Patients who have been routinely visiting their dentist are all too familiar with the traditional X-ray imaging that is employed at most dental offices. However, there is a breakthrough technology that offers better imaging and improved patient outcomes.
 

How it Works

3-D imaging for your teeth uses a technology called CBCT or Cone Beam Computed Tomography. This technology uses targeted beam limitation which can reduce the exposure to radiation employed by typical X-ray imaging. It has improved accuracy and image quality over traditional images as well as better bone quality assessment. All of these factors help lead to a more complete picture for your dentist to base your treatment upon.
 

Main Advantages of 3-D Imaging

Utilizing this new technology results in several overall benefits for the patient and their care provider.
 

• Ability to create hundreds of images from a single scan

• Control over the quality of the image

• Technology passes easily through the lips and gums.

• The overall reduction in radiation exposure

• Ability to zoom in on small areas on a single tooth or group of teeth.
   

How Technology is Used

Using 3-D imaging has been an overall improvement in several areas of dentistry, but is utilized in some areas more than others.
 

• Cosmetic/Restorative Work – This type of work includes crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays, bone grafts, root canals, and implants. 3-D technology can improve this process by helping to prepare the patient and care provider for more advanced treatments. The dentist is then more capable of planning for these procedures with a better idea of any difficulties that they may encounter.

• Orthodontic – 3-D imaging creates an overall image that helps to address any concerns ahead of treatment and can monitor overall progress.

• Implants – This imaging is so accurate that it can help determine the correct location for the placement of dental implants as well as reduce the number of fittings to a single appointment.
   

The Future of Care

The benefits of 3-D imaging are quickly becoming apparent to dental offices everywhere. Many dentists can see the advantages of purchasing the machinery and are making sure that their patients have the highest level of care. If you are looking for the best imaging and care, ask your dentist today if they have the capabilities for 3-D imaging. If they don’t, ask them if they expect to be gaining that ability in the future and discuss the benefits for your care.

3-D imaging allows you and your dentist to see your dental health in a way that you never thought possible. This approach enables your dentist to better view your teeth and skull as well as identify any
 

There are many different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments now available with cosmetic bonding being one of the simplest yet most effective. The process of cosmetic bonding involves the application of a special resin over the top of the teeth, which is then shaped and molded to cover any imperfections and improve the overall appearance of the patient’s teeth. The effect of cosmetic bonding creates a smile that looks healthier, more even and more attractive than before.
 

What cosmetic issues can bonding be used to address?

Cosmetic bonding can be used to improve various aspects of patient smiles including:

-          Covering cracks, chips, and other superficial damage

-          Adding thickness to thin teeth or teeth that are set-back from the rest of the arch

-          Closing small gaps between the teeth

-          Adding height to short or eroded teeth

-          Covering stains or discoloration and enhancing the overall color of the teeth

If you are unsure if cosmetic bonding is the best solution to improve your smile, your dental team would be happy to offer their experienced opinion.

How is cosmetic bonding performed?

The procedure for cosmetic bonding is non-invasive, straightforward, and can be completed in just one appointment, making it extremely convenient for busy patients. First, the resin is created in the shade needed to match your existing teeth or improve the color of your entire smile. It is then applied, one tooth at a time, and molded and shaped as needed depending on the type of imperfection you are trying to correct. Although this may sound easy, it is most definitely an art form and you need to ensure that you have an experienced dentist who knows how to create the improvements you desire in such a way that they look natural. Once the resin has been applied and your dentist is happy with the way that it looks, it is hardened using a special curing light. The process is finished by polishing the teeth so that they closely resemble the color and translucency of natural teeth. There is no downtime with this procedure, so you will be able to go back to your usual activities immediately after your appointment.

Most people are unhappy with at least one aspect of their smile and while there are a variety of issues that can create this unhappiness, the most common complaint is crooked or gapped teeth. If either of these reasons is why you aren’t completely happy with your smile, then it’s time to do something about it! Before assuming it is too costly or requires a complicated treatment plan, you’ll want to check out Invisalign. This teeth-straightening system is much simpler than traditional wire braces and nobody will even know you’re wearing them!
 

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign consists of a series of clear aligners that correct teeth crookedness over a period of time. Each aligner is customized according to the patient’s needs and comfortably fits each and every time. Impressions for Invisalign fortunately no longer require uncomfortable casting, but instead, a 3-D scan is used in order to obtain tooth imaging and is accomplished in a matter of minutes! The imaging is then used to create the aligners and show the patient exactly what they can expect for results.

