Cosmetic Dentistry
In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has seen a surge in popularity. A healthy, bright, and beautiful smile not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your confidence. With modern advances in cosmetic dentistry, improving your smile is now quicker, more comfortable, and more affordable than ever.
Cosmetic dental treatments can reshape and realign teeth, fill gaps, correct bites, whiten teeth, and repair damage like decay, cracks, or chips. They can also replace missing teeth and update old dental work, giving you the confident smile you’ve always wanted.
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CEREC
Revolutionizing Same-Day
Dental Restorations
CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic) has transformed the way dental procedures are performed. Traditionally, getting crowns, onlays, inlays, or veneers involved multiple appointments and long waiting periods. With CEREC®, these ceramic restorations can be created and placed in just one visit, making dental care more convenient and efficient.
The CEREC® system uses advanced computer-assisted design (CAD) tools and a milling machine to create custom ceramic restorations on-site. This means no more temporary restorations, fewer injections, and less discomfort. Plus, it’s cost-effective and minimally invasive, preserving more of your natural tooth.
Benefits of CEREC®
CEREC® is suitable for most patients needing ceramic restorations, except for those with a history of breaking ceramic devices or with a deep bite. Restorations are proven to last over five years, with recent studies showing they often last more than ten years. Key advantages include:
No need for temporary restorations
High-quality, durable ceramic products
Fewer dental visits
Preservation of more natural tooth structure
Biocompatible materials
How the CEREC® System Works
The CEREC® system, often referred to as CAD-CAM technology (Computer Assisted Design and Milling), has three main components:
Acquisition Device: A high-quality camera and computer capture 3D images of the prepared tooth, which the dentist uses to design the restoration.
3D CAD Software: This software lets the dentist view the tooth from all angles, allowing for precise design.
Milling Device: The custom restoration is milled from a ceramic block that matches your tooth color, all within minutes.
What to Expect During a CEREC® Procedure
Your dentist will first prepare the tooth and take images using CEREC® Omnicam or Bluecam, creating a 3D model. After designing the restoration on the computer, the design is sent to the milling unit, which crafts the crown, onlay, inlay, or veneer. The dentist then ensures a perfect fit before polishing and cementing the restoration in place.
Call 503.682.9191 or use our form
to get your same day crowns today.
Composite Fillings
A Durable and Aesthetic Solution
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are used to repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, fractures, and other damage. After removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, your dentist will fill the space with a composite material that closely matches the natural color of your teeth, making it ideal for visible areas of your mouth.
While there are various types of filling materials available, each with its own pros and cons, composite fillings and silver amalgam fillings are the most common choices today. Composite fillings are particularly popular because they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Reasons for Choosing Composite Fillings:
Repairing chipped teeth
Closing gaps between teeth
Fixing cracked or broken teeth
Restoring decayed teeth
Addressing worn teeth
How Composite Fillings Are Placed:
Composite fillings are typically placed in a single appointment. After numbing the tooth, your dentist will remove any decay and thoroughly clean the area. If the decay is near the nerve, a protective medication may be applied. The composite material is then carefully placed, shaped, and polished, restoring the tooth’s original shape and function.
It’s normal to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold immediately after the filling is placed, but this usually subsides as your tooth adjusts.
To ensure the longevity of your composite fillings, follow good oral hygiene practices, maintain a healthy diet, and visit your dentist regularly. While composite fillings are durable, they are not permanent and may need to be replaced over time. With proper care, however, they can provide many years of service, helping you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
Call 503.682.9191 or use our form
to get your composite filling today.
Porcelain Veneers
Transforming Your Smile with Lasting Beauty
Porcelain veneers are thin, durable pieces of custom-made porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth to enhance their appearance. Crafted by a professional dental laboratory to perfectly match the shape and color of your teeth, veneers can dramatically improve the look of your smile.
Veneers can reshape your teeth and smile, often serving as a great alternative to crowns. They are ideal for addressing a variety of dental issues, from cosmetic concerns to structural imperfections.
While veneers are long-lasting, they are not permanent and may eventually need to be replaced. However, with proper care, they can provide many years of a beautiful, radiant smile.
Reasons to Consider Porcelain Veneers:
Achieving a uniform, white, and attractive smile
Correcting crooked or misshapen teeth
Covering severely discolored or stained teeth
Adjusting the size of teeth that are too small or large
Closing unwanted gaps or spaces
Restoring worn or chipped teeth
The Veneer Process:
Typically completed in two visits, getting porcelain veneers is a straightforward process that usually requires little to no anesthesia. During the first visit, your teeth will be lightly buffed and shaped to accommodate the veneers. A mold or impression will be taken, and you’ll work with your dentist to select the ideal shade.
At the second visit, your teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to ensure a strong bond. The veneers are then bonded to your teeth using cement, and a special light is applied to harden and set the bond.
After the procedure, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for your veneers. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will help extend the life of your new smile.
Call 503.682.9191 or use our form
to get your porcelan veneers today.
Teeth Whitening
A Simple Way to Brighten Your Smile
Teeth whitening, or bleaching, is a straightforward, non-invasive procedure that effectively lightens the color of your natural tooth enamel, enhancing the beauty of your smile.
With whiter teeth becoming the top aesthetic concern for many, there are several methods available to achieve a brighter smile. The most popular approach is a home teeth whitening system, which can significantly whiten your teeth. Since whitening only affects natural enamel, it’s important to consider replacing any old fillings, crowns, or other restorations after the whitening process to ensure they match your newly brightened teeth.
Keep in mind that teeth whitening is not permanent, and touch-ups may be needed every few years, especially if you smoke or regularly consume coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons for Teeth Whitening:
Fluorosis (excessive fluoride during tooth development)
Normal wear of the outer tooth layer
Stains from medications (like tetracycline)
Yellow or brown discoloration
What Does Teeth Whitening Involve?
Teeth whitening usually requires two visits. During the first visit, impressions of your teeth will be taken to create custom-fitted, clear plastic trays.
At the second visit, you’ll try on the trays to ensure they fit properly, and adjustments will be made if needed. The trays are filled with a whitening solution and worn either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a few weeks, depending on the severity of the stains and the desired level of whitening. Some tooth sensitivity during the whitening process is normal but should subside after treatment is complete.
You’ll receive detailed care instructions for your teeth and trays and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to maintain a healthy, white smile.