Artistic dental treatment and new technology

An attractive smile is an important part of a person's general appearance, behavior and self-confidence.  Dentists are living in a professionally exciting era.   Advances in dental techniques and materials are happening constantly allowing patients to have easier and better treatment than ever before. 

Many patients do not like the appearance of metal in their teeth.  Modern filling materials are durable enough to allow the opportunity to have a natural smile and those are the materials that I use.  Often, old metal fillings stay structurally sound for a long time and my perspective on treatment planning is that if it is not broke, do not fix it.  However, if you want to replace your old fillings, tell me.  Sometimes people are shy and afraid of appearing vain but if you want to get them out of your mouth, let me know. 

I often use an air abrasion unit allows patients to have some of their smaller fillings completed with no freezing or drilling at all.  The way this happens is by directing a tiny sand blaster onto the tooth surface.  Only the decayed and weak enamel comes off and the solid tooth material is left alone.  The treatment is very conservative, quick and comfortable. 

People who are unhappy with the color or stain of their teeth, can choose from the various ways to have their teeth lightened. The choices are divided into two: take-home and in-office techniques.  To brighten up all of your teeth, a take-home method is most efficient and usually only takes two weeks.  If only a few teeth are darker than the others, they can be individually lightened in less than an hour at the office.  Nevertheless, in office bleaching can also be done for a full smile.  Many people want straighter teeth but do not want braces.  Sometimes, people had braces in their youth but now a few teeth are starting to drift back.  The thought of getting braces again and visiting the orthodontist for regular adjustments stops them from asking for other options.  Often, teeth can be straightened by wearing clear trays that are barely visible.  They apply forces to the teeth and achieve the similar effect as traditional orthodontics.