1 Hour Whitening
Did you know
… the most common complaint people have about their teeth is their color. There are a lot of whitening products on the market, so it is important to discuss your options with your dentist.
There are many things that can affect the color of your teeth. Most people believe discoloration is due to plaque and dirt, but that is not always the case. You might notice that your teeth become discolored due to the food and drinks you consume. Using tobacco can really stain your teeth. Sometimes medications and injuries can change the color of your teeth.
It is really important to understand why your teeth are discolored so that you can find the best way to treat them.
How Teeth Whiteners Work
Teeth-whitening products use bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks up stains into smaller pieces. This makes them harder to see, making your teeth brighter. However, bleaches do not work on all teeth, so it is important to talk to your dentist before you bleach your teeth.
It’s important to know that whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings that were originally made to match your teeth’s natural color. They also do not always work on discoloration caused by certain medications.
There are many options when it comes to whitening methods, including toothpastes, at-home bleaching, and bleaching in our office. Each one works differently and varies in effectiveness and safety. For this reason, you should talk to us before you decide to bleach your teeth.
There are times when the bleach in the product can affect your enamel. This irritates the nerves, making your teeth and gums really sensitive. This usually goes away, but if you overuse whiteners, they can cause lasting damage, so if you are having any problems, you need to see your dentist.
CEREC
The bad thing about getting crowns is that it takes time. If your teeth are missing, we will have to place implants in, which will act like new roots for your crown. There are times when we place a temporary crown in your mouth while we wait for your crown and implants to be made. This can be quite painful.
Lucky for you, we offer CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.
CEREC is wonderful because in only one visit you can get a smile of which you will be proud! The process uses the latest technologies, allowing us to make artificial teeth righ in our office.
After a thorough examination with x-rays, we can determine if the procedure will work for you. We will go through all of your options with you so that you can be sure you’re choosing the one that will work best for you.
If you decide to use CEREC, we will scan your teeth using the latest technology. Then our dentists will design teeth that are the perfect size and shape for your mouth. Once the teeth are ready, we can place them in your mouth, and you will be free to go.
Composite Fillings
Teeth are usually filled with a material called composite resin, which is designed to look like your natural teeth. Composite resin takes a little longer than gold, porcelain, or silver amalgam, though most people still prefer it for natural-looking teeth. It takes more than one layer, and a special light is used to harden the area around the filling.
Once your tooth is all filled in, we will smooth over the rough edges and polish it so it looks natural.
Empress Restorations
Known for their durability and esthetic materials, Empress® provides a natural look while restoring complete function. Empress® offers a variety of restorations to meet the demands of most and can be fabricated as veneers, onlays and overlays, and, in some instances, even bridges.
We prefer Empress® because it’s biocompatible and doesn’t harm the other dentition. It has excellent translucency, which blends well with the other teeth and makes the restoration appear natural. The Empress® material polishes well for high shine and acceptability. Empress® can truly make your teeth sparkle.
Porcelain Crowns(Caps)
Getting porcelain crowns is the best way to have a very natural-looking smile. They are used when simply filling in a tooth is not an option. There are times when the decay is so bad that we just have to use a porcelain crown. We also use them on severely damaged teeth or teeth that already have had multiple fillings.
Porcelain crowns are attached right to your teeth so that they can function even when you bite something really hard! There are several types of porcelain crowns, so it is important to discuss which type is best for you with your dentist.
It is also very important to use a dentist who is skilled in porcelain crowns so that you have the best chance at having a natural smile. Our dentists work hard to ensure our patients have a smile of which they can be proud!
Porcelain Fixed Bridges
Porcelain fixed bridges are used to replace missing teeth. It is an extremely safe way to replace your teeth and give you a smile of which you can be proud!
Porcelain fixed bridges are the best way to have natural-looking teeth. The teeth are attached to a metal bridge. The bridges are then fixed to your regular teeth so that they stay in place. It may be necessary to put crowns over your regular teeth to keep the bridge in place.
With proper care, porcelain fixed bridges should last a very long time because they are so durable. There are times when they get a little loose so you might have to have them re-cemented.
Whether or not you are worried about your smile, bridges are also used to keep your remaining teeth in place. They help you eat and speak much better, not to mention they give you a beautiful smile of which you can be proud!
Porcelain Inlays & Onlays
Even though many people are concerned about the health of their mouths, it can be quite expensive to get the mouth you deserve.
For this reason, we are proud to offer dental inlays and onlays. This is a conservative way to treat any teeth that are damaged or injured. It is much cheaper than placing a crown over the top of your tooth.
Dental inlays and onlays can also be used for cavities and decay. Instead of trying to fill in the tooth, we may just place an inlay or onlay.
Dental inlays and onlays are specifically made to fit your teeth. They are made in a laboratory, and then we bond them right to your teeth.
The only difference between inlays and onlays is how much of your tooth we have to cover. If the material is bonded to the center of the tooth, it is considered an inlay. If it covers your whole tooth or more than just one point of your tooth, it is considered an onlay.
If you have any questions about dental inlays or onlays, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (806) 894-4499.
Porcelain Veneer
Because veneers require removing some enamel, they are usually permanent. Your dentist will typically recommend avoiding food and drink that will stain your veneers. Veneers can chip or crack, but overall the results are worthwhile and many people are thrilled with their new smile.
Veneers are an alternative to more expensive crowns. Porcelain veneers require multiple visits, but they last longer and provide a more stable color than bonding. If you are considering veneers, contact us today to discuss your options with our staff.
Procera Crowns
Procera crowns are special because they are free of metal and very natural looking. Each crown is made specifically for your missing or broken tooth. We can even pick a color so your cap will match the rest of your teeth.
Once we decide to place a Procera crown in your mouth, your dentist will order a crown for you. After it comes in, we will make sure that it is perfect for your mouth. If it’s not, we will send it back for adjustments. Once we have the perfect fit, it is time to cement your Procera crown into your mouth.
Procera crowns are really natural because they are made specifically for you. Your dentist will even match the tooth to the color of your teeth so that it is completely normal looking.
