Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry has combined art and science to create a world of possibilities to enchance your smile.

• Tooth Whitening

• Porcelain Veneers

• Tooth-colored fillings

• Crowns and Bridges

• Gum Sculpting

• Fresh Breath Concept

• Orthodontics

• Customized Smile Makeover

• Tooth Whitening

Bleaching, the process for whitening discolored teeth, is the most commonly prescribed cosmetic dental procedure. Tooth whitening is one of the simplest ways to make a smile more youthful. Whitening technology has come a long way in the last decade. With the proper application, prescription and a healthy mouth, tooth whitening is very safe. In Medident, we offer BriteSmile in office instant whitening (about 1 hour and 20 minutes).

Go to BriteSmile web site for more info on this fantastically fast, safe, whitening procedure.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells that are laid directly onto the teeth and bonded to the surface. Porcelain veneers are a more conservative alternative to crowns since they require less removal of the tooth's original surface. They are a great option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that did not respond well to whitening procedures.

Tooth-colored fillings

Composite bonding is a technique used to improve the appearance of your teeth. Bonding is ideal for chipped or cracked teeth, hiding discoloration on the tooth's surface, or reducing the caps in between teeth.

Crowns and Bridges

A crown, also known as a cap, is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed over a tooth that has been badly decayed or damaged. Crowns are generally used when the damage or decay is so extensive that filling materials cannot make the tooth strong enough. In addition, crowns can be used to hold a bridge in place and to cover discolored or misshaped teeth. Types of Dental Crowns Dental crowns are available in several types at our office: - Metal - this type of crown can be made of gold alloy, palladium, nickel alloy, or chromium alloy. Metal crowns are ideal for use on the back teeth that do not show. - All-porcelain - these crowns look like natural teeth and are ideal for use on the front teeth. - Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) - PFM crowns have a metal framework covered by porcelain and look like natural teeth. With advancements in technology, a missing tooth can be replaced without a metal or metal substructure bridge. Either an implant based tooth or non-metal bridge can be placed that will rival nature. There is a significant aesthetic advantage to these newer approaches.

Gum Sculpting

Cosmetic gum sculpting may give your smile a natural, youthful appearance, exposing more of your natural teeth. As ageing occurs, gums may also shrink, giving the appearance of lengthening teeth (getting ‘long in the tooth’). Gum recession is also caused by stress on the gums caused by a bad bite. The dentist can use a laser to remove the excess tissue of your "gummy" smile.

Fresh Breath Concept

There are many causes of bad breath. About one out of every ten people are afflicted with chronic bad breath. Often, those that suffer from bad breath are the last to know! Over 90% of halitosis conditions are a result of oral and nasal-related conditions. The lesser percentage of bad breath comes from disease processes in other parts of the body, such as the stomach, liver, and so on. Halitosis stems from anaerobic bacterial activity that produces volatile sulfur-compounds. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment for bad breath may begin. Treatment usually consists of regular hygiene maintenance, recommended home hygiene & tongue treatment, and specially formulated oral hygiene products to help keep anaerobic bacterial activity at bay. Most over-the-counter mouth rinses contain alcohol and can only provide a cover-up to the underlying problem. There are now mouth rinses available that will decrease the population of unfavorable bacteria and that do not contain alcohol. The laser is used to gently disinfect and evaporate inflamed tissues inside the oversized gum pockets. Depending on the severity of periodontal disease a series of 2 - 12 sessions of laser therapy may be recommended. Each session revisits the area treated before and treats a new area until the affected areas have been touched and allowed to heal. Where surgery was indicated in just the very recent past, laser therapy is available at a fraction of the cost of surgery, with less pain, quicker recovery, and less scarring.

Customized Smile Makeover

Cosmetic digital imaging is a computer-based digital technology which allows to create true-to-life photographs of your very own mouth, as if the recommended procedures had already been completed. So whether you're considering teeth whitening, straightening, bonding, veneers, or full smile re-contouring, digital imaging technology lets you envision the possibilities of how your new smile can look and function.