(217) 546-3333Options Available in Cosmetic Dentistry
October 14, 2013
I'm interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?
If you have crooked teeth or you wish your teeth were more attractive; changing their shape is possible with a number of different cosmetic dentistry treatments. Smile enhancement procedures are common, safe and easy. A change of shape can be achieved by these popular methods:
Crowns
A crown is a dental restoration in which the whole tooth is capped or covered. The crown is fabricated from materials like porcelain. Crowns can cover many problems including cracked or otherwise compromised teeth.
To attach the crown, the tooth has to be prepared. It is trimmed down to create space needed to accommodate the crown. Once preparation is over, impression of the prepared tooth is taken and the cast made out of it is sent to the lab for crown fabrication. Finally, the dentist glues the crown to your prepared tooth.
Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of restorative material that are adhered to the teeth to change their shape or to obscure discoloration. They are a treatment of choice for people with dental problems like mild to moderate fluorosis, small gaps and shape adjustments. Veneers cover only the outer or the facial surface of the teeth. Most commonly, the upper front teeth are veneered as they are the most prominent teeth while smiling.
Some amount of tooth reduction is required but lesser than the extent required for crowns. Once the teeth are trimmed down, the impression is made and the casts are sent to the lab for fabrication. The finished veneer is adhered to the prepared tooth surface.
Bonding
Bonding is one of the simplest and less expensive types of dental restoration which can be used to modify the shape of the teeth. A tooth-colored resin material is used for dental bonding.
The teeth are etched to allow the resin to bond. A coat of resin is applied and cured with curing light. Layer by layer application is performed meticulously by the dentist to give the teeth the desired shape. Finally, finishing and polishing is done for a smooth glossy surface.
You can trust Dr. VanderMolen to help you get the perfect smile you are looking for. For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact us now at (217) 546-3333. We can help you smile confidently in no time.
Making Your Smile an Eye-Catcher with Cosmetic Dentistry
February 12, 2013
Get the Beautiful Smile You Have Always Wanted
Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dental treatment which is aimed at improving your facial appearance by fixing and improving discolored, cracked, chipped, and poorly spaced teeth. Some of the treatments available include the use of Veneers, Crowns and Teeth Whitening. These procedures don’t only improve your smile but they can improve your general sense of well-being.
Veneers Can Make a Dramatic Change
Thin porcelain material used to mask defects that have developed in the front of teeth and called dental veneers. Once in place they cover tooth problems such as broken, stained or chipped teeth. Sometime veneers can be used to close spaces between teeth as well. Generally, two visits are required in order to complete the treatment. The very minimum amount of enamel is removed when undertaking dental veneer procedures.
Discolored teeth can be improved with whitening techniques
Teeth Whitening techniques can be used to improve the color of yellowing or otherwise discolored teeth. Both home bleaching kits and in-office treatments are offered by Dr. VanderMolen and provide great results. Professional teeth whitening is much more effective that drug-store treatments that are only effective on surface stains.
Crowns Are a Solution to Damaged Teeth
The aim of Dental crowns is to restore damaged teeth so that the overall facial appearance is improved.
They are commonly used:
- To improve the appearance and strength of a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
- To repair and improve the appearance of a cracked or broken tooth.
- To provide a covering for a crooked tooth.
- To improve the visual appearance of a dental implant.
- To help to keep a full dental bridge or partial dentures in place.
Crowns require the removal of a significant amount of tooth enamel, but in the end, they provide a strong and natural-looking solution.
If you are interested in knowing more about cosmetic dentistry and making improvements to your teeth, then don’t hesitate to make an appointment to discuss the options available to you at Advanced Dental Care. Dr. VanderMolen has the answers you need. Call Advanced Dental Care today, at (217) 546-3333.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Seniors
November 20, 2012
Cosmetic Dentistry is for Seniors, too
It’s no secret that a glowing smile at any age is universally pleasing and with regular trips to your family dentistry office you can keep your teeth at optimum health. But, there are many more options out there for seniors to maintain and even improve their smile to a radiance of yesteryear.
Cosmetic dentistry is most commonly performed on those in their 20s-50s, but this age range is not indicative of who can have this type of dental work done. As long as you’re a healthy senior just about any cosmetic dental procedure is within your reach.
