Pearl Family Dental Care

Cosmetic Dentistry

Innovations in dental technology have made a trip to the dentist's office an entirely new experience for millions of Americans - thanks to a relatively new field called cosmetic dentistry.

The main goal of traditional dentistry is to keep your teeth healthy and free of disease and decay; cosmetic dentistry takes oral hygiene to a whole new level, with a concentration on enhancing the overall look of your teeth. With cosmetic dentistry, even getting a cavity filled can be an opportunity to improve your smile.

The smile is our window to the world, and it's the first thing that makes an impression on people we meet. So it's no wonder that more and more people are turning to cosmetic dentistry for corrective procedures and aesthetic enhancement.

Teeth Whitening

Many people associate professional teeth whitening with movie stars and brides - but in fact, it is the most popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry.

Stained or discolored teeth are very common among adults of all ages, and come from a variety of sources, such as:

• Coffee
• Red wine
• Soda
• Tea
• Tobacco
• Some medications

Those of us with stained teeth tend to brush more vigorously; this can remove the enamel from your teeth, causing further discoloration and serious dental problems. Others use over-the-counter whitening kits, but they don't have the prescription strength and lasting effects of a professional teeth-whitening procedure.

The key to a long lasting, bright, white smile is to have them whitened by a cosmetic dentist before discoloration becomes too severe. Whether you choose an in-office or at-home procedure, you can be sure to receive solid advice, professional care, and a smile that will knock their socks off!

Dental Bridges

Having one or more missing teeth can have a serious effect not only on your smile, but also on your dental health. Specifically, missing teeth can cause:

• A shift in the alignment of your teeth
• Increased risk of periodontal disease
• Increased risk of tooth decay
• Loss of adjacent teeth
• Speech disorders
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

Like dental implants, dental bridges are used to replace a missing tooth, except bridges are supported by the teeth on either side called abutment teeth.

Like many cosmetic dental procedures, placing bridges also serves a restorative purpose. A dental bridge will improve your ability to chew and speak as well as your smile. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, dental bridges were shown to dramatically reduce the risk of losing teeth that are adjacent to a missing tooth. In addition, dental bridges can help keep your jaw and face from changing shape, as they tend to do when a person has missing teeth.

Dental Crowns

Depending on the type of treatment you have received for your dental problem, it might be necessary to:

• Have your tooth restored to its original size and shape
• Supply additional physical support for the treated tooth
• Get a complete "makeover" on the affected tooth

For cases like these, a crown is the most logical option.

While inlays and outlays cover the chewing surface of the tooth and fillings fill in the empty interior space of the tooth, crowns completely cover every visible part of the tooth - which is why they are sometimes referred to as "caps." A part of your tooth remains but is essentially "rebuilt" to resemble the tooth at its exterior best.

While porcelain crowns certainly can improve the look of a tooth or multiple teeth, it is recommended only in conjunction with prior repair of the tooth - not simply for cosmetic purposes.

So whether you want to fix a chipped tooth or get a complete smile makeover, we can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.