Cosmetic Dentistry
Your smile is a work of art; it deserves as much care and attention as any masterpiece. Dr. Thompson at Pacific Oak Dental appreciates the value you place on your teeth, and makes it his priority to add strength and beauty when necessary. We believe that an effective dentist combines advanced dental technology with timeless style; blending art and science to enrich your health and appearance.
Read about our cosmetic services below.
CEREC Same Day CrownsChairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) is an instrument that we use to restore your teeth. The CEREC allows us to provide you with ceramic fillings that are naturally colored and can be bonded to your teeth quickly.
With this instrument, we no longer have to provide you with plastic temporary crowns while we wait for your permanent crowns to come in from a dentist laboratory. We can do the entire crown procedure in one day, thanks to CEREC one visit crowns.
Learn more about how CEREC same day crowns can help you.
Invisalign®Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. Aligners are clear and look similar to tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made to fit better while moving teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as "contact lenses for teeth."
For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology and custom manufacturing, Invisalign® treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.
Invisalign® uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan, from the initial position to the final desired position, from which a series of custom-made clear "aligners" are produced. Each "aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then is replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.
Clear, Removable, and ComfortableWith Invisalign®, you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment, because you can remove the trays. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene. Because there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation, you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments.
Invisalign® allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
Teeth WhiteningWhitening the teeth is one of the easiest and most noticeable changes that you can make to improve the appearance of your smile. Whitening, or bleaching, is a non-invasive and simple dental treatment that will alter the color of your tooth enamel to make your smile look whiter and brighter.
For many people, dull or stained teeth are the primary concerns that they have about their smile. At-home teeth whitening systems are the most popular method for correcting this problem. However, if you have older fillings, crowns, and other restorations, you need to be aware that these whitening systems will only work to improve the appearance of the natural tooth enamel, so you won't notice any changes on these restorations. It is recommended that you have these restorations replaced after bleaching your teeth so that they match the new and improved color of the rest of your smile.
Reasons to Whiten Your TeethThere are numerous reasons why you might choose to whiten your teeth:
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Brown or yellow stains due to smoking or your diet
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Discoloration due to fluorosis (too much fluoride during the development of the teeth)
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Stains due to certain medications
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Normal wear of the enamel |
The Teeth Whitening ProcessIf you choose to whiten your teeth with a home whitening system, you will generally need two dental appointments. At your first visit, your dentist will take molds of your teeth to create customized plastic trays to hold the whitening solution.
After your trays have been fabricated, you'll have a second appointment where we'll make sure they fit properly. You'll receive instructions on how to wear the trays for optimal results. In most cases, this will involve wearing them either overnight or twice per day for several weeks.
Caring for Your Whitened TeethWhen whitening your teeth, it is completely normal to experience sensitivity. Fortunately, this discomfort should stop once you have finished your bleaching treatment, but if it doesn't, sensitivity toothpaste can help with the symptoms.
It is important to remember that teeth whitening isn't a permanent procedure, so to get the most out of your results, be sure to avoid foods and beverages that could stain your smile, including wine, tea, soda, and coffee. If you are a smoker, you should also consider giving up the habit. Additionally, you will likely need an annual touch-up in order to maintain your beautiful, white smile.
VeneersTooth veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry technique for creating a beautiful smile. They consist of thin sections of durable porcelain that are custom made for the unique shape of your teeth. Dental laboratories create the veneers to match the exact color and shape specifications sent in by your dentist, and once completed, they will be bonded onto the front surface of your teeth.
Veneers are often chosen as alternatives to crowns and other restorations, and they can be used to completely alter the shape of your smile and teeth. They are quite durable and can last for several years, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting smile.
Reasons to Choose Porcelain VeneersPorcelain veneers can improve the appearance and function of your smile by correcting a variety of dental issues:
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Misshapen teeth
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Crooked teeth
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Teeth that have been severely stained
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Yellowed or discolored teeth
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Teeth that appear too large or small for your smile
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Gaps or other uneven spaces
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Teeth that have been chipped, broken, or worn |
The Porcelain Veneer ProcedureIf you've decided to use porcelain veneers to improve your smile, you'll need to schedule two visits. At your first appointment, your teeth will be prepared via light buffing and surface shaping so that the veneer can fit around the tooth. Impressions or molds of your teeth will be taken, and you and your dentist will choose the color of your new restorations.
At your second visit, your teeth will be cleaned with a specialized solution that will help the veneers to bond to the surface of your teeth. Bonding cement will be placed between the veneer and the natural tooth, and your dentist will use a specialized light to help set the bond and harden the cement.
After your appointment, you should continue to see your dentist regularly to check on the health and appearance of your smile. By following a proper dental hygiene routine and having regular visits with your dentist, you'll extend the life of your beautiful new porcelain veneers. |
