Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bonding?

The Term bonding refers to a process where one material adheres to another. In modern dentistry, it refers to a tooth colored restoration "filling" made of a composite resin, is bonded to your tooth.

This process requires several steps to condition the tooth to receive the adhesive material and then the restoration "filling" is placed into the tooth and bonded in place with the use of a halogen light. Over the years, these filling materials have become more reliable in regard to their durability and strength. They are best suited for small cavities where there is a lot of natural tooth structure surrounding the filling. They can also be used in the interior front part of your mouth for small chips in non stress bearing areas and for closing small spaces between teeth.

They will eventually discolor and need to be replaced occasionally. They do not have the longevity, color stability, or strength of a porcelain restoration.

What will I look like while my crowns/veneers are being made?

You will have provisional (temporary's) that will mimic the permanent restoration in size and shape.

What is a Smile Transformation?

Restoring the teeth to maximize aesthetics and function using state of the art technology to create your dream smile.

That technology can include implants, crowns, porcelain veneers, bonding and teeth whitening.

What is a Bridge?

A Bridge is one of several ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth. They are usually constructed of porcelain with a metal substructure and involve one or more teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Aesthetics, function and patient goals are a major consideration in the type of material used to construct the bridge

	The old gold metal and acrylic bridge replacing missing tooth
	State of the art porcelain restoration virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth

What alternatives are there to metal fillings?

It is now clear that amalgam (metal) fillings actually weaken teeth and make them more likely to fracture. The modern technology of dental adhesion combined with state of the art ceramics (porcelain), give us the ability to create a more conservative beautiful restoration that functions, wears, and looks exactly like natural teeth. We can actually bond teeth together, restoring them back to their original strength and beauty.

What do you mean by "Instant Orthodontics"?

Conventional Orthodontics (wearing braces) as an adult is certainly different from wearing braces as a child or teenager. Time and retention are limiting factors in adult orthodontics. Teeth take longer to move and relapse (returning to their original position) in adults. The multiple appointments required take a lot of time out of your busy schedule and you must wear a permanent retainer (one that is bonded inside of your teeth) in order for the teeth to maintain their position. The shape, size, and color of your teeth cannot be altered with conventional orthodontics.

Instant Orthodontics refers to the process of moving teeth by restoring them to the ideal form and function with the use of state of the art ceramics (porcelain). This can usually be accomplished in three visits. Changes in the size, shape and color of your teeth is easily accomplished and no permanent retainer is required.