois; “There is no dentistry like no dentistry.”.

Composite (plastic) restorations work extremely well on front teeth. As we move to the back of the mouth if a patient desires “white” restorations, porcelain inlays and onlays can be a better option. Key to placing composite and porcelain restorations that last is the use of dental rubber dam. Our staff is extremely versed in the placement and use of the dental rubber dam so that we have the best chance of placing restorations with strong bonds to the tooth remaining tooth structure.