COSMETIC dentistry
You can look good and have a healthy smile. Most people who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth do not realize the numerous ways cosmetic dentistry can heal a smile. Cosmetic dentistry can correct crooked teeth, spaces between your teeth, stained or discolored teeth, chipped teeth, broken or missing teeth and having a “gummy” smile. Dr. Guilford creates a customized treatment plan for you to achieve your smile goals.
Porcelain Crowns
Your teeth undergo a tremendous amount of stress during your lifetime. Teeth may show this wear in a variety of ways, including discoloration, chipping and cracking. Crowns restore your teeth and smile to look brilliant once again. Porcelain crowns can be made out of porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain and can be shaded to match your teeth. Crowns made of precious metal (gold) are also an option. After some tooth preparation, crowns are specifically fitted to restore functionality and enhance the appearance of your smile. If you have pain when chewing or temperature sensitivity, ask Dr. Guilford if crowns are for you.
Porcelain Bridges
Sometimes gum disease, injury, decay or simply wear results in the loss of a tooth. A large gap in your smile can create significant problems for your dental health if it isn’t corrected. Over time your bite pressure may shift to other parts of your mouth to compensate for an inability to chew efficiently in the area of the missing tooth. Neighboring teeth may begin to move about, moving into the gap and resulting in discomfort, pain and more problems down the road. Porcelain bridges “bridge the gap” in your smile. Dr. Guilford creates a lifelike, functional bridge to correct your smile, restore your bite and alleviate your discomfort. A porcelain bridge is created out of metal, alloys or porcelain and utilizes the teeth on both sides of the gap as its supportive structure. After some preparation of the two neighboring teeth, crowns are created for them. A prosthetic tooth, or pontic, is fused between the crowns to fill the gap. A bridge is a semi-permanent dental restoration, meaning it can only be removed by a dentist, so you can rest assured that your porcelain bridge will be a lasting restoration to your oral health.
Tooth Whitening
You can have the confidence that comes from a bright, white smile. If you are happy with the alignment and spacing of your teeth, a tooth whitening procedure may be all that separates you from a dazzling smile. Tooth whitening is safe, effective and long lasting. There are two main methods to get excellent results: a custom home tooth whitening kit or an in-the-office procedure.
Your custom home whitening kit involves a special tray that is customized to fit over your teeth. You also receive prescription whitening gel, which is inserted into the tray before you wear it. Dr. Guilford gives you detailed instructions about how long you should wear the tray each day and you should expect the entire home whitening process to take between two and four weeks, leaving you with a dazzling smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Imagine a whiter, more brilliant smile! Porcelain veneers are conservative cosmetic dentistry that makes a dramatic difference in the appearance of your teeth. If you have chipped teeth, crooked teeth, spaces between your teeth or dull or stained teeth, veneers may be the perfect solution for you. After minimal tooth preparation, Dr. Guilford will skillfully bond and shape thin films of porcelain to your teeth, creating a straight, brilliant smile that enhances your appearance and your self-esteem. You are only a couple of appointments away from having the smile you have always wanted!
Bonding
Bonding is a tooth-colored material applied and adhered to the surface of the tooth without reducing the structure of the tooth in most cases. Then, Dr. Guilford will sculpt the material to create a natural-looking tooth. Bonding corrects chipped and broken teeth, discolored teeth and in some cases can correct gaps. It is less expensive than veneers but doesn’t last as long and can stain. A benefit of bonding is that generally, the natural structure of the tooth can be maintained.
Gum Contouring
Do you see a lot of your gum tissue when you smile? Many people with “gummy” smiles do not know that there are treatments available to cosmetically enhance the look of your gums. Dr. Guilford can re-contour the appearance of your gum tissue. With the addition of beautiful porcelain veneers, your gummy smile disappears, revealing a bright, youthful smile that looks natural and proportioned. The entire process takes just a few visits and because of advancements in cosmetic techniques, your comfort is assured.