What your cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale can do for you
When people think of cosmetic dentistry, they often think of teeth whitening or porcelain veneers. They are both commonly performed cosmetic procedures used to improve the appearance of the smile. Some procedures improve both the patient’s oral health and the overall appearance of the smile.
Historically, when dentists had to restore damaged teeth, they did not consider the aesthetics of the smile; they were focused on restoring the teeth. Silver colored fillings and gold crowns were prevalent when repairing damaged teeth and they were functional, just not aesthetically pleasing. Teeth repaired with tooth colored fillings and porcelain crowns are just as functional, but they are also aesthetically pleasing.
Some examples of procedures that restore the health of the tooth and the aesthetics of the smile include:
Tooth colored fillings – Composite resin can restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay, and the restoration is undetectable. Patients prefer them for their aesthetic value, but the way the resin adheres to the tooth adds strength, unlike silver fillings that can damage the tooth.
Inlays and onlays – These are created from porcelain and can restore a tooth that has suffered too much decay for a composite resin filling, but does not require a crown. They restore the strength and aesthetics of the tooth while requiring a minimal amount of healthy tooth structure to be removed.
Crowns – When a tooth has suffered too much damage from trauma or dental decay to be restored with an inlay or onlay, a crown is the only way to preserve the natural tooth. The restoration can be completed in one session. Dr. Koppikar will remove the damaged portion of the tooth and then reshape it to accommodate the dental crown. He will then fabricate it in his office using the CEREC system and cement it in place.
Implant – When a tooth is missing, it not only has a negative impact on the aesthetics of your smile, but it can result in the rest of your teeth shifting, putting your oral health at risk. When complete, a dental implant can provide the most natural restoration of a missing tooth. The implant is placed in the jawbone in a gentle surgery. It will require approximately six months for the implant to stabilize and become as strong as the tooth root it is replacing. Once this happens, a crown can be attached to the implant, giving the appearance of a natural tooth.
Dr. Koppikar and the staff at Biltmore Dental Center want Scottsdale residents to have smiles that are both healthy and beautiful. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, or you have oral health problems, call them today at (602) 714 2223 and schedule an appointment. They will give you a reason to smile.
