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Smile Evaluator |
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| Have a look at the following statements. If one applies to you, click on it to find out what can be done to improve your smile.
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Whitening (Bleaching)
Ideal Candidates. People with natural teeth that have become stained. Crowns, fillings, veneers, and bonding will not lighten from bleaching. They will remain their current shade.
Procedure.
The "in-office" method is performed by your dentist in one appointment. Your doctor will place a chemical on your teeth and use a light to accelerate the whitening process.
The "at-home" or "tray" method for bleaching is widely used. Your dentist fabricates a custom plastic tray from an impression of the teeth to be whitened. You will be instructed on how to place the whitening agent inside the tray and how long to wear it in your mouth.
Time. At least 2 appointments using the "tray" method. 1 to 2 appointments using the "in office" method, depending on the result desired.
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Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can either be replaced through
fixed appliances (which are placed permanently in the mouth) or
removable appliances (which can be taken in and out). There are two fixed options to replace missing teeth - dental implants or bridges. The removable option entails the fabrication of a denture (partial or complete) or a flipper / retainer.
Implants
Implants can be used to replace single missing teeth, especially back teeth. They’re a more conservative alternative to fixed bridgework (which requires that the adjacent teeth be reshaped for crowns). They can also be used to replace multiple missing teeth or in conjunction with the remaining natural teeth to provide support for missing teeth. They can also be used to obtain better retention for complete dentures, or to eliminate complete dentures entirely.
Ideal candidates. As long as there is sufficient bone for placement, almost any missing tooth can be replaced with an implant. They're considered the first choice in tooth replacement.
Procedure. Implant placement is a surgical procedure. There are two steps to the process; the first is the actual surgical placement of the implant. Once the implant has been incorporated into the surrounding bone, the final restoration (crown) can be placed, completing the second step.
Time. Multiple appointments. Approximatelty a 6 month waiting period before crown placement to allow for implant integration into the surrounding bone.
Bridges
There are three main types of bridges that can be used to replace missing teeth: 1) porcelain fused to metal bridges 2) all porcelain bridges, and 3) bonded porcelain bridges (maryland bridges)
Porcelain fused to metal bridge
Ideal Candidate. Replacement of any tooth or teeth. Can replace multiple teeth on one bridge.
Procedure. The teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth are recontoured and reduced in size to support the future bridge. When you leave the first appointment you will have a provisional acrylic bridge (temporary bridge) that will be tooth-colored. Once the porcelain fused to metal bridge has been made, you will return to the office for final cementation. Placement is done only after the bridge is tried in and the color, shape, and size are correct.
Time. 2 - 3 appointments.
All porcelain bridges
Ideal Candidates. Replacement of a single missing front tooth.
Procedure. The teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth are reduced in size to accommodate crowns. When you leave the first appointment you'll have a tooth-colored provisional acrylic bridge (temporary). When the porcelain bridge comes back from the lab, you will return to the office for final cementation.
Time. 2 - 3 appointments.
Bonded porcelain bridges (Maryland bridges)
Ideal Candidates. Missing a single front tooth; adjacent teeth (the teeth on either side of the missing tooth) are healthy natural teeth (no fillings).
Procedure. The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are only slightly reduced from the inside (tongue side). Maryland bridges require far less tooth surface to be removed from the adjacent teeth than traditional bridge preparations.
Time. 2 to 3 appointments
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Black lines around the edges of your crowns
The black lines are actually the metal underneath the porcelain showing through. Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a thin metal edge which becomes apparent when the gums recede. The black line can be eliminated through the use of all porcelain or ceramic crowns.
Procedure. The only solution is to remove the existing porcelain fused to metal crowns and replace them with either all porcelain or ceramic crowns.
Time. 2 appointments
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Tooth-Colored Fillings Don't Match Anymore
Over time our natural teeth darken, making tooth-colored fillings standout. Also, patients that have undergone whitening procedures may notice that their tooth-colored fillings are suddenly more noticeable. While bleaching will whiten natural teeth, it has little effect on composites / bonding. There are three possible options depending on the size of filling to be replaced: Bonding, Porcelain veneers, Porcelain crowns
Bonding
Ideal Candidate. Typically better suited for replacing small restorations.
Procedure. The existing filling is removed and the tooth is evaluated. The tooth will then be cleaned and treated with an adhesive to which the bonding material chemically adheres to the tooth. The bonding material replaces the missing part of the tooth; the shade of material selected should be matched to the tooth as closely as possible.
Time. 1 appointment
Porcelain veneers
Ideal Candidate. When a filling is too large and cannot be predictably rebonded, then a veneer offers an excellent treatment alternative. The best candidate has consistent and good color to their natural teeth.
Procedure. The area where the tooth chipped or broke is smoothed. The remaining front surface of the tooth is reduced slightly to accommodate the veneer; it has the same color and appearance of a natural tooth.
Time. 2 appointments
Porcelain crowns
Ideal Candidate. When a filling is so large that it needs additional support to resist fracture, a crown is often indicated.
Procedure. The tooth is reduced in order to accommodate a new crown. After it is reduced, you will wear an acrylic tooth-colored provisional crown (temporary) until your new one is ready. When the final one is ready, it will be tried in to verify the size, shape and shade. If the crown is clinically and esthetically acceptable, it is then permanently cemented in place.
Time. 2 appointments
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Teeth appear too small or too short
Your dentist may recommend crown lengthening, also referred to as gum recontouring. This is a minor surgical procedure in which the gums (gingivae) will be recontoured into a more aesthetic appearance. For more information, see our section on
gingivoplasty.
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Space, or Gaps, Between the Teeth
There are three options for closing gaps: Bonding, Porcelain Veneers and Porcelain Crowns.
Bonding
Ideal Candidate. Typically better suited for someone with small spaces and natural teeth to attach the bonding material
Procedure. Bonding material is placed on the in-between surfaces of the teeth to close the space (diastema). The bonding material replaces the missing part of the tooth.
Time. 1 appointment
Porcelain veneers
Ideal Candidate. Someone with a large gap, or diastema, or multiple areas of excess spacing.
Procedure. A thin layer of your natural teeth is removed and a custom-made porcelain veneer is bonded to the front and side surfaces of the prepared teeth. To evenly close one diastema, usually two veneers are required - one on each side of the space.
Time. 2 appointments
Porcelain crowns
Ideal Candidate. Someone with very large diastemas or existing crowns.
Procedure. Your existing crown(s) will be removed. Or, if you do not have an existing crown, your tooth will be recontoured to accommodate a crown. After the tooth is reduced, you will wear an acrylic tooth-colored provisional crown (temporary) until your new one is ready. When the final one is ready, it will be tried in to verify the size, shape and shade. If it is clinically and aesthetically acceptable, it will then be permanently cemented.
Time. 2 appointments
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Orthodontics
Ideal Candidate. You are a good candidate for braces if you like the color and shape of your existing teeth and prefer a conservative approach.
Time. It can take months to years (usually 2 yrs).
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Note: It is important to note that
before beginning any course of treatment you should see your
dentist. Please note that without the benefit of a full dental
examination, including a review of medical history, dental x-rays,
and diagnostic aids, no attempt can be made to provide specific
diagnosis or recommended courses of treatment. However, we will be
happy to update our site to include topics you feel deserve
mention. contact us |
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