From there, the images will be used to create the aligners that will be mailed to the patient’s home as soon as they are ready. The number of aligners will depend on the severity of the issue, but most people complete the process in a year.

Patients should expect to wear their Invisalign aligners for the majority of the time. It is recommended only to take them out when brushing and eating. As your teeth start to align, your dentist may adjust how many hours per day you should wear your aligner, but to ensure the quickest and best results, you should wear the aligner for the suggested amount of time.

Is Invisalign Right for you?

Invisalign is a great system for straightening teeth and closing gaps but is not the right choice for everybody as there are a few more severe orthodontic issues that Invisalign can’t correct. It is also important to remember that this system requires a bit of self-care, so if you are not committed to wearing the trays as recommended, then this system will likely not work for you. A skilled dentist will be able to identify if your current concerns can be corrected by Invisalign.

Laser therapy is a relatively new innovation that is currently being used across a number of medical and cosmetic surgery fields including optometry, dermatology, pain management, and beauty therapy. Although laser therapy has been used in dentistry since 1994, it is only more recently that this innovative approach to dental treatment has really gained momentum.

Despite being approved by the FDA, there hasn't been any laser system that has received the American Dental Association’s (ADA’s) Seal of Acceptance as an alternative to mainstream treatment. However, many dentists are using laser therapy very successfully to treat a variety of dental issues.
 

Teeth Whitening

By far the most common dental procedure that uses laser technology is cosmetic teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is the number one cosmetic dental procedure in the U.S. because it is a quick and painless method of correcting discolored teeth that provides patients with a significantly brighter smile.

This can give the wearer increased confidence in personal, professional, and social situations. In fact, many people believe that a great smile can seriously influence your success in life.

One of the biggest benefits of laser teeth whitening is the speed with which you can both have the procedure done and see the results. Typically, you can expect a laser teeth whitening session to be completed in under 90 minutes which makes it easy to fit into most schedules. Better still, the majority of patients find that one treatment is enough to significantly brighten their teeth for a period of time. That said, no whitening treatment lasts forever.

The length of time you can expect your teeth to maintain their whiteness will depend on several factors including your oral healthcare routine, the use of complimentary whitening products such as toothpaste and mouthwash with whitening ingredients, and how willing you are to try and avoid food and drink that are likely to cause stainings, such as coffee and red wine. Many patients who choose laser teeth whitening schedule annual or bi-annual treatments in order to keep up the appearance of their smile.

Laser teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic treatment and as such, very few dental insurance policies will cover this procedure. However, many dentists offer affordable payment plans that may be of assistance to you.

The exact price that you will pay will vary depending on your dentist and the extent of the discoloration of your teeth, but you can expect to pay around $1,000 for the procedure.
 

Other Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry can also be a highly effective method of performing many other dental procedures including detecting and filling cavities, dealing with tooth sensitivity, crown lengthening, reshaping gum tissue, and temporomandibular joint treatment.

There are a number of benefits of performing these procedures using laser therapy including:
 

• Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers may not require sutures.

• Damage to the surrounding tissue is minimal. Some procedures may not even require an anesthetic.

• Bleeding is minimized as the laser encourages blood clotting to take place.

• Wounds heal faster and tissue can be regenerated quickly. The risk of bacterial infection is also minimized as the laser helps to sterilize the area while it's being worked on.
   

Laser dental treatments are particularly popular among anxious or nervous patients since it is less invasive than more traditional methods and often much quieter and subtler. If you would like to consider having a dental procedure performed using laser therapy, please contact your dentist who will be happy to advise you further.

Lumineers are an effective way to transform the appearance of your smile. While they are similar to porcelain veneers and can be used to address many of the same issues, they also have some differences.

The main way that Lumineers differ from conventional porcelain veneers is in their thickness. Lumineers are significantly thinner at approximately 0.2mm which affords patients several benefits. Firstly, their thinner appearance means that they more closely resemble the translucency of natural dental enamel, making them extremely discreet. Secondly, and for many people most importantly, their thinness means that in most instances, there is little to no preparatory work needed. This allows them to be fitted more quickly, without the need for local anesthetic, filing, and any associated inconvenience.

Won’t the thin nature of Lumineers compromise their durability?

Some may think that the ultra-thin nature of Lumineers means that the strength, durability, and longevity may be compromised, but this is far from the truth. Studies have shown that proper at-home care and regular dental check-ups can help Lumineers to last for several decades or longer.

