Minneapolis Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Nancy Norling DDS Services
Cosmetic Dentistry
Reasons for seeking out a cometic dentist vary. If to look younger, cosmetic dentistry can be like getting a dental facelift that seems to reverse the natural aging of teeth. The majority, however, have never had attractive teeth and finally tired of feeling self-conscious because of them. They want to smile naturally in a way that reflects the true warmth of their personality. For all of these, modern dentistry offers a wide variety of treatment options to enhance their smile. The options range from porcelain veneers to braces! Usually it's a combination needed to deliver the best results. Dr. Norling will explain the various options and the benefits of each to explore which options best suit you! Some of the options listed below might be for you to consider
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers are custom-made porcelain wafers that are placed over the front of the teeth to enhance their appearance, but, also to repair damage. Porcelain Veneers can dramatically change a smile and help improve self-confidence. These Veneers are what give many Hollywood movie stars that dazzling smile we see.
Veneers can be used to improve a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems. They can whiten stained or discolored teeth, close gaps between teeth, "correct" a crooked smile without the need for braces, repair chips and imperfections, and create a more attractive or youthful looking smile. It is a permanent solution that usually involves removing only a thin amount of the outermost layer of the tooth, called the enamel. Custome veneers and created from a mold of the prepared teeth and then adhered to the teeth.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening makes use of peroxide-based materials to whiten teeth. There are in-office and/or at-home whitening systems. Note that before tooth whitening, the patient must get all cavities filled, and the gums must be healthy.
The in-office systems use 35% hydrogen peroxide gels coupled with a high intensity light to whiten the teeth. The gums need to be protected with some systems, and then gels are placed on the teeth. A laser or plasma arc light source activates the peroxide to oxidize stains on the tooth surface. In about an hour, the teeth become four to six shades lighter.
At-home systems frequently use 10 to 20% carbamine peroxide gels to oxidize stains. A mold is made of the mouth, and then soft mouth trays made. The patient is fitted with the trays, and then is instructed to place a thin ribbon of the gel into the tray and wear while sleeping. Most whitening takes one to two weeks. only for difficult cases will trays may need to be worn for up to six weeks. Time and convenience is a major consideration in selecting a tooth whitening option
White fillings (resin, bonding) or porcelain crowns (caps) and bridges will not whiten significantly with either method. So if you plan on whitening your teeth have the shade of these whiter than natural teeth from the start.
Some patients will experience minor tooth sensitivity during whitening procedures. This can be remedied
Tooth-shaping
Tooth shaping can be achieved by removing a small amount (generally 1 to 2 millimeters) of the tooth enamel. Tooth shaping can shorten long teeth, round off pointed teeth, and help create a pleasing smile that gently follows the contour of the lower lip. This procedure is quick and painless (ebecause the enamel has no nerves.It is usually completed in less than 30 minutes. A small minority of patients get slight sensitivity after tooth shaping. But, prescription strength fluoride or an in-office desensitizer will solve that. This procedure does not appear to cause any long-term damage to the teeth.
Dr. Nancy Norling - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the area of Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota (MN).
