Veneers
What are Porcelain Veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of material placed over a tooth to improve the appearance, or to protect a damaged surface.
Why are porcelain veneers a good choice?
Porcelain veneers are arguably the most attractive and natural-looking material available today for creating a beautiful smile. They may not require any of the natural teeth to be removed. This is much less invasive than a crown. Veneers allow us to alter tooth color. They are not the only option but can do a beautiful job.Dr. Judi treats each patient as a unique case with personal goals for an attractive healthy smile as a priority in planning his or her dental needs.We recommend the least-complicated solution to help patients reach their personal smile goals, Solutions could involve the use of porcelain veneers and or cosmetic bonding and veneering. We work with each patient to understand what they do not like about their smile. Do they wish their teeth were longer, shorter? Maybe the teeth already have a good length, but the tooth sizes don’t balance,. Is the smile broad enough to fill the space between the lip corners and the fronts of the back teeth? These are some of the reasons why an individual might choose porcelain veneers to enhance their smile.
Invisalign
The clear alternative to metal braces
Invisalign® straightens your teeth with a series of clear, almost invisible custom-molded aligners. This is the breakthrough technology that lets you have the smile you’ve always wanted, without the hassle of metal braces.By using a series of clear, removable Invisalign™ aligners, you will notice results sooner than you think. The course of treatment involves changing the aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position step by step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be taken out while you eat and brush your teeth.
Less orthodontic treatment time
An average Invisalign™ course of treatment takes about a year. You’ll see Dr. Belitz every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and to check progress. At regular intervals, you’ll receive a new set of custom-molded clear aligners to continue the straightening process. The total number of clear aligners needed will be determined by Dr. Belitz over the course of your treatment
Clear and comfortable
Invisalign™ aligners are practically invisible. In fact, very few people will notice that you have them unless you tell them. Invisalign™ aligners are comfortable to wear and remove easily when you eat, brush and floss
Crowns
When are dental crowns or caps the right choice?
Dental crowns or “caps” are used for teeth that are too badly damaged to be corrected with fillings or veneers. Crowns can restore both the strength and beauty of natural teeth.
Types of dental crowns
There are generally three types of crowns: those made of all metal, all-ceramic caps, and ceramic that is bonded to metal.Porcelain bonded to metal crownsFor a natural appearance with durability, Porcelain bonded to metal crowns is the answer for you. They are very good at holding up to the stresses of chewing and grinding of the molars. The metal substructure does affect the color near the bottom of the tooth, but this is not a factor because the back teeth can’t be readily seen. Dr. Judi uses only the safest metals available for these crowns.
Ceramic CrownsCeramic Crowns are used primarily for teeth near the front of the mouth. They are the best at looking like a natural tooth and are more pleasing to the eye. It is almost indistinguishable from natural teeth. The new bonding technology involved provides an exceptional bond to your tooth. It is metal-free and is preferred by patients with metal sensitivities.
Metal CrownsMetal crowns are not used as often because most people prefer the natural appearance of teeth that ceramic provides. This is true especially since the new types of ceramic have a much lower rate of chipping. However, metal crowns are a bit more durable if this is important to you.
Whitening
What is the best whitening option for teeth?
Often, your smile can be improved simply by whitening teeth that have become stained and yellowed over time. In addition to caps and veneers, Dr. Belitz offers both office and at-home whitening alternatives. Each patient has different needs. Not all teeth respond the same to bleaching. Sometimes an at-home whitening kit is perfect for the job. But, depending on the original shade of the tooth, the patient might require in-office treatments using UV light in order to achieve their goal.Other times, the best alternative may be Porcelain Veneers. Each patient’s goals and treatment options may differ, which is why your dental consultation is the most important step in achieving your goal. In your consultation, we will let you know what you can expect from the different treatment options, and which method is most likely to be successful for you. Keep in mind that both office UV whitening and home whitening results are temporary and require maintenance to keep your beautiful white smile.Your smile is important. It is one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful – it can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression.
Dental Bridge
What is a dental bridge?A dental bridge is a way to replace one or more missing teeth. A cemented bridge requires at least one tooth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth to provide the attachment and support for the bridge. A dental laboratory will create a bridge out of either porcelain fused to a cast metal framework or porcelain fused to a tooth-colored framework. The new appliance will connect the two good teeth with a bridge of the missing tooth or teeth.A bridge is beneficial because it restores function and good looks where needed. The loss of a tooth can cause a number of problems, including difficulty, chewing, increased stress on the remaining teeth, a shifting of the teeth behind and above the tooth, which is lost,A cemented bridge is typically made in 3 visits, the first being the preparation appointment and the second the bridge insertion, and the third is to check to make sure everything is working properly.
Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings fill a tooth with a strong chemically bonded material that can be matched to the color of your tooth. This makes the filling nearly invisible. These natural white-colored bonded fillings are 90 to 95% as strong as a natural non-cavity healthy tooth.The composite resins used in today’s tooth-colored restorations were introduced in the 1960s, and over the last 50 years have undergone continual improvements in durability, color stability, and quality. Today, tooth-colored fillings are actually bonded to the tooth, thus less drilling is required.
Major benefits of tooth-colored restoration
• Beautiful in appearance• Completed in a single visit• No filling leaks• Less chance of tooth cracking
Appearance
Tooth-colored filling material is matched to your individual tooth color. The materials used for front teeth have a high shine, whereas the materials for back teeth are designed for strength. Tooth-colored restorations look natural and can be virtually undetectable.