What cosmetic issues can Lumineers resolve?

Lumineers are versatile and can be used to resolve a variety of different cosmetic dental issues including:

• Correcting teeth that are slightly crooked

• Covering teeth that are discolored or stained

• Closing small gaps between teeth that look unsightly or that cause food and bacteria to become trapped

• Create greater uniformity across the size and thickness of all of your teeth

• Covering cracks, chips, and other superficial damage

If you aren’t sure if your cosmetic issue can be resolved using Lumineers, your dentist will be happy to advise you.

Orthodontic treatment is a type of dental treatment that addresses teeth and jaws that are incorrectly positioned. Most people have not been blessed with perfectly aligned teeth naturally and as such, the number of referrals for orthodontic treatment is growing every year.

Many people think that correctly positioned teeth are primarily a cosmetic concern. However, crooked teeth and misaligned bites can create a whole variety of health problems including head, shoulder, neck, and jaw pain as well as an increased risk of early tooth decay since crooked teeth are often more difficult to keep clean. These are just some of the reasons that orthodontic treatment is an investment in the future of your oral health, giving you a healthier mouth and a more confident smile.
 

Problems that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment

Your dentist may recommend you for orthodontic treatment if:

• Your teeth do not sufficiently fill your mouth,
  leaving you with lots of gaps.

• You have too many teeth trying to fit onto the dental ridge.

• You have an overbite – where the top teeth stick out over the bottom teeth when biting together.

• You have an under-bite – where the bottom teeth sit further forward than the top teeth when biting together.

• You have an open bite – where there are spaces between the surfaces of your teeth when biting together.

• You have a cross-bite – where the upper teeth fail to come down just in front of the lower teeth when biting together.

• The centerline of your top teeth fails to fall in line with the center of your bottom teeth.
  
   

What types of orthodontic treatment are available?

During your initial consultation with your orthodontic specialist, you will discuss which type, or types, of orthodontic treatment is right for you based on your specific needs.
 

Porcelain veneers are arguably one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry solutions currently available. These thin, fingernail-like covers are applied to the outer enamel of the teeth where they work to cover any cosmetic imperfections and improve the overall appearance of the teeth. In doing so, porcelain veneers can transform any smile and give patients greater confidence to share their smiles with the world.

Porcelain veneers are unique to each patient and can be applied individually to address an issue with a single tooth, or in sets so that you can improve virtually any part of your smile. They can also be created in a variety of different shades, making it possible to match individual veneers to your natural teeth so that they look extremely discreet or, alternatively, so they can change the color of your entire smile.
 

What cosmetic issues can be corrected using porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers have been shown to be extremely effective and successful in treating a variety of different cosmetic dentistry issues including:

• Covering chips, cracks and other minor imperfections

• Closing small gaps between the teeth

• Adding thickness to teeth that are set back from the rest of the arch

• Adding height to teeth that are undersized or have been eroded

• Covering stains and discoloration
   

If you are unsure whether your cosmetic issues can be corrected using porcelain veneers, your dentist will be able to advise you.
 

What is the process to receive porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are applied in a two-step process that involves two visits to your dentist’s office. During the first visit, impressions of your teeth will be taken and the shade that your porcelain veneers will be made in will be determined. This enables your veneers to be created in the perfect shape, size, and color to enhance the appearance of your teeth. When they are ready, you will make a second appointment.

At your return visit, your teeth will be prepared to receive the veneers. This process is done using local anesthetic as it involves filing down some of the natural enamel of your teeth. This is done to ensure that the veneer is a good fit and doesn’t look unnaturally thick. Once prepared, your dentist will check the fit of each veneer before applying it to the tooth with adhesive. The adhesive is then hardened using a special light which bonds it permanently to the tooth structure. This part of the process is painless and once complete, requires no downtime so you can start using your teeth as normal right away.
 

Many dental patients are looking for ways to improve the appearance of their teeth and overall look of their smile which is why many dentists have started to offer smile makeover services. These treatment plans are individualized based on a patient’s personal needs.

Smile makeovers can include a variety of treatment options including

• Dental veneers

• Composite bonding

• Tooth implants

• Teeth whitening

Patients who are considering any of these options should talk to their dentist about a complete smile makeover. Many dentists can offer overall cost savings when these procedures are grouped into a single treatment plan.
 

