Contouring and reshaping
Tooth reshaping and contouring, is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped or irregularly shaped teeth or even overlapping teeth in a single session. Tooth reshaping and contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth. Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with bite. It is common for bonding to be combined with tooth reshaping. This procedure is ideal for candidates with normal, healthy teeth but who want subtle changes to their smile.
Which procedure is right for me?
Dr. Hancock and his staff can answer any questions you may have about techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and desired result you want often dictates the best procedure. If you are considering a treatment, there are a few questions you can ask Dr. Hancock before deciding if a particular procedure is right for you.
- What will the changes look like?
- What should I expect through the course of treatment?
- What type of maintenance will be required?
These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems, such as your bite.
Whitening
Whitening is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth, that is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone.. Some people get their teeth whitened to make stains disappear, while other just want a whiter shade.
Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be hereditary or due simply to getting older.
Whitening can be performed by Dr. Hancock in the office or, under dental supervision, at home. Many patients enjoy whitening at home because it is more convenient. Treatment begins when your dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two to four weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve. Whitening in the office may call for one or more 45-minute to one-hour visits to your dentist’s office.
Bonding
Bonding is tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. Requiring a single office visit, bonding lasts several years. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities. Additionally, it can be used to close spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape.
Veneers (Porcelain Laminate)
Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic (porcelain) or a composite resin material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. They are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth and to improve a smile. Veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size or shape. Veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline and damage due to an injury or as a result of a root-canal procedure. They are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding.
Composite Fillings
A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.
Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites, since Dr. Hancock can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.
After receiving a composite, a patient may experience postoperative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. Composites tend to wear over time and may need to be replaced occasionally.
Porcelain Inlays/Onlays
In some cases a composite filling will not support the remaining tooth structure enough and therefore a porcelain inlay must be used to repair the missing tooth structure due to decay and/or fracture. Porcelain inlays are highly aesthetic because they are made of the same material as crowns but are much more conservative than a crown (“cap”). Dr. Hancock will help you decide if this is the best restoration for your tooth.
Crowns
Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. They are used in cases where other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations.