We understand that your dental needs are as unique as your smile. We take the time to visit with you and make sure we understand all your concerns and questions about your dental health and the appearance of your smile. We may suggest treatment alternatives and will make sure you fully understand your options. Some of the most common treatment options are briefly explained below.

Unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, veneers are thin porcelain shells that are permanently fastened to the front surfaces of teeth with an adhesive. Veneers can completely mask unattractive stains or other flaws while retaining some transparency, helping them to appear entirely real. Veneers can be used to restore chipped teeth, gaps, stains, discolorations, and crooked teeth. Veneers are relatively maintenance-free and are more durable than bonding.

The Procedure: Porcelain veneers require two office visits. In the first visit, the tooth is prepared by eliminating a small amount of surface structure to create space for the veneer. After fabrication the veneer is cemented to the prepared tooth in the second visit. Typically there are 2 weeks between appointments, during which the patient wears provisional or temporary veneers.

Everyone loves a bright, white smile. Today, whitening is a common and safe oxygenating procedure used to brighten teeth that may be stained or discolored. Dental bleaching is most effective in whitening teeth which have become discolored due to factors we encounter every day - food, drink, medications, etc. Dental bleaching is not effective in whitening most existing dental restorations.

The Procedure: Some whitening procedures are done in our office with one visit. Others can be done at home using a mild whitening solution inside a custom-made tray that you wear for a few hours during the day or at night. Take home procedures usually take 10-14 days for good results. Studies have found that whitening procedures cause no damage to tooth structure. However, some people experience an increase in tooth sensitivity for a few days after treatment.

Crowns are used when a tooth is too badly decayed, broken or cracked to be easily restored with a filling. Crowns are normally needed for teeth that have had root canals. Crowns are also placed on dental implants to replace missing teeth. Crowns traditionally have been made of porcelain fused to a metal subs-structure. However, with new technology, crowns can be made entirely from high-strength ceramic and porcelain for beautiful cosmetic results and superior performance.

The Procedure: Porcelain crowns require two office visits. In the first visit, the tooth is prepared by eliminating a surface structure to create space for the crown. After fabrication the crown is permanently cemented to the prepared tooth in the second visit. Typically there are 2 weeks between appointments, during which the patient wears provisional or temporary crowns.

For hundreds of years, dental fillings have been used to restore teeth. Dental fillings are placed in teeth where a dentist has had to remove tooth structure due to decay or fracture. Although silver amalgam was the dominant choice years ago, today we have several other preferred options for tooth restoration including tooth colored composite filling materials and cementable resins and porcelains. Over time, amalgam fillings corrode and expand, weakening the tooth. Tooth colored fillings are bio-compatible, chemically bond to teeth, and help strengthen the tooth.

The Procedure: The decayed portion of the tooth is removed from the sound tooth structure. Filling material is then flowed into the area and hardened with a reactive light. The filled area is then shaped and polished to match the look and feel of the original tooth.