Cosmetic
Dentistry Frequently asked Questions
What
is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic
Dentistry is the art of creating beautiful
smiles. It includes procedures such
as Porcelain Veneers, Non-metal Crowns
and Bridges, Tooth-colored fillings
(Also known as Composites or Resin Bonds),
Power Tooth Whitening, and Implants.
Q.
Can existing porcelain crowns or laminates
be bleached?
A. No, porcelain does not change color
when exposed to dental bleach.
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Q.
How long should bonding last?
A. Bonding lasts 3-5 years, depending
on wear and tear.
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Q.
How long do porcelain laminates last?
A. In excess of 10 years, when properly
maintained.
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Q.
Why do people choose porcelain laminates
over bonding?
A. Laminates look more realistic, do
not stain, feel more natural, and are
stronger.
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Q.
When do you need to see a periodontist?
A. When local gum inflammation cannot
be controlled by a hygienist and residual
pockets that cannot be maintained are
left around the teeth.
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Q.
Can porcelain laminates or crowns give
me lip support?
A. Yes, if they are built out with bulk,
provided it does not interfere with
function and local biology.
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Q.
How do you get rid of spaces between
teeth?
A. With porcelain laminates or bonding.
Crowns may be used on more severe cases.
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Q.
Does it hurt to have teeth prepared
for laminates?
A. No, it is a painless, two-visit procedure.
Local anesthesia can be given to highly
sensitive patients, but is usually not
necessary.
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Q.
What are the advantages of laminates
versus orthodontic treatment?
A. Orthodontic treatment takes 18 months
to 2 years while porcelain laminates
correct crooked teeth in two visits.
Who
would be a good candidate for Cosmetic
Dentistry?
Individuals
who are unhappy with their present smile.
Their smiles may be a result of crooked
teeth, discoloration of teeth from stains,
such as coffee, tea or red wine (yellow
color), or tetracycline stains (brown/gray
color). It may be ideal for those who
prefer an ideal smile with immediate
results.
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When should I consider Cosmetic
Dentistry?
When
you feel that you need improvements
on your smile. Cosmetic dental procedures
will change your entire appearance.
If you are unhappy about the color,
shape, or size of your teeth, want to
close a gap, or simply cover up imperfections,
Cosmetic Dentistry is a great solution.
Replacing your old silver fillings with
high esthetic tooth-colored fillings
will take only minutes. Porcelain Veneers
and Non-metal Crowns and Bridges are
customized in a matter of days. Or simply
whitening your existing smile can be
accomplished in a matter of minutes.
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Will having Cosmetic Dentistry
be expensive?
Improving
your appearance, rejuvenating your youth,
and building your self-confidence will
completely change your life. How much
would you pay to have this? Having a
perfect smile is priceless. Our goal
is to provide the best quality of dentistry
for our clients in the most pleasant
environment both clinically and financially.
We offer various, interest free payment
plans as well third party payments.
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How many visits will it take?
How long is each procedure?
Porcelain
Veneers: The entire time involved
is approximately 7-10 days, in addition,
rush services are available upon request.
Three separate visits are required.
First, initial impressions and photos
of your present teeth are taken. Then,
our laboratory specialist will fabricate
an ideal smile wax up for preview at
your next visit. During the second visit,
your teeth will be prepared and temporary
restorations are fabricated and placed.
Together with Dr. Huang, the color and
shape of your teeth will be selected
and a final impression is taken. During
the final visit, your customized porcelain
veneers will be placed on permanently
and you will have a beautiful and natural
smile.
Tooth
Colored Filling: Placement
is accomplished in one office visit
and the procedure length is less than
20 minutes.
Power
Bleaching: Our in-office Zoom
2 whitening system will give you pearly
white teeth in less than one hour. On
an average, your teeth will lighten
6 to 10 shades. No additional visits
are necessary.
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Will I experience any pain?
Due
to technological innovations, equipments
such as micro-air abrasions and computerized
injection systems will further minimize
the sensitivity and discomfort during
all cosmetic procedures.
__________________________________________________________
How long after a procedure can I eat
or drink?
You
can eat and drink immediately afterwards
as long as you feel comfortable.
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TEETH
WHITENING QUESTIONS
Q1:
What is Zoom! tooth whitening? A1: Zoom!
is a bleaching process that lightens
discoloration of enamel and dentin.
You may have seen the Zoom! process
used by me on ABC’s Extreme Makeover.
Q2:
How long does Zoom! Chairside Whitening
take? A2: The complete procedure takes
less than an hour. The procedure begins
with a preparation period followed as
little as by 45 minutes of bleaching.
(A cleaning is recommended prior to
the actual Zoom! whitening session.)
Q3:
How does the Zoom! In-off ice system
work? A3: The Zoom! light activated
whitening gel's active ingredient is
Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide
is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel
and dentin, bleaching colored substances
while the structure of the tooth is
unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating
the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate
the surface of the tooth. A study has
shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases
the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by
26% or more, giving an average improvement
of up to eight shades.
Q4:
What will I experience during the Zoom!
In-Office Procedure? A4: During the
procedure, patients may comfortably
watch television or listen to music.
Individuals with a strong gag reflex
or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing
the entire procedure.
Q5:
How long do the results last? A5: By
following some simple post whitening
care instructions, your teeth will always
be lighter than they were before. To
keep your teeth looking their best,
we recommend flossing, brushing twice
daily, and occasional touch-ups with
Zoom! Weekender or Nite White gel. These
are professional formula products designed
specifically to keep your teeth their
brightest. They are available only through
your dental professional.
Q6:
Are there any side effects? A6: Sensitivity
during the treatment may occur with
some patients. The Zoom! light generates
minimal heat which is the usual source
of discomfort. On rare occasions, minor
tingling sensations are experienced
immediately after the procedure, but
always dissipate. You can also ask your
dentist to supply you with anti-sensitivity
toothpaste for use prior to treatment.
Q7:
What causes tooth discoloration? A7:
There are many causes. The most common
include aging and consumption of staining
substances such as coffee, tea, colas,
tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth
formation, consumption of tetracycline,
certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride
may also cause tooth discoloration.
Q8:
Do many people whiten their teeth? A8:
More people than you might imagine.
A bright sparkling smile can make a
big difference for everyone. The Zoom!
Chairside Whitening System makes it
easier and faster than ever before.
Q9:
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
A9: Almost anyone. However, treatment
may not be as effective for some as
it is for others. Your dental professional
can determine if you are a viable candidate
for this procedure through a thorough
oral exam, including a shade assessment.
Q10:
Is whitening safe? A10: Yes. Extensive
research and clinical studies indicate
that whitening teeth under the supervision
of a dentist is safe. In fact, many
dentists consider whitening the safest
cosmetic dental procedure available.
As with any tooth whitening product,
Zoom! is not recommended for children
under 13 years of age and pregnant or
lactating women.
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