April 13, 2019
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
What does cosmetic dentistry mean?
Are your teeth discolored, stained, chipped, broken, worn, misaligned, misshapen, or have gaps between them? You can achieve a healthier, happier smile with cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry improves the appearance of your smile through one or more procedures. Dr. Estrada will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan. Interested in cosmetic dentistry? Below you’ll find more information about the various types of cosmetic dental procedures offered by Dr. Estrada.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be one of the most affordable and simple methods to improve your smile. Dr. Estrada has access to specialized products that bleach teeth on any budget, or you can buy a mold and gels from Dr. Estrada to bleach your teeth at home. There are also whitening products available over the counter at retail stores for convenient at-home whitening. Over the counter products are usually not recommended, however in specific circumstances can show good results. Schedule a free exam today to discover what options will work best for you.
Dental Crown
Dental crowns, also called caps, fit over and replaces the entire decayed or damaged tooth above the gum line. This process restores its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns prevent a weak tooth from breaking or hold a damaged tooth together. Dr. Estrada can utilize these cosmetically to cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth. Options for metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic crowns exist and range in pricing.
Dental Bonding
A tooth-colored, putty-like resin, which is a durable plastic material, is applied to the tooth and hardened with an ultraviolet or laser light, bonding the material to the tooth. Dr. Estrada then trims, shapes, and polishes it. Bonding can repair decayed, chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth. Dental bonding is also a good cosmetic alternative to, or replacement for, amalgam or silver fillings.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain or resin that cover the front surface of the teeth. Dr. Estrada will remove approximately a half-millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, these thin shells are bonded (cemented) to the front of the teeth. This can be utilized to change their color, shape, size, or length. Veneers are often called “Hollywood teeth."
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium replacement tooth roots inserted into the bone socket of the missing tooth. Once the jawbone is allowed time to heal, it grows around the implanted post, anchoring it securely in the jaw and providing a foundation for a replacement tooth or set of teeth.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays, also called indirect fillings, are made from gold, porcelain, or composite materials and fill decayed or damaged teeth. Inlays and onlays are created and then bonded into place by Dr. Estrada. The filling is called an “inlay” when the material is bonded within the center of a tooth; it is called an “onlay” when the filling includes one or more points of the tooth or covers the biting surface. Inlays and onlays preserve as much healthy tooth as possible and are a reliable alternative to crowns.
Bridges
A bridge is made of crowns for the teeth on either side of a gap with false teeth in between.
Dentures
Dr. Estrada offers dentures to those who prefer this option. Denture are removable replacements for missing teeth.
Braces
Braces straighten crooked or misaligned teeth and correct teeth by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to move teeth in a specific direction. Dr. Estrada is proud to be one of the first dentists to offer the revolutionary fast braces technology to his patients. This process is completed in extraordinary timing when compared to traditional braces! Call us today to learn more about the benefits and affordability of fast braces!
