Located in Lincoln, NE, your cosmetic dentist, Dr. Thomas G. Blankenau of Caring Family Dentistry Inc, has solutions for discolored, chipped, or irregular-shaped teeth. His practice provides a range of procedures, such as those mentioned below:
Bonding
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite resin, can be accomplished in one visit. First, the dental team will clean your teeth to ensure that they're plaque-free. Next, they will be etched with an acidic gel that will open the pores on their surfaces. The dentist will then rinse the etching material with composite resin that matches the color of your teeth. The last step consists of the composite being hardened in place with a curing light so that your teeth may be shaped into the right form.
The composite used in bonding is made of plastic resin and finely ground glass-like particles, which is used to fix issues like:
- Chips and cracks
- Decay
- Stained teeth
Veneers
Made of porcelain and created to fit over your teeth, veneers improve the look of smiles that have been discolored due to poor hygiene, drinking coffee and tea, smoking, chewing tobacco, or taking antibiotics containing tetracycline. To apply them, your Lincoln dentist will remove some enamel from the surface of your teeth before cementing in the veneers. Your dentist removes some enamel, which is an irreversible process, and because veneers are made out of thin porcelain or plastic, you won't feel like your teeth are protruding. On the contrary, they will feel smooth, even and properly aligned with the rest of your teeth. Veneers help with stained teeth or discolored, due to poor hygiene, drinking coffee and tea, smoking, chewing tobacco, or even antibiotics containing tetracycline.
Crowns
During restorative procedures such as root canals, a significant amount of natural tooth is removed. This leaves the tooth exposed to decay and susceptible to breakage, which is why a dental crown is placed over the tooth. Dental crowns reinforce teeth and allow them to withstand various degrees of pressure, meaning you can enjoy eating without the worry of ruining your tooth.
Caring for Cosmetic Dentistry Restorations
- Brush twice a day and floss before bed
- Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, can reduce how long your crowns last, so make sure that you find a solution for it with your dentist, like getting a mouth guard or splints.
- Your diet can contribute to your crowns lasting—don't bite into ice and avoid sugary foods, like soda and candy.
Interested in Cosmetic Dentistry? Give Us a Call!
Here at Caring Family Dentistry Inc's Lincoln office, we can help you get the smile you want! Just give us a call at (402) 423-9344.