What
is Instant Orthodontics? Is there pain involved?
Instant
Orthodontics is a modern procedure that straightens teeth using
veneers instead of braces. It can close large gaps and correct
overcrowding in as little as one day. In addition, the natural teeth
are strengthened by the bonded porcelain restorations. These
restorations are placed above the gum-line, which helps keep the gum
tissue healthy.
Instant
Orthodontics is typically a pain-free procedure that only requires
the use of local anesthetics.
What
criteria would make me a candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Anyone who wants
a whiter or straighter smile is a good candidate for cosmetic
dentistry. If you have crooked, yellowing teeth or are
self-conscious of your smile it can be transformed. You can avoid
years of shiny, silver braces and multiple visits to an orthodontist
by going to a cosmetic dentist.
What
are porcelain inlays/onlays? Do they replace a crown or cap?
Porcelain inlays
and onlays are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The porcelain pieces
fit into the tooth to restore the natural effect.
Yes, porcelain
inlays and onlays do replace crowns and caps. When caps and crowns
are placed on the teeth, the tooth structure is drilled down to a
stub. Porcelain restorations, on the other hand, build on the actual
structure.
How
long will my porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain
veneers are intended to be long lasting restorations. They became
popular in the 1980s and many patients from that time still have
their veneers. In the past fifteen years not only has the technique
improved but so has the adhesive bonding process and the porcelain
used for veneers. Due to the advancement in this procedure,
today’s veneers should last even longer.
Can
bleaching gels harm my teeth? Will my teeth become more sensitive to
hot or cold?
Studies have
shown that bleaching gels cause no harm to the teeth when used under
direct dental supervision.
Teeth may feel
sensitive for up to 24 hours after the bleaching procedure but this
almost always dissipates to zero sensitivity after that.
What
are the benefits of laser whitening as opposed to gel whitening?
Using lasers for
bleaching prevents the use of trays, which are worn to sleep and
even to work. When lasers are used the patients can relax in a
comfortable dental atmosphere while watching the television or
listening to music. Optimum results can be achieved with lasers in
just one or two simple visits.
Why
are lasers used as opposed to conventional or halogen lights when
bonding porcelain restorations to the teeth?
I use an Argon
laser for bonding because it takes just five seconds per tooth,
whereas the conventional lights can take forty seconds per tooth.
The higher the intensity of the light the less time it takes to bond
the restorations to the teeth and this is better because it causes
less shrinkage of the resin which leads to a higher bond strength.
My
gums are uneven - Is there a procedure to correct this problem?
I
use a Diode laser, my "magic wand", which painlessly evens
the gum-line without the use of anesthetic. Patients can have more
enhanced, beautiful smiles with the simple use of this laser.
