What is a porcelain dental crown?

A porcelain dental crown is a tooth shaped cap that is used to help replaced teeth that cannot be restored using the traditional filling. They are generally suggested for patients who have had severely decayed or damaged teeth. Porcelain dental crowns match the color of teeth to give a natural appearance. There are many other types of crowns such as gold or silver, but porcelain crowns are most popular because they give the most natural look.

How are porcelain crowns placed?

When you and your dentist decide that getting a crown is the right option for you, the dentist will shape the tooth in a shape that enables him or her to place a crown. Depending on the damage of the tooth and how much tooth structure is present, the dentist will either shape the tooth or build up the tooth in order to support the crown. Several impressions will be taken so that a dental laboratory can custom make a cap for your tooth. While you wait for the dental laboratory to create your crown, your dentist will create a temporary crown for you that will be replaced when your final crown is finished. When the crown is finished by the dental laboratory, the dentist will try on the crown to ensure that the fit and bite are correct. The porcelain crown is then cemented to your tooth to give you a beautiful and natural appearance.

With care, porcelain dental crowns can be very durable and have the ability to last a long time. Your dentist will give you special instructions on how you can keep your crown clean with brushing and flossing so that you can help your crown last for years.

Teeth whitening is a popular procedure done to brighten your smile. First, speak with your dentist to see if whitening is a good option for you. Depending on the type of discoloration that is present on your teeth, whitening may or may not be effective. Common reasons for teeth discoloration result from using tobacco, staining from food or drinks and poor oral hygiene. Tooth whitening is most effective on surface stains. Although whitening is helpful for the appearance of teeth, it is not permanent and stains may recur over time.

There are many types of whitening that can be done. The most common type is a gel-solution that can be applied directly to the surface of the teeth. This type of whitening can be done at a dental office or at home. At a dental office, the dentist will put a whitening agent on the teeth that is activated by a light or laser. For whitening at home, the dentist may recommend that you wear a whitening tray containing the whitening agent for several hours a day till you reach the shade you desire. Whitening toothpaste may also be purchased to help remove staining on the enamel.

At Woodcliff Family Dental, we offer Philips Zoom! in-office whitening, you can unlock a smile up to 8 shades whiter in just 45 minutes. You get outstanding results with little to no sensitivity.

What is Bonding?

Bonding is a generic term for composite fillings. Composite is tooth colored filling material. Composite is made up of a resin matrix with silicate filler. Composites come in many different colors so the dentist can custom match your teeth. We first prepare your tooth by removing all of the decay or diseased tooth structure. The tooth is then acid etched, a bonding agent is then applied, and some air is blown on the tooth to thin the bonding agent. The tooth is then cured using a special blue light to cure the bonding agent. This activates the bonding agent so the composite will bond to the tooth. The composite can then be layered by the dentist to match the shape and color of the tooth. Each layer is cured with our special blue light to harden the composite filling so that it may function like a normal tooth in your mouth. We then use marking paper to make sure all of the teeth fit together properly. The composite filling is then polished to give it a nice shine!

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is another option for those who are seeking orthodontic care. For many, the primary concern for their smile is the appearance of their teeth. With Invisalign®, patients can now receive orthodontic care with clear aligning trays that will improve the appearance of teeth without having to place metal braces. Metal braces can be irritating, restrict consumption of specific foods, and make brushing and flossing a hassle. Invisalign® trays can be removed easily and are easily integrated into your everyday life.

How does Invisalign® work?

Invisalign® works through the use of removable aligners instead of using the traditional non-removable braces. Many dentists are able to provide Invisalign® treatment, so there is no need to go to an orthodontist. Check with our dental office to see if they are able to provide you with this treatment.

When you and the dentist decide that Invisalign® is a good treatment for you, our dental office will take impressions and radiographs of your teeth so a treatment plan can be created for you. Our dental office will show you how your teeth will move and shift as your treatment comes along. Depending on the severity of your case, treatment time is variable.

When a treatment plan is created, clear tray aligners will be created to custom fit your teeth. These tray aligners are removable and can be removed when eating, brushing and flossing so that they do not interfere with your everyday life. The aligners are also made of smooth plastic so they so they do not irritate your cheeks and you do not even notice that you are wearing them. These aligner trays are replaced every two weeks with a new aligner that will help shift your teeth into the next phase of treatment.

Advantages of Using Invisalign®

• Clear and invisible – no more traditional braces
• Removable
• Smooth plastic – no cheek or gum irritation
• Straightens teeth in a comparable amount of time to traditional metal braces
• Helps with cases of gaps, overcrowding, crossbites, underbites, overbites

What is Botox?

After enhancing, renovating, or rejuvenating the teeth, a smile often benefits from doing the same to the surrounding structures. Botox™ injections around the mouth, by reducing movement of certain muscles, can reduce a “gummy smile,” lines around the lips often referred to as “smoker’s lines,” and decrease muscle strain in the chin and corners of the mouth to minimize results of frowning. Turn that frown upside-down!

WHAT are DERMAL FILLERS?

Dermal fillers are injections that can restore facial volume and fullness. They do things like:

• Plump up thin lips
• Reduce the appearance of recessed scars
• Soften wrinkles and creases
• Enhance shallow contours
• Remove or reduce lower lid shadows
• Fix facial contour deformities