Composite Fillings
The back teeth are noticeable when we talk and especially when we laugh. Seeing dark, unsightly areas of metal can detract from an otherwise perfect set of teeth. Now there are fillings available that are specially designed to match the natural color of the tooth. These directly placed, bonded resin fillings can make a tooth look like new, whether they are used for small areas of decay or to replace current fillings.
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, have many advantages over traditional silver fillings.
Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings restore most of the original strength of the tooth. Silver fillings weaken the teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking.
- Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
- Composites are mercury-free fillings. Mercury in the fillings is viewed by some as being toxic.
- Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin custom made facings bonded directly to the teeth, and are a fantastic way to repair or enhance the appearance of front teeth. They can be used to whiten teeth, close spaces and create a great smile. Using veneers, we can even perform virtually "instant orthodontics" to straighten crooked teeth and give you the bright smile you always wanted.
- Reduce or Eliminate Spaces Between the Teeth (Diastemas)
- Repair Broken or Chipped Teeth
- Whiten Dark, Yellow, Permanently-Stained or Discolored Teeth
- Correct Misshapen or Crooked Teeth
Crowns
A tooth that is worn down, decayed, broken, discolored, or cracked, can be restored with a crown. Dental crowns cover the entire surface of a tooth, and close gaps in your smile. Dental crowns are considered both cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures, because they can improve the appearance of a smile while also strengthening teeth that are so worn down and decayed that a filling is simply not sufficient to correct the damage. Crowns can be supported by metal, or be all porcelain. They can also be made by our Cerec 3D machine, often in one appointment.
Bridges
For patients with missing teeth, crowns can be used in conjunction with porcelain or metal bridges to hold an artificial tooth in place. These fixed bridges create stability in the mouth by preventing movement of surrounding teeth. They also create a natural looking appearance to areas of the mouth where teeth were previously missing.
Implants
Dental Implants are the ideal way to replace missing teeth without involving or compromising any adjacent teeth or when multiple or all teeth are lost. Dental implants are made of a bio compatible materials which do not decay like natural teeth can. A dental implant or implants are inserted in the bone and used to replace the root of the tooth. Depending on the individual case, a single tooth or multiple teeth can then be fabricated utilizing the implant or implants as anchorage.
Whitening
Many patients desire to whiten teeth that have been stained or darkened by food, tobacco use, injury or aging. Valley Dental Associates offers convenient solutions for those wishing to take the step towards a brighter, more beautiful smile using whitening agents. We offer take home whitening as well as in-office whitening. The transformation will be quick and dramatic with few side effects.
