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)
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- Permanently stained or discolored teeth
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- Crooked or poorly shaped teeth
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- Unsightly, stained or washed-out fillings
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To address these conditions, any or all of the following
cosmetic techniques may be used
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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 |
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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.
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Dr.
Lambetecchio with
Dr. Mary Sue Stonisch,
host of a recent NCICD
Hands-On Veneer Conference |
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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.
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