Whitening

Whitening, also known as bleaching, has come a long way in the last 40 years. It began as an in-office treatment in which gel was placed on teeth, then activated by a heat lamp. Unfortunately, the lamp would also heat the teeth, making the procedure uncomfortable. Also, many appointments were necessary. About 10 years ago, an improvement was made in the gel, and heat activation was eliminated. Whitening is now safe and effective. When performed under a dentist’s supervision, bleaching will not damage your teeth or gums.

Having you teeth professionally cleaned prior to whitening ensures the best possible results.

Composite Fillings and Bonding

Dental composites are composed of tooth-colored glass particles in light-curing resin. They are an ideal material to restore broken teeth because they are more natural looking, strong, and usually are more conservative treatment than silver fillings.

Unlike metal fillings, composite is physically bonded to the tooth. This adhesion helps to regain nearly all the original strength of the natural tooth.

When a tooth has a cavity, all of the decayed portions must be removed. Dental instruments are used to remove decay. This leaves a space that must be filled to restore the tooth to its original form and function. The tooth colored composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure than the old metal amalgams.

These bonding procedures are also used to repair chipped front teeth, close spaces. and improve the appearance of uneven or discolored teeth. Dr. Coates can usually perform bonding in just one appointment.

Black Line: Metal-free Solutions

Tired of seeing that black line at the edge of your crown? Non-metallic ceramic crowns and bridges work great, especially in the front teeth. They look so natural. All-ceramic materials are translucent, and blend very naturally with adjacent teeth. The translucency permits light to penetrate the restoration and reflect from within the tooth structure, eliminating the unnatural look of metal shadows at the gum line. Many people also have mild reactions to some metals in dental restorative materials, and they don’t even know it. This can lead to mild gum recession around crowns and bridges, exposing the metal edge of the crown.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Tooth loss occurs from injury, decay, and gum disease. The problem of broken down or missing teeth can be easily remedied in most cases. However, ignoring these dental problems may cause additional tooth and bone loss, which can lead to more extensive treatment. Teeth may drift and tip into the spaces that are created by missing teeth, leading to more tooth and bone loss, and more complicated solutions.

Missing teeth may set off a chain reaction of dental problems over time that can change your bite and develop food traps. This can cause bad breath, tooth decay, periodontal disease and bone loss. Depending on the circumstances, devices like bridges, dental implants, or removable partial dentures may be a solution to restore the function of your teeth and improve oral health. Sometimes orthodontics may be recommended to return the teeth to a more ideal position to improve function and/or cosmetics.

Loss of all teeth is treated with full dentures. Improvements in dental implant technology now make it possible for Dr. Coates to firmly anchor dentures in place. This can be done with new or existing dentures (in many cases). This procedure is often life-changing for the patient. Denture wearers can now eat and speak without fear of dislodging their dentures. Chewing efficiency is greatly improved, allowing patients to add “tougher” selections back to their diet.

Porcelain Veneers

For major cosmetic problems, which include teeth that are too yellow, short, crooked, or crowded, porcelain veneers are a possible solution. Veneers are often referred to as “Instant Orthodontics”.  Unlike braces, porcelain veneers can change your smile in just two weeks.

Porcelain veneers have other advantages over orthodontia. Braces straighten teeth, but they don’t change the color or shape. They can also give a more uniform look to a person’s smile if the have a hodgepodge of mismatched fillings and crowns.

Since many adults have worn their teeth down over time, porcelain veneers can allow Dr. Coates to restore the shape and size of your teeth to their normal dimensions.

Porcelain veneers take just two appointments.

First Appointment:
Dr. Coates will shape your teeth and place temporary coverings so you may eat and drink comfortably. Often veneers require no alterations to the teeth. Dr. Coates can evaluate your teeth will consider your treatment goals to help you decide which option is best for you.

Second Appointment:
Your temporaries are removed and the new veneers are bonded permanently to your teeth. Now just brush and floss them like normal teeth.

White Fillings

In the case of posterior (back teeth) fillings, silver amalgam has proven to last for many years. However, the silver, or dark metal appearance of amalgam fillings is often objectionable. Also, over years, fracture lines in the tooth may develop near the base of amalgam fillings. These fractures may result in a cracked tooth requiring an onlay, crown, root canal or even extraction.

Tooth colored composite can often replace silver fillings, and increase the tooth’s strength. It does this because it is actually bonded to the tooth with strong adhesive. The composite and tooth can act more as one strong unit, rather than just a filling in a hole in the tooth.