Esthetic &Amp; Cosmetic Dentistry

ESTHETIC & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
In the past, dental
work was often obvious and completed in bits and pieces, leaving
patients with mouths full of unsightly silver fillings, ugly black gum
lines, and teeth of various colors But todays technology allows
Hekimim to design sparkling, even smiles quickly, comfortably, and
easily With cosmetic options such as veneers, tooth whitening, and
composite fillings, perfect teeth dont have to be a pipe dream! Here
are some of the procedures that we offer:

Laminate Veneers

In just two or three dental visits, a veneer can reverse years of stains
caused by foods, caffeine and tobacco use Special thin laminates,
called veneers, can also be used to correct discolored, worn down,
*****ed and chipped teeth Veneers can also be used to close unsightly
gaps between teeth Stronger types of veneers made of porcelain, also
called composite veneers, typically last longer because they are bonded
to the tooth











An impression of the tooth must be made and a veneer molded by a lab
technician Because veneers require a small amount of enamel to be
removed, they are permanent and non-reversible



The process involves buffing the tooth, removing an extremely thin layer
of the tooth to allow for the thickness of the veneer, an impression of
the tooth, and final bonding of the veneer to the tooth with special
cement A special light is used to complete the process
Laminate,
Before & After samples
Composite Bonding

An alternative to veneers is a process called bonding, in which a
tooth-colored material that looks like the enamel of your teeth is
molded and shaped, and then hardened and polished Bonding can be used
to improve the color of a tooth, or close unsightly gaps



Bonding is generally not as permanent a process as veneers, and can
vulnerable to the same kind of staining your natural teeth are prone to
Bonding can also be more prone to chips and *****s than veneers














Caps are generally preferred to bonding when such a procedure isn't
deemed to be effective in the long run




Back to Top >>

Tooth Whitening
(Bleaching)

People with stained or dull teeth usually benefit from whitening, which
is a safe and effective way to brighten stained, discolored or dull
teeth Even a stubborn single tooth that is noticeably duller or less
white than your other teeth can be individually brighten



Teeth bleaching products, which contain peroxides, actually change your
natural tooth color anywhere from five to seven -- but even up to twelve
-- shades brighter



One process known as chairside bleaching involves applying either a
protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the soft
tissues in the mouth A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth,
and a special light is used to enhance the chemical action












Before

After

If your teeth aren't very dark or very stained, you may need only one
bleaching session Tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of your
teeth, and can last up to five years



In general, bleaching works for most people Tooth bleaching is most
effective if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking
Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better
to lightening Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking
or tetracycline can be lightened, but with less-than-satisfactory
results



If you're interested in brightening your smile, have your teeth
evaluated by us Not everyone is a good candidate for bleaching In some
cases of serious discoloration and pitted teeth, for example, veneers
may be more appropriate than bleaching Moreoever, crowns, bridges, and
fillings do not bleach, so it may be necessary to replace dental work to
make it blend with the new color of your bleached teeth An X-ray of
your teeth may be the only accurate way of making a true assessment




Back to Top >>

Composite Fillings

There are alternative, natural-looking materials to conventional
silver-colored fillings ? materials made from porcelain and composite
resins, which are colored to match natural tooth enamel Unfortunately,
few materials can match the strength and durability of dental amalgam
and such, may need more frequent replacement Common amalgam
alternatives include: Composite fillings -- As stated, composite
fillings are just what the name implies: a mixture of resins and fine
particles designed to mimic the color of natural teeth While not as
strong as dental amalgam, composite fillings provide a pleasing
aesthetic alternative Sometimes, composite resins need to be cemented,
or bonded to a tooth to allow for better adhesion Ionomers -- Like
composite resins, these materials are tooth-colored Ionomers are made
from a combination of various materials, including ground glass and
acrylic resins Ionomers are typically used for fillings near the gum
line or tooth root, where biting pressure is not a factor They are more
fragile than dental amalgam, however A small amount of fluoride is
released by these compounds in order to facilitate strengthened enamel
in the affected area Porcelain (ceramic) -- This material is usually a
combination of porcelain, glass powder and ceramic Candidates for
porcelain fillings are typically crowns, veneers and onlays and inlays
Unlike ionomers, porcelain fillings are more durable but can become
fractured if exposed to prolonged biting pressures








Crowns

If you are reluctant to smile because of yellowed, injured, *****ed, or
chipped teeth, you may want to consider crowns Crowns are synthetic
caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a
tooth



Crowns are typically used to restore a tooths function and appearance
following a restorative procedure such as a root canal When decay in a
tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be
removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth














Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a
*****ed tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy
of becoming loose or dislocated Crowns also serve a cosmetic use, and
are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to
its natural appearance



Procedures



A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown A cast
is made of the existing tooth and an impression is made The impression
is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown In
some cases, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is
ready Permanent crowns are cemented in place

