Transform Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry
At Poplar Pike Dental, we understand how dramatic life can change by changing your smile. From minor cosmetic changes to dramatic, life-changing transformations, we can do amazing things for your smile.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case.
The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused with metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth.
This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years; however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reasons for a Fixed Bridge:
- Fill the 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.
The Process of Getting a Bridge
Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, we’ll prepare the two anchoring teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown.
Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.
Your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented on the second visit to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.
You will receive care instructions after your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.
Inlays & Onlays
Often referred to as partial crowns, a dental inlay fits inside a damaged tooth to complete the full look of the tooth.
Dental Bonding
With dental bonding, composition filler is used to repair gaps, chips, and the like by using the same material used in filling cavities to complete the shape of a damaged tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth-shaped porcelain that are custom-made by a professional dental laboratory to match your natural smile. Veneers are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful smile.
Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile.
They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.
As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. However, with the proper care, veneers will last many years, giving you a beautiful, long-lasting smile.
Reasons for Porcelain Veneers
- Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
- Crooked teeth.
- Misshapen teeth.
- Severely discolored or stained teeth.
- Teeth that are too small or large.
- Unwanted or uneven spaces.
- Worn or chipped teeth.
The Process of Porcelain Veneers
Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure.
The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. We’ll take a mold of the teeth, and then you and your dentist will choose a shade.
On the second visit, the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is placed between the tooth and veneer, and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.
You will receive care instructions for veneers. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will keep your veneers in great shape.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are several ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home teeth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.
Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate the replacement of old fillings, crowns, or other restorations. We’ll replace damaged restorations after bleaching to match your newly whitened teeth.
Teeth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every few years and more often if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine.
The Teeth Whitening Process
Professional teeth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, we’ll make impressions (molds) of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic trays.
You will try on the trays for a proper fit at your second appointment, and adjustments will be made if necessary.
You’ll wear the trays with a whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks, depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.
It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity while whitening your teeth, but it will subside soon after you have stopped bleaching.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy white smile.
Reasons for Teeth Whitening
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
- Yellow, brown stained teeth.