Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the appearance of teeth and the enhancement of a person's smile it requires a good eye, a thorough understanding of dental anatomy, and a mastery of dental materials. Smile enhancement can have dramatic results on your overall appearance; even the smallest step can boost your confidence, self-esteem, and make you want to smile more. With modern advances in dentistry, cosmetic procedures can range from a basic color correction to replacing missing teeth, and everything in between.
You can expect Dr. Hughes to ask you to describe in detail what you like and dislike about your smile, and what you want to change. Because aesthetic problems such as missing or discolored teeth can also point to underlying health issues, a comprehensive oral exam is a must. Once we have a thorough understanding of where you are starting from and where you want to end up, we can explain your treatment options (including how much they will cost and how long they will take to implement) and plan a course of action.
All cosmetic dentistry treatments improve the appearance of an individual's teeth. Some can also restore function and/or improve oral health as well.
Removal of silver/mercury fillings - Because silver/mercury does not bond to the actual tooth, bacteria is known to invade and attack the tooth internally. We remove and replace these types of old fillings with direct bonded composite restorations which are very technique sensitive. After removal of the silver/mercury fillings if an area is too large for bonded composite, an onlay may be recommended.
Teeth Whitening A relatively inexpensive way to brighten your smile, whitening teeth can be accomplished at home or in the dentist's chair.
Composite Bonding A tooth-colored composite resin attached to the teeth can improve the appearance and strength of chipped teeth or moderate changes. These procedures require very little preparation (drilling) of the tooth and is completed in one appointment. Composite resin is not as hardy as porcelain veneers or crowns and can stain or dull but is easily repaired and refreshed.
Porcelain & Composite Veneers Designed to substitute for tooth enamel, veneers are wafer thin shells of tooth colored material designed to be placed over the surface of the teeth, typically the ones that show when you smile. Each custom made shell is bonded to the front of the teeth, which completely changes their appearance, color, shape, size, or length.
Porcelain Crowns Heavily damaged teeth can be covered with metal free natural-looking porcelain crowns, which replace more natural tooth structure than veneers.
Porcelain Bridgework A missing tooth can be replaced with metal free porcelain bridgework that is attached to the natural teeth on either side of the space.