Bridges

Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section
of missing teeth Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely
noticeable and can restore the natural contour of your teeth as well as
the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth



Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because
they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants
Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by the wearer; others need
to be removed by your dentist









Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to
make bridge appliances Bridges can correct speaking problems, making
chewing easier, and provide added comfort To learn more about bridges,
please contact us today



Appliances called "implant bridges" are attached to an area below the
gum tissue, or the bone






Back to Top >>


Implants

Are you tired of or avoiding dentures? Are you finding that bridges
arent right for you? Are you looking for a permanent method of tooth
replacement? If so, dental implants may be the answer Before
development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to
replacing a missing tooth or teeth Implants are synthetic structures
that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root
Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and
act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge In some
cases, implants can be used to attach dentures



Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant For a successful
implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have
a strong immune system Diabetics and people with chronic bruxism (teeth
clenching) are generally not favorable candidates In all cases, dental
implants require strict oral hygiene










Implants are so well-designed, they mimic the look and feel of natural
teeth Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible
material like metal or ceramic



In general, good candidates who have dental implants can expect high
success rates with the procedure



The procedure can take several visits During the first visit, an anchor
is placed into the jawbone and the site is allowed to heal for several
weeks or months This gives your tissue time to grow around the anchor
to more firmly hold it in place



During a follow-up visit, an artificial, natural-looking tooth is fitted
over the implanted anchor

Periodontics

Marked by tender, bleeding, or swollen gums, periodontal (gum) disease
is a very real threat to many ***** Americans The disease is caused by
plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, which eventually weakens the
fibers that bond gums to the teeth The first stage, called gingivitis,
is reversible if treated Left untreated, it can progress, eventually
leading to serious oral health problems such as tooth decay and loss If
you have periodontal disease, hekimim can help by removing diseased
tissue and treating infected gums For more information about our
periodontal options, please contact us today

Conscious Sedation

If the thought of going to the dentist conjures up scary images of
drills, pliers, and needles, you may want to consider conscious
sedation Conscious sedation is a safe, effective treatment used to help
anxious patients relax so that they can get the dental care they need
Patients are always carefully monitored during treatment, ensuring the
highest standards of safety To find out more about conscious sedation,
please contact our practice today




Back to Top >>

main page
Laminate Veneers
Composite Bonding
Tooth Whitening
(bleaching)
Composite Fillings
Crowns
Procedures
Bridges
Implants
Periodontics
Conscious Sedation

FAQ About Cosmetic Dentistry

ESTHETIC & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
In the past, dental
work was often obvious and completed in bits and pieces, leaving
patients with mouths full of unsightly silver fillings, ugly black gum
lines, and teeth of various colors But todays technology allows
Hekimim to design sparkling, even smiles quickly, comfortably, and
easily With cosmetic options such as veneers, tooth whitening, and
composite fillings, perfect teeth dont have to be a pipe dream! Here
are some of the procedures that we offer:

Laminate Veneers

In just two or three dental visits, a veneer can reverse years of stains
caused by foods, caffeine and tobacco use Special thin laminates,
called veneers, can also be used to correct discolored, worn down,
*****ed and chipped teeth Veneers can also be used to close unsightly
gaps between teeth Stronger types of veneers made of porcelain, also
called composite veneers, typically last longer because they are bonded
to the tooth











An impression of the tooth must be made and a veneer molded by a lab
technician Because veneers require a small amount of enamel to be
removed, they are permanent and non-reversible



The process involves buffing the tooth, removing an extremely thin layer
of the tooth to allow for the thickness of the veneer, an impression of
the tooth, and final bonding of the veneer to the tooth with special
cement A special light is used to complete the process
Laminate,
Before & After samples
Composite Bonding

An alternative to veneers is a process called bonding, in which a
tooth-colored material that looks like the enamel of your teeth is
molded and shaped, and then hardened and polished Bonding can be used
to improve the color of a tooth, or close unsightly gaps



Bonding is generally not as permanent a process as veneers, and can
vulnerable to the same kind of staining your natural teeth are prone to
Bonding can also be more prone to chips and *****s than veneers














Caps are generally preferred to bonding when such a procedure isn't
deemed to be effective in the long run




Back to Top >>

Tooth Whitening
(Bleaching)

People with stained or dull teeth usually benefit from whitening, which
is a safe and effective way to brighten stained, discolored or dull
teeth Even a stubborn single tooth that is noticeably duller or less
white than your other teeth can be individually brighten



Teeth bleaching products, which contain peroxides, actually change your
natural tooth color anywhere from five to seven -- but even up to twelve
-- shades brighter



One process known as chairside bleaching involves applying either a
protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the soft
tissues in the mouth A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth,
and a special light is used to enhance the chemical action












Before

After

If your teeth aren't very dark or very stained, you may need only one
bleaching session Tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of your
teeth, and can last up to five years