Considerations

When considering a smile makeover, it is important to think about what your desired outcome is as well as recognize the parts of your smile that you already appreciate in order to best come up with a treatment plan with your dentist.

Your dentist will consider a variety of aspects when developing your treatment plan. Some of the things that they consider are your natural skin color, face shape, hair color, tooth factors (shape, length, width, and color), and your lip shape and color.

There are several potential issues that your dentist will be able to help with, but it is important to understand what they can do and what their limitations are.
 

• Color – many patients aren’t happy with the whiteness of their teeth. Over time teeth can become stained or discolored. This can be due to dental hygiene, dietary factors, tobacco use, or enamel thickness. Your dentist has a variety of options at their disposal in order to brighten your teeth to a brighter shade of white.

• Alignment or Spacing – teeth that are unevenly spaced or crooked are a common issue that many people face. You can work with your dentist to identify options to straighten your teeth and correct their spacing. Two options that are frequently used are Invisalign and orthodontics.

• Missing Teeth – Many patients feel self-conscious due to missing teeth, which can occur because of a variety of reasons. Your dentist will be able to replace missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

• Balance and Overall Aesthetics – When patients have cracked or uneven teeth, dental work is an option to help restore and improve the overall appearance of your smile. Dentists even have the ability to help recontour an overly gummy smile.

• Fuller Cheeks or Lips – There are some cosmetic surgery options that can help restore your smile to a more youthful appearance including orthodontics or maxillofacial surgeries. You can discuss these options and more with your dentist.
   

There are also a number of aesthetic components that will weigh into your smile makeover treatment plan:
 

A smile is one of the simplest gestures that we can make, but it can also be one of the biggest. A bright smile is considered a reflection of friendliness, honesty, happiness, and health.

An attractive smile can be beneficial in social situations, help attract a partner and also make you more confident and outgoing. We are bombarded with pictures of celebrities flashing mega-watt grins, which unfortunately cause many people to feel self-conscious about their own smile.

The enamel covering the teeth can become stained over time for a number of reasons. The fix for this is teeth whitening, which is considered to be one of the easiest and most economical ways of enhancing the appeal of your smile.
 

Reasons for tooth discoloration

White teeth are universally considered to be more youthful due to the fact that infant/first teeth are almost always whiter than their adult counterparts.

Adult teeth can become stained or discolored over time due to:

• Smoking – one of the biggest contributors to yellowed teeth!

• The use of antibiotics as a child/teenager

• Exposure to high levels of fluoride

• Food or drinks that contain tannins such as oranges,
  carrots, red wine, and coffee

• Trauma to the tooth

• Decay

• Damage to nerve or blood vessels inside the root canal

• Genetics – the thickness of the enamel covering your teeth is usually determined by genetics. Thinner enamel can often show the color of the dentin beneath it, giving the tooth a darker appearance.

• Aging – our teeth naturally darken as we get older
   

Can’t I just use an over-the-counter teeth whitener?

There are dozens of products on the market that claim to be able to improve the whiteness of your smile without you needing to visit the dentist. However, over the counter products are simply not able to provide the same strength of whitening as professional-grade treatments that your dentist is able to offer. Not only are the results usually only mediocre, but they also fade quicker and usually require more treatments. 

We recommend that you at least have the first treatment performed by a dentist who is qualified in providing teeth whitening procedures. 
 

The in-office whitening procedure

Dental whitening is a painless procedure, but one that may require several visits to your dentist in order to achieve the final color results you desire. During your consultation visit, your dentist will likely photograph your teeth to provide a starting point for comparison so that he/she can effectively monitor the progress of your treatment. Your dentist will then perform a thorough examination to ensure that no other treatment is required ahead of the whitening process as well as ask you a number of questions to get to the cause of the discoloration.

Next, your dentist or dental hygienist will give your teeth a thorough cleaning to remove any residue or bacteria that may prevent the whitening process from working properly.

After this, it is time for the whitening to begin.

There are two main types of tooth whitening performed in most offices.
 

Fillings are one of the most common dental restorations, used to treat small areas of decay in the teeth. When you need a filling, the decay is drilled out and cleaned so that there is no remaining bacteria, before the hole is filled using a filling. 

Fillings can be made from several different materials. In the past, nearly all patients had fillings made from metal amalgam. This dark grey material contains a mix of metals and while robust, is very obvious in appearance. This means that it is clear when someone has an amalgam filling, and this has the potential to affect their confidence in their appearance. Fortunately, there is another option – tooth-colored fillings.