Your smile communicates a lot about how you feel about yourself. Even a minor flaw in your smile can keep you from feeling your best about the way you look. A beautiful smile can be the pathway to opportunity.

Cosmetic dentistry is a blending of art and science. We focus on aesthetic results by using a variety of the latest restorative techniques and materials. We can enhance your smile to give it a more pleasing appearance.

Here are some of the conditions that may be helped by cosmetic dentistry —

  • Diastemas (spaces between the teeth)
  • Permanently stained or discolored teeth
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Crooked or poorly shaped teeth
  • Unsightly, stained or washed-out fillings
  • Missing teeth
To address these conditions, any or all of the following cosmetic techniques may be used —
 Dr. Lambetecchio with co-instructors
 Dr. Robert DiPilla, Dr. Samir Ayoub, Garrett
 Caldwell, and Dr. Peter Rinaldi at a recent
 Northern California Institute of Cosmetic
 Dentistry Hands-On Veneer Conference
Veneers

A porcelain veneer is indicated when a portion of the front surface of the tooth needs a "face lift." Similar to composite bonding, veneers are attached directly to the existing tooth structure. Veneers adhere to the tooth surface by bonding techniques used.

Veneers can cover stains, close spaces between teeth, and straighten teeth.

Composite Bonding

A composite resin filling may be used when only a small amount of tooth structure needs replacement. White composite bondings adhere to the tooth and are a conservative, versatile and affordable way to aesethetically restore a multitude of cosmetic problems.

To begin a bonding procedure, we treat the tooth with a special enamel conditioner to roughen the enamel surface and allow the bonding material to adhere. A composite resin is then applied and shaped to match the contour of your natural tooth. The surface of the composite is then shaped and polished to achieve a natural luster and appearance.

Tooth Whitening

Because of a variety of causes, teeth tend to stain "yellow" over time. We can help you whiten and brighten graying or yellowed teeth.

We examine your mouth and recommend the best treatment for your specific needs, either an in-office treatment or a take-home treatment, which we monitor to make sure you obtain the best results.

 Dr. Lambetecchio with
 Dr. Mary Sue Stonisch,
 host of a recent NCICD
 Hands-On Veneer Conference

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Many patients prefer restorations done using tooth-colored composites or porcelain. The use of a tooth-colored filling material can be used on a new tooth with decay or on a tooth that has an older restoration that may need replacing. Bonding techniques are used for these procedures.

Crowns and Bridges

When a substantial amount of tooth structure has been lost, when a tooth is cracked or broken, or when a tooth has had a root canal, then a full crown or "cap" is usually indicated because there is no longer sufficient tooth structure to hold just a filling.

A bridge spans a space where one or more teeth have been lost in the dental arch. We replace the missing teeth, which are anchored by crowns to existing healthy tooth structure.

Dental Implants

We call them "bionic teeth." It can be embarrassing to have spaces in your mouth when teeth are missing. You are not alone. Some people lose teeth because of injury, tooth decay or periodontal disese (infection of the gums and the bone surround the teeth). Others may not have had all their teeth grow in.

Whatever the reason, dental implants can help replace missing teeth. And implants often feel more natural than dentures and all other dental restorations.

You can view animations of these and other procedures in our Dental Wizard.

Whatever the dental treatment may be, keeping all your dental appointments, taking good care of your teeth, watching sweets in your diet (including no sodas), committing to a lifetime of good oral hygiene, having dental checkups as prescribed by your dentist, and contacting team members if you have any problems can all insure good results and success.


© Catherine A. Lambetecchio, DDS. All rights reserved.