In general, bleaching works for most people Tooth bleaching is most
effective if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking
Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better
to lightening Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking
or tetracycline can be lightened, but with less-than-satisfactory
results



If you're interested in brightening your smile, have your teeth
evaluated by us Not everyone is a good candidate for bleaching In some
cases of serious discoloration and pitted teeth, for example, veneers
may be more appropriate than bleaching Moreoever, crowns, bridges, and
fillings do not bleach, so it may be necessary to replace dental work to
make it blend with the new color of your bleached teeth An X-ray of
your teeth may be the only accurate way of making a true assessment




Back to Top >>

Composite Fillings

There are alternative, natural-looking materials to conventional
silver-colored fillings ? materials made from porcelain and composite
resins, which are colored to match natural tooth enamel Unfortunately,
few materials can match the strength and durability of dental amalgam
and such, may need more frequent replacement Common amalgam
alternatives include: Composite fillings -- As stated, composite
fillings are just what the name implies: a mixture of resins and fine
particles designed to mimic the color of natural teeth While not as
strong as dental amalgam, composite fillings provide a pleasing
aesthetic alternative Sometimes, composite resins need to be cemented,
or bonded to a tooth to allow for better adhesion Ionomers -- Like
composite resins, these materials are tooth-colored Ionomers are made
from a combination of various materials, including ground glass and
acrylic resins Ionomers are typically used for fillings near the gum
line or tooth root, where biting pressure is not a factor They are more
fragile than dental amalgam, however A small amount of fluoride is
released by these compounds in order to facilitate strengthened enamel
in the affected area Porcelain (ceramic) -- This material is usually a
combination of porcelain, glass powder and ceramic Candidates for
porcelain fillings are typically crowns, veneers and onlays and inlays
Unlike ionomers, porcelain fillings are more durable but can become
fractured if exposed to prolonged biting pressures








Crowns

If you are reluctant to smile because of yellowed, injured, *****ed, or
chipped teeth, you may want to consider crowns Crowns are synthetic
caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a
tooth



Crowns are typically used to restore a tooths function and appearance
following a restorative procedure such as a root canal When decay in a
tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be
removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth














Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a
*****ed tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy
of becoming loose or dislocated Crowns also serve a cosmetic use, and
are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to
its natural appearance



Procedures



A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown A cast
is made of the existing tooth and an impression is made The impression
is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown In
some cases, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is
ready Permanent crowns are cemented in place

Bridges

Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section
of missing teeth Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely
noticeable and can restore the natural contour of your teeth as well as
the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth



Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because
they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants
Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by the wearer; others need
to be removed by your dentist









Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to
make bridge appliances Bridges can correct speaking problems, making
chewing easier, and provide added comfort To learn more about bridges,
please contact us today



Appliances called "implant bridges" are attached to an area below the
gum tissue, or the bone






Back to Top >>


Implants

Are you tired of or avoiding dentures? Are you finding that bridges
arent right for you? Are you looking for a permanent method of tooth
replacement? If so, dental implants may be the answer Before
development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to
replacing a missing tooth or teeth Implants are synthetic structures
that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root
Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and
act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge In some
cases, implants can be used to attach dentures



Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant For a successful
implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have
a strong immune system Diabetics and people with chronic bruxism (teeth
clenching) are generally not favorable candidates In all cases, dental
implants require strict oral hygiene










Implants are so well-designed, they mimic the look and feel of natural
teeth Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible
material like metal or ceramic



In general, good candidates who have dental implants can expect high
success rates with the procedure



The procedure can take several visits During the first visit, an anchor
is placed into the jawbone and the site is allowed to heal for several
weeks or months This gives your tissue time to grow around the anchor
to more firmly hold it in place



During a follow-up visit, an artificial, natural-looking tooth is fitted
over the implanted anchor

Periodontics

Marked by tender, bleeding, or swollen gums, periodontal (gum) disease
is a very real threat to many ***** Americans The disease is caused by
plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, which eventually weakens the
fibers that bond gums to the teeth The first stage, called gingivitis,
is reversible if treated Left untreated, it can progress, eventually
leading to serious oral health problems such as tooth decay and loss If
you have periodontal disease, hekimim can help by removing diseased
tissue and treating infected gums For more information about our
periodontal options, please contact us today

Conscious Sedation

If the thought of going to the dentist conjures up scary images of
drills, pliers, and needles, you may want to consider conscious
sedation Conscious sedation is a safe, effective treatment used to help
anxious patients relax so that they can get the dental care they need
Patients are always carefully monitored during treatment, ensuring the
highest standards of safety To find out more about conscious sedation,
please contact our practice today




Back to Top >>

main page
Laminate Veneers
Composite Bonding
Tooth Whitening
(bleaching)
Composite Fillings
Crowns
Procedures
Bridges
Implants
Periodontics
Conscious Sedation

FAQ About Cosmetic Dentistry