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Cosmetic Dentistry -

Make Sure to check some of our before and afters in our Smile Gallery

In the past decade there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry.  We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence.  Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.

Cosmetic dental treatments can:

 

  • Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth.
  • Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth.
  • Improve or correct bites.
  • Lighten or brighten the color of teeth.
  • Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth.
  • Replace missing teeth.

  • Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.

 

Remember, your smile speaks before you even say a word!

Downtown Minneapolis Dentist

Veneers

 

Placement of composite and porcelain veneers is sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics” because they can be used to cover a variety of dental problems involving teeth in the “smile zone” including:

 

  • Spaces between the teeth.

  • Poorly shaped or crooked teeth.

  • Broken or chipped teeth.

  • Permanently externally stained and/or internally stained teeth.

  • Unsightly or stained fillings.

 

We offer two types of dental veneers, porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored, translucent porcelain or composite resin, custom made to fit over teeth and improve their color, shape and overall appearance. Placement of dental veneers can dramatically improve your smile and appearance.

 

Dental veneers are not appropriate for everyone or every tooth. Case selection is an extremely important factor in the success of this technique. Some veneer processes involve tooth structure that must be removed, which is not a reversible procedure.  Only an examination by the dentists can determine whether dental veneers are appropriate for making the changes you want. Some of the situations where certain teeth or people are not good candidates for dental veneers include:

 

  • weakened teeth due to a significant amount of tooth structure missing

  • teeth with an inadequate amount of enamel present

  • people who habitually clench or grind on their teeth which can easily chip or break dental veneers 

  • unstable bite

  • severely malpositioned or misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment may be required to achieve the desired treatment

 

 

Porcelain Veneers

 

Porcelain veneers differ quite a bit from composite veneers. It’s important to understand the differences in order to make the right choice for your smile. Porcelain veneers:

  • are very thin, about 0.5 – 0.7 millimeters and initially brittle however, once bonded to healthy tooth structure it becomes very strong

  • can last for many years, usually 10-15 years, if you take good care of them using good oral hygiene and avoiding using them to crack or chew hard objects like ice

  • create a very life-like and natural tooth appearance

  • are more stain resistant than composite veneers

  • require removal of tooth structure and are not reversible

  • require two visits and are more expensive than composite veneers.

  • cannot be repaired, if a porcelain veneer breaks it must be replaced

Composite Veneers

 

Composite veneers offer a variety of benefits. At J&D Dental, composite veneers:

  • are made chairside 

  • can be completed in a single visit, often without any anesthetic.

  • are much more conservative than porcelain veneers since very little, if any tooth structure is removed

  • are easily repairable

  • can be periodic polished to keep them looking new, which quickly is performed during you regularly scheduled dental visit

  • are less expensive than other veneer options

Teeth Whitening

 

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

 

Because having whiter teeth has become a concern for many of our patients, we offer two types of teeth whitening:

 

  • In office professional Phillips ZOOM! whitening

  • At home Phillips ZOOM! DayWhite/NiteWhite whitening

 

Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

 

Teeth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea or wine.

 

Reasons for professional teeth whitening:

 

  • Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).

  • Normal wear of outer tooth layer.

  • Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).

  • Yellow, brown stained teeth.

zoom whitening logo.jpg

Composite Fillings

 

What is a composite filling?

 

A composite filling is tooth colored and used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or more visible areas of the mouth.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

 

Reasons for composite fillings:

  • Chipped teeth.

  • Closing space between two teeth.

  • Cracked or broken teeth.

  • Decayed teeth.

  • Worn teeth.

  • How are composite fillings placed?

  • Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, the doctor will remove decay as needed. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

  • It is normal to experience temperature sensitivity when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside within a couple weeks to a couple months after your tooth adjusts to the new filling.

  • You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

Porcelain Crowns (caps)

 

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

 

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

 

Reasons for porcelain crowns:

 

  • Broken or fractured teeth.

  • Cosmetic enhancement.

  • Decayed teeth.

  • Fractured fillings.

  • Large fillings.

  • Tooth has a root canal.

 

What does getting a crown involve?

 

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

 

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

 

At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

 

You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.

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