A smile makeover can be any combination of cosmetic dental procedures where the intent is to enhance the beauty and appearance of the smile. The makeover will focus on correcting various problems, including teeth that are crooked, chipped or broken, missing teeth, gaps, discolored teeth and even unsightly gums. We can dramatically change the length, width, color and shape of a tooth to create a smile that is straight, white and even. Smile makeovers are typically created through the use of porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and porcelain onlays, all of which offer a natural look and feel.

Veneers are a thin shell of porcelain custom made to fit precisely over the front of an existing tooth. Although they are very thin, veneers become very strong once bonded to the tooth with a special resin. Porcelain veneers are used to whiten teeth, close spaces, fix broken/chipped teeth, and correct misshapen or misaligned teeth. Veneers allow light to transmit through the tooth, resulting in a more translucent and natural appearance. Veneers have advantages over other treatments in that little tooth structure needs to be removed, a healthy, natural look is achieved with little or no discomfort, and they are strong, durable, and color stable.

An inlay is a dental restoration that can be made from gold, resin, or porcelain. They are stronger than composite fillings, and more conservative than crowns since less natural tooth is required to be removed during the treatment. Since the margins are invisible, it does not need to be placed below the gum line, which is healthier and easier on the gums. They are bonded to the teeth to create a tight fit and restore the tooth’s strength. Porcelain inlays wear better than composite fillings, and are usually less expensive than crowns.

Over time, teeth may darken or become discolored. Smoking, coffee, tea and certain fruits can stain teeth. Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that reverses discolorations of the enamel to create a whiter, brighter smile After determining the exact cause of your tooth discoloration, we will recommend a whitening regime to meet your specific situation.

Tooth colored fillings (also known as composite fillings) are made from materials that designed to match the appearance of the natural tooth. After the decayed part of the tooth is removed, the surface is cleansed and etched with a mild acid. An adhesive is applied, followed by several thin layers of the composite. Once filled, the composite is chemically cured with a special light, and polished .

Since composite fillings blend well with tooth enamel, they often best suited for teeth closest to the front of the month. Since composite fillings bond to teeth adhesively, less of the healthy natural tooth needs to be removed to hold the filling in place.

A crown (also called a cap) is a prosthetic covering that is used to restore teeth where the structure is too weakened or damaged to accept amalgam or dental composite fillings. The most common type of crown is made out of porcelain fused to metal (PFM). After a few years, recession of the gums can expose the metal, causing black margins against the gum. And for some, the metal can cause allergic reactions and gum tissue irritation.

A metal free crown is solely composed of reinforced porcelain, which creates a more natural looking smile. These crowns allow the natural tooth color to show through, aiding in more effective color matching. Since porcelain is a very strong material, it can actually increase the strength of the tooth.