Cosmetic Dentistry Services At Biltmore Dental Center, Phoenix, AZ
Few people have a perfect smile naturally, but they can seek the help of a cosmetic dentist to achieve the smiles they desire. Advances in dental technology, techniques, and materials have made it possible for nearly anyone to have a near perfect smile. A wide array of services is available at Biltmore Dental Center to create gorgeous smiles.
White Fillings
A white filling is also called an invisible, composite resin, or tooth-colored filling. It is made of glass and tooth-colored plastic mixture and is used to restore decayed or chipped teeth. Composite is also used to improve discolored teeth, reshape disfigured teeth, close spaces between teeth, and lengthen short teeth.
The composite is superior to amalgam (silver) fillings because of the resin bonds to the tooth structure, providing strength and support. Silver fillings simply wedge into a prepared tooth, and can actually cause fractures, weakening the tooth further, as the metal expands and contracts.
Composites are a terrific option for esthetic purposes because the doctor can blend the resin to be a near-perfect match to the shade of the actual tooth. When used as a dental filling or cosmetic flaw correction, they are virtually invisible in the smile, unlike the dark, unattractive amalgam fillings..
BEFORE AND AFTER COSMETIC DENTISTRY IMAGES OF ACTUAL PATIENTS TREATED IN OUR PRACTICE.
PORCELAIN FILLINGS
Porcelain fillings, also known as inlays are esthetically pleasing restorations used when a tooth has lost too much natural structure to be repaired with a composite filling. Inlays are used to treat damage that is within the cusps (top projection) of the tooth. Porcelain Onlays are similar to inlays; they can be used when the damage extends beyond the cusps, but is not so extensive that it requires a crown. Inlays and Onlays, also called indirect fillings, are a conservative, precise, strong, and durable solution for damaged teeth. They preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible and fit precisely, as they do not shrink during the bonding process, making them an excellent option when the damage extends into the flossing area. Porcelain fillings are ideal for esthetic tooth repair, they are stain-resistant and do not discolor over time and they match the color of the natural tooth, creating indiscernible restorations.
PORCELAIN VENEERS
Veneers are lustrous, ultra-thin (0.5mm) porcelain shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to correct a number of aesthetic flaws. The treatment requires little to no anesthesia and is a popular choice for enhancing the appearance of the front teeth. They are one of the most esthetics options available to create a beautiful smile. Porcelain mimics tooth enamel better than any other dental material, as it has the same glassy translucence and light-reflecting properties. They are a terrific alternative to dental crowns in many situations. They offer a conservative method of improving the size, shape, or color of a tooth. They can mask discoloration that doesn’t respond to teeth whitening, cover gaps between teeth, hide minor tooth rotation, conceal flaws tooth enamel, and make worn or short teeth appear longer. They have a remarkably long life when cared for properly. Veneers can accomplish a smile makeover in just two or three dental visits.
CROWNS
A dental crown is used for either restorative or cosmetic purposes, and frequently it serves both purposes. They are commonly used to protect and strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by decay or trauma. Crowns are also used to complete a dental implant restoration. Cosmetically, they are used to improve the appearance of a tooth that is too damaged or distorted for a veneer to be effective. Dr. Koppikar is able to place high quality, all-ceramic crowns in a single appointment in his state of the art practice. He has the CEREC system, a groundbreaking dental technology that enables him to design and mill the crown in his office. This eliminates the need for a second appointment, the long wait for the crown to be shipped from a lab, and the need to have a temporary placed and removed. CEREC saves patients time, is convenient, and creates beautifully natural-looking restorations.
TEETH WHITENING
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure offered today. It is the fastest and most affordable smile enhancement option available. We offer both in-office and at-home treatments to meet the needs of our patients. Our professional in-office whitening provides beautifully effective results in about an hour. This is a terrific option for those who want to transform their smile in a single dental visit. The gums and rest of the mouth is protected and a whitening gel applied directly to the teeth and stimulated with an activating light. It is ideal for lightening your teeth by several shades quickly. Our take-home whitening enables our patients to brighten their smiles in the comfort and privacy of their homes at their convenience. Custom trays and whitening gel are provided along with detailed instructions on proper use. This method takes longer, but is equally safe and effective. Additionally, the trays provided allow patients to touch up their smile to maintain the results.
GUM CONTOURING
The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to provide the most beautiful smile possible, which can require a multi-disciplinary approach. Even if your teeth are healthy, straight, and symmetrical, the beauty of your smile can be impaired if your gum line is uneven, or if it extends down too far – which is called a gummy smile. It can cause your teeth to look too short. Ideally, the gums are a beautiful, smooth, even frame for your teeth, which compliments your smile. Dr. Koppikar can improve a gummy smile or uneven gum lines with a procedure called laser gum contouring. His skill with the laser enables him to sculpt your gums to accent your smile beautifully. The procedure is simple, fast, and virtually painless. The laser minimizes bleeding, dramatically reduces the risk of infection, and decreases post-treatment discomfort.