There are four popular options available to seniors:
1. Dental Veneers – These are an innovation used to bring back the color and shape of teeth. They can also help to fill unsightly gaps and cracks in teeth. The porcelain that is used in this cosmetic dentistry procedure is wafer thin, quick and easy to install and last considerably longer than any traditional teeth whitening procedure. In fact, well looked after veneers could last for 15 years.
2. Dental Implants – These are more permanent replacement teeth that look and function very naturally. They aren’t for everyone but as long as the senior is in reasonable health then this may be an option. There is oral surgery involved when the titanium implant is attached to the jawbone. Dental Implants have many benefits such as better chewing and eating and a natural-looking smile.
3. Teeth Whitening – This is a great choice for improving appearance of stained or discolored teeth. Whitening chemicals are used by the dentist to restore teeth to the more preferred white that make us appear younger.
4. Custom Dentures – If you are looking for a solution to chewing, crunching and general eating issues then asking your dentist to measure your mouth and get dentures manufactured for you is relatively easy to do. Dentures aren’t what they used to be, constantly falling out or looking so unnatural. Dentistry has come a long way since those days. Custom dentures are made to match the individual in fit, color, size and style.
If you would like to explore the full range of options open to you in Cosmetic Dentistry, whatever your age, then do not hesitate to contact the dental offices of Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333. We would love to work with you to get the beautiful smile you deserve. Click here for more information on the services available from Advanced Dental Care.
Dental Veneers: a Cosmetic Dental Solution
November 13, 2012
What Conditions are Helped by Dental Veneers?
Dental Veneers are extremely thin porcelain caps that are placed on the surface of established teeth to alter the size, shape and color. Innovations in dentistry mean that veneers can be fabricated to mimic naturally looking tooth enamel.
Dental veneers can fix many conditions
Porcelain Dental Veneers can be used as a Cosmetic Dentistry solution to many conditions including:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are too small and affect appearance.
- Teeth that have been worn down by grinding action.
- Restore the color of teeth that are stained by age, smoking, coffee or the use of tetracycline.
- Misshapen teeth.
When it comes to the whitening of teeth, installing porcelain veneers is far more superior to the use of any chemicals, and one great advantage is they are stain resistant as well. They outlast dental bonding and with good care could last up to 15 years.
As well as the multitude of uses for porcelain dental veneers, they can be fitted in just two dental visits. They make a great substitute for braces that have to be worn for a considerable period of time.
If you or a member of your family would like to know how dental veneers can improve your smile, then you should not hesitate to contact the dental offices of Dr. VanderMolen, Advanced Dental Care, at (217) 546-3333 to discuss the options available to you. Click here for more information on the services available at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield.
What is the Recovery Process Like for Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
October 2, 2012
Recovery process for popular cosmetic dental procedures
There is a recovery time for all dental procedures, but as time goes by and new methods are developed, the recovery period often shortens. This means sleepless nights and time off work are reduced to an absolute minimum.
Dental Veneers
Today, dental veneers are an amazingly different experience from earlier versions of this popular cosmetic dental procedure. The porcelain used is much thinner and much less conductive, which means an increase in dental sensitivity. The complete procedure now even takes less than 3 hours, and the recovery time is far shorter than in the past as the process needs far less anesthetic used to alleviate pain.
Dental Implants
With dental implants, as with any sort of surgery, the recovery period can vary depending on the type of procedure and the needs of the individual patient. Generally, the following are commonly experiences for patients after the procedure has been completed:
- Prescription pain medication is normally a necessity for 2-3 days.
- Swelling that may be a result of the procedure usually reaches a peak within a 24-36 hour period, then reduces at a steady pace and returns to normal within 3-5 days
- Patients can normally return to work 2-3 days after the surgery, if swelling in the face area is not a concern.
- A normal amount of physical activity and exercise can also re-start after the 2-3 day recuperation time.
For a single implant situation, there is normally only minor swelling and very little pain that requires medication. A patient is able to go back to their usual routine the next day. In both situations, the area might still be tender for 1-2 weeks afterwards as the tissues go about the full healing process.
The healing time may be greater if any molar extractions have taken place. It is impossible to reduce the healing time, but it can be delayed if you are a smoker, fail to eat a proper diet, fail to clean your teeth sufficiently, or if you have a medical condition, like diabetes.
If you or a member of your family is looking for more information on dental implants, veneers or other cosmetic denistry procedures, do not hesitate to contact Dr. VanderMolen, at (217) 546-3333 to discuss the options available to you. Click here for more information on the services available from Advanced Dental Care.