Salem Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Recent advancements in the field of cosmetic dentistry have made a wide array of specialized procedures more accessible to the general population. With these new advancements some previously time consuming and very complicated procedures can be completed in only one or two office visits. Our Salem Cosmetic Dentistry has a number of specific categories which are intended to be individualized for each patient. Call us today and let us design a cosmetic treatment plan just for you.

Discoloration of teeth is one of the most common problems people face as they get older and there are many reasons for this including caffeine, tobacco and wine. To fix this a cosmetic dentist can choose from two simple cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or dental veneers.

 

Cosmetic Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening is a procedure that brightens teeth that are discolored, stained or darkened by injury. It can be done on any tooth, including those that have had root canal procedures. Professional teeth whitening has proven to be safe and effective. It does not harm the teeth and any discomfort is temporary.

Two types of teeth whitening procedures are available: Opalescence and Zoom.

• The “take-home” system, also known as Opalescence, is designed to fit your schedule. You have the choice of whitening your teeth during the day or overnight, whatever works best for you. Dr. Marc will customize a tray that will fit snugly over your teeth and hold the teeth whitening gel. On average a patient should see a difference in three to four days.
• The “in-office” system, also known as Zoom, is recommended by Dr. Marc for anyone looking for the convenience of immediate results. The procedure begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth uncovered. The teeth whitening gel is then applied and your teeth are exposed to the special Zoom light. The entire process usually takes under two hours.

 

Cosmetic Dental Veneers

Veneers, also known as Lumineers or other brand names, are thin, custom-made “shells” of porcelain that cover the front side of teeth. Veneers can be used to correct imperfections such as stained, poorly shaped, slightly crooked or gapped teeth. Dr. Marc makes a model of the teeth in question and the laboratory hand-crafts perfectly fitting veneers.

 

Dental Bonding

White material known as composite resin can be applied to the surface of teeth that are discolored, chipped, cracked, or gapped. This procedure is usually completed in one visit where Dr. Marc expertly matches the bonding material to your tooth color for a completely natural result.

 

Dental Bridges

Sometimes teeth are lost due to disease or injury. They can be replaced with a dental appliance made to look like original teeth and affixed permanently in place.

 

Dental Crowns

Crowns are used when a tooth has a major structure problem, is missing, or is causing bite problems. This color-matched restoration (or “cap”) may be made in several different ways.

• All Porcelain - Made of pure stacked porcelain by a ceramist in a specialty laboratory, these are highly natural looking restorations. Another benefit is that X-rays will penetrate these crowns, allowing the doctor to see into the tooth.
• Lava - This crown is also metal-free, and has a base made of Zirconia which is very strong. It is the metal-free restoration of choice for the back molars
• Porcelain Fused to Metal - Porcelain is baked onto a metal substructure to give the appearance of a normal tooth. The natural tooth has to have more structure removed in order to accommodate the metal and porcelain.
• Full Gold Crown – This crown is typically yellow and the color can vary depending on the percentage of pure gold used. These crowns can become worn down over time.

 

Cosmetic White colored fillings

White Colored Fillings – Most patients don’t like the look of older metal fillings. Some are concerned about potential health risks from aging metal fillings. White colored fillings are crafted from a tough material and color matched to your tooth color. Dr. Marc uses only white filling material in his practice.