What problems can cosmetic dentistry address?

The dental situations cosmetic dentistry can possibly address include: missing teeth or spaces between teeth.

• Darkened, yellowed or gray, stained teeth

• Crooked teeth or "mismatched" teeth

• "Gummy Smiles", where a larger proportion of the gums slow when smiling

• Too small, too large, too s hort or too thin teeth

• Changing silver amalgam fillings to natural appearing, tooth-colored restorations

• Decayed (unhealthy) teeth

• Old, unnatural-appearing crowns

• Facial rejuvination through reversing the ungraceful signs of aging

• Broken down teeth


What are porcelain veneers?

In our office, you have no cause fo rconcer. Dr. Tin will create attractive “temporary” restorations that similar to your final restorations. In fact, we have patients who are models or pagent winners who have gone to photo shoots with their temporary restorations, and because their smile looke so natural, no one knew! At our practice, you can look forward to looking fantastic everytime you leave our office.

My teeth have become yellow over time, would bleaching help me?

Bleaching is no for everyone. If your teeth have yellowed or darkened on the surface only because of staining due to coffee or smoking, bleaching may be able to lighten your teeth. however, if you have dark stains that are very deep in color (e.g. dark grey, dark brown, dark yellow, dark orange, or caused by tetracycline) or due to aging, bleaching may not very well. It’s always best to consult an “expert” cosmetic dentist first before beginning bleaching. You can then be advised if bleaching will help your specific dental problem or not. Condititions where bleaching probably should not be performed include patients with restorations in their front teeth, with gum disease, or with existing tooth decay.

I have a darkened tooth in the front. What can be done to fix it?

The darkening of the tooth may be cause by many situations, such as age, medication and tooth trauma. First the health status of the tooth and root needs to be addressed. Then an esthetic restoration can be placed. In many situations, a procelain restoration can correc this problem such that a catural- appearing outcome can be achieved.

I show a lot of gums when I smile. How can this be corected?

In the past the only way to remedy a "gummy smile", when large amount of gums show in a smile, was to break and then reposition the upper jaw. Happily, these days there are less invasive solutions. Depending on an individuals situation, minor gum sculpting and veneers may be done to show more tooth and less gums, resulting in a brighter, more balanced smile.

My teeth are crooked in the front, but I don’t want to wear braces. Are there any other options?

For the majority of patients, veneers may be a faster alternative to braces. Many patients of mine are in the public eye or in the media, and don’t want the teenager-like appearance of wearing braces. Veneers can be instantly “straighten” teeth that appear crooked, crowded, overlapping, or inset, in as few as 2 to 4 appointments instead of possibly 2 to 4 years with braces.

I am missing several teeth and have a removable “partial” denture, is there a more permanent solution?

Many patients dislike having to put in and remove a partial denture, and have a difficult time chewing and enjoying their food. Dental implants with restorations, as well as fixed bridges are more permanent solutions that can offer more stability, depending on a patients specific situation. Implants are titanium screws that rest securely in the bone. A crown or bridge can be placed on the implant, for a natural appearing, non- removable solution. With implants, becaue of requirement of bone height and medical health, it’s important to consult a cosmetic dentist early to plan the optimal time to receive implants. For those who are unable to have implants placed, a bridge by itslef may be placed over the area of missing teeth, secudred firmly to the adjacent teeth.

I have old crowns in my front teeth, and they’ve become black at the top. What can be done?

The darkening of the tooth may be cause by many situations, such as age, medication and tooth trauma. First the health status of the tooth and root needs to be addressed. Then an esthetic restoration can be placed. In many situations, a procelain restoration can correc this problem such that a catural- appearing outcome can be achieved.

I have silver fillings that are very old, an di want to have them changed. What can be done?

In the past, silver fillings were used in back teeth to fill cavities. However, because of the revolutionary changes in tooth colored restorations, your silver fillings can be changed to strong and natural appearing porcelain/ resin restorations with minimal tooth removal. Today there is virtually no need for metal in dentistry. Only your cosmetic dentist will know for sure if you have a filling or not.

I was told that after the first "preparation" appointment for my veneer, I will have "temporary" restorations until my final appointement. What will my smile look like with "temporaries"?

In our office, you have no cause fo rconcer. Dr. Tin will create attractive “temporary” restorations that similar to your final restorations. In fact, we have patients who are models or pagent winners who have gone to photo shoots with their temporary restorations, and because their smile looke so natural, no one knew! At our practice, you can look forward to looking fantastic everytime you leave our office.