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Cosmetic Dentistry at North Carolina Dental Practice |
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GOriginally dentistry focused on oral hygiene,
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases.
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry which
focuses on improving the appearance of a person's
teeth, mouth, and smile.
Technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry have
made it possible for dentists to address a wide range
of challenges. Two of the latest trends aimed at
creating a more attractive appearance are smile
makeovers and full mouth reconstruction. |
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Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative
benefits. Previously, most dental fillings were
composed primarily of gold, amalgam, and other
materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth.
Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of
cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings
made of porcelain or composite materials that closely
match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the
natural appearance of your teeth and smile.
A smile makeover improves the appearance of the
smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry
procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants,
and teeth whitening.
Full mouth reconstruction involves advanced
restorative treatment designed to address severe wear
of the teeth, pain, and other functional problems.
These include problems with the occlusion. Full mouth
reconstruction frequently involves several dentists
who focus on their specific areas of expertise in
order to obtain the best outcome. |
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Beautify your smile and appearance with cosmetic
dentistry. |
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Cosmetic dentistry procedures at
North Carolina Dental Practice
include: |
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Dental Fillings-
This traditional procedure can also be included in the
category of cosmetic dentistry when porcelain and
composite resin materials are used to provide a
tooth-like appearance. |
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Bonding-
The repair of chipped or broken teeth may be done through
a procedure called bonding. A dental composite material
which is the same color as the enamel is applied to the
surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape,
contoured, and polished, making the crack or chip
invisible. |
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Teeth
Whitening-
This is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic
dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from
smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea, or red wine), or
poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the
appearance of your smile.
Dental Veneers-
Plastic or porcelain laminates bonded to the surface
of a tooth to replace chips and cracks will improve a
worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. Veneers
may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth
or if you have not had success with teeth whitening.
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Dental Implants-
These are artificial tooth root replacements that are
used as abutments to replace missing teeth. Porcelain
crowns are placed over these implants. The result is
not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful
appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to
collapse, making you look older. |
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Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are
unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people,
we encourage you to come visit us for a free consultation
so that we can enhance your smile. |
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What is a Smile Makeover |
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A Smile Makeover comprises cosmetic and restorative
procedures that will enhance your smile and meet your
esthetic goals. Procedures may include teeth whitening,
bonding, veneers, dental crowns, dental implants,
orthodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery and periodontal
surgery to re-contour the gums.
Oral Health Evaluation
Prior to the treatment plan your oral health must be
evaluated. If your evaluation reveals that you have oral
conditions such as a misaligned bite (malocclusion) or gum
disease, it is important for you to undergo orthodontic
and periodontal treatment before your Smile Makeover.
Smile Makeover- The Process
When planning a Smile Makeover all aspects of the
patient’s facial appearance are considered. These include
the skin tone, hair color, teeth, gums, and lips to
develop a customized smile. The resulting improvements are
as follows: |
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Tooth Color
Silver or amalgam dental fillings can be replaced with
natural, tooth-colored composite restorations and laser
teeth whitening can improve the color of stained teeth.
Tooth color and shading are important considerations
during the evaluation of and preparation for various
procedures, including porcelain veneers and dental
implants.
Straight Teeth
Crooked, overlapping, or gaps between teeth can be
straightened when necessary through orthodontics and
improved with porcelain veneers.
All your teeth
Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants or
partial dentures
A perfect smile
Uneven teeth can be bonded to improve their appearance.
Periodontal surgery can be done to correct a gummy smile
which will improve the overall look of your smile.
Anti-aging solutions
An aging face can be improved or rejuvenated with certain
procedures which fall under the category of Facial
Aesthetics. This includes Botox and collagen injections to
mention a few. North Carolina Dental Practice has links
with experts in this field to ensure that your Smile
Makeover is complete in every category.
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Image courtesy of Larry Addleson, DDS, FAACD |
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Maintaining Your Smile Makeover
Cosmetic procedures carried out for the smile makeover
need to be maintained. Teeth whitening may be done after
two years (depending on the patients lifestyle and habits)
to maintain the color of the teeth. Porcelain veneers may
chip or break off and may need to be replaced. Permanent
bonding may stain and require replacement. Dental crowns
may need to be replaced after10 – 15 years.
Preview of your Smile Makeover
Before and after photos of other patients who have had
Smile Makeovers offer samples of the results you may
expect to see. The photos may also give you an idea of the
quality of work performed by your cosmetic dentist.
Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and
fill it with plaster to form an exact model of your teeth.
The plaster can then be reshaped by trimming away excess
areas or enlarging areas that require more volume.
Dentists use study models to show you every aspect of the
changes you can expect to see with your makeover. Dental
lab technicians also use study models as guides for
fabricating makeover materials like crowns or veneers. |
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