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Bonding
If you have that small gap in the middle of the smile that you want
to close up, then bonding is the solution for you. Resin fillings can
be used to close small gaps between teeth as well as repair teeth that
may be chipped or discolored. Bonding is also great for recession areas,
where the gums have receded and exposed the dentin area of your tooth.
The filling not only eliminates the hot/cold sensitivity that you may
be experiencing, but also helps to protect the tooth from decay.
Veneers
Porcelain laminate veneers are the perfect answer for someone that may
have larger gaps between their teeth, misshaped teeth, or slightly crooked
teeth. The veneer is more permanent than bonding. There are two visits
associated with this procedure, the first appointment consists of preparing
the tooth for the veneer by reducing your tooth structure by approximately
.5mm then a temporary veneer is fabricated and placed. At your second
visit the permanent veneer is placed with a light sensitive resin, which
is hardened by a UV light. Due to the removal of enamel during the preparation
of the tooth, you may experience some hot and cold sensitivity. This
is normal and should be eliminated once the permanent veneer is placed.
Teeth
Bleaching
This process is a fantastic, non-invasive way to achieve a beautiful,
white smile. For people that have slight discoloration or staining this
process is a practical option. It only takes two weeks to achieve your
maximum whitening, and maintenance is minimal. This involves custom
trays that will be filled with bleaching solution, and kept in your
mouth while you sleep. This consists of two appointments. At your first
appointment we will make impressions of your mouth. At your second visit,
we will try-in your trays, and trim if necessary. Finally, we will discuss
bleaching techniques with you, and make sure that we have set appropriate
whitening expectations for you as you proceed through the process.
Crowns
The reasons that necessitate a crown can vary from a broken tooth, a
root canal treated tooth, extensive decay, to a tooth with an existing
large filling that is threatened further by more decay, and unable to
support the filling. You may also prefer to have a crown for cosmetic
reasons as well. A crown can straighten out front teeth, or can make
your smile whiter if your teeth are discolored. If you desire to have
the perfect smile this may be a great option. This procedure also consists
of two visits. During your first appointment, your tooth will be prepared,
and a temporary crown will be placed. At your second visit, the permanent
crown will be cemented, and adjusted if necessary. Crowns are made from
a variety of materials such as full porcelain, porcelain fused to metal,
or gold. Depending on where the crown is needed you may want to discuss
your options with Dr. Nelson to determine which material would be best
for you.
Bridge
Do you have several teeth that are damaged in the front of your mouth,
or are you missing teeth? A bridge is necessary when a tooth or several
teeth are missing from a specific area. A bridge can give you the freedom
to chew or smile again. This procedure consists of three visits. At
your first visit please plan for a minimum of two hours, at that time
we will prepare the existing teeth that will support the bridge, and
a temporary bridge will be placed. We will then schedule you to return
in two weeks for a metal try-in. If the metal is a good fit, we will
then schedule you to have the permanent bridge cemented, usually within
2 weeks of the try-in appointment. You also have the choice of materials
such as gold or porcelain fused to metal, again depending on the location
of the bridge you and Dr. Nelson can discuss the best option for you.
Implants
This is a great alternative to the crowns, bridges and dentures. Like
crowns and bridges the implant is a permanent solution. Though, unlike
crowns and bridges that are placed in your mouth with cement, an implant
is actually screwed into a post that has been inserted into your bone
by an oral surgeon. The implant acts more like a natural tooth in that
it is placed into your bone; this creates more stability, and overall
better dental health since just one tooth is being affected opposed
to two or more. The treatment time with the oral surgeon can take up
to one year. Once your treatment with the oral surgeon is complete,
and your site is fully healed it is time to see Dr. Nelson for the final
phase of your implant treatment. This phase consists of three visits.
At your first visit we will take impressions to begin the fabrication
of your crown. During your second visit we will try in your materials
and at your final visit we will place your permanent crown.
White
Fillings
For patients that prefer to have composite or white fillings instead
of the standard silver amalgam for their posterior teeth, this option
is available. It is more common today for patients to want to have a
whiter smile. Many patients have amalgam fillings that are graying out
their smile, and this allows them the opportunity to have fillings while
still maintaining a bright smile. This procedure can be completed in
one appointment, dependent on how many fillings you would like replaced.
The decay, if present, is drilled out, and the tooth is prepared for
the composite filling to be bonded. The filling is then light cured,
and adjusted to ensure proper biting. If you notice that your bite is
off after you have left the office, please notify us immediately as
this may cause sensitivity and pain while biting.
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