Once a patient has been assured that his or her teeth and gums are healthy, they often make an appointment with one of the Cosmetic Dentists at Oceanview Dental to make their smile beautiful. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can range from a teeth whitening treatment to using dental implants to replace teeth. These improvements often make a person feel more confident in social and business situations.
Working with a cosmetic dentist to whiten teeth is much different from using a kit from the drugstore. At the first visit, the dentist will clean the teeth in the office. This gets rid of any plaque build up. It allows the chemicals to seep into the tooth enamel more efficiently. Then they will take impressions of the upper and lower teeth that will be used to create custom trays for the patient’s mouth. He will be given the trays and a special bleaching solution. Depending upon the nature of the stains the trays will be used once or twice a day for 30 minutes each. This procedure can last up to two weeks. Because the trays fit the patient’s mouth perfectly, they are much more comfortable to wear.
The bleaching chemicals only work on natural tooth enamel. After the natural teeth are whitened, the Cosmetic Dentists will evaluate any older fillings or crowns. These may need to be replaced to match the whiter teeth. If the patient has a missing tooth, this is the ideal time to replace it. Dental implants are the best way to replace a tooth. A titanium shaft is inserted into the patient’s jaw bone. If the jaw isn’t strong enough to support the implant, an oral surgeon may perform a bone graft to enhance it. It takes about six to eight weeks for the jaw to incorporate the implant into it’s fabric. Once that has occurred a porcelain crown is placed over the implant. The result is so realistic that most people never guess it’s a crown.
A teeth whitening procedure will last about two years. Dental implants and crowns usually last for two or three decades. The dentist will make sure that the patient knows how to care for both.
