General & Advanced Dental Procedures
Dental Arts of Westwood has extensive experience in a vast variety of dental procedures and technologies such as those detailed here. We work with you to develop an accurate treatment plan – this is the first and most important component of any successful dental experience. The treatment plan allows you and the doctor to both play an integral role in both your dental and general health.
Fillings
Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.
Composites cost more than amalgam and occasionally are not covered by some insurance plans. Also, no dental filling lasts forever. Some studies show that composite fillings can be less durable and need to be replaced more often than amalgam fillings.
It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than it does for a metal filling. That’s because composite fillings require the tooth be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled. Tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than amalgam or gold fillings, probably due to cosmetics. In a society focused on a white, bright smile, people tend to want fillings that blend with the natural color of their teeth.
Crowns
A crown is a cover or “cap” your dentist can put on a tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size and function. The purpose of a crown is to make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks.
Crowns are made from several types of materials. Metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin, or combinations of these materials may be used. In the process of making a crown, the material often is colored to blend in with your natural teeth.
Your dentist wants to create a crown that looks natural and fits comfortably in your mouth. To decide on the material for your crown, your dentist will consider the tooth location, the position of the gum tissue, the patient’s preference, the amount of tooth that shows when you smile, the color or shade of the tooth, and the function of the tooth.
You may need a crown if you:
- Have a cavity that is too large for a filling
- Have a missing tooth and need a bridge
- Need to cover a dental implant
- Have a tooth that is cracked, worn down or otherwise weakened
- Have had root canal treatment – the crown will protect the restored tooth
- Want to cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth and improve your smile
Veneers
Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. They look like natural teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, such as:
- Teeth that are stained and can’t be whitened by bleaching
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
- Uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth
Veneers are made of either porcelain or composite resin material. Your dentist will help you choose the material that is best for you. Each type of veneer has its own benefits.
Composite Resin Veneers
A composite resin veneer is made from a tooth-colored filling material bonded to the tooth. Benefits of composite resin veneers:
- Usually less tooth enamel needs to be removed than for crowns or porcelain veneers
- May mean fewer visits to the dentist – sometimes these veneers take just one visit
- Cost less than porcelain veneers
- Easy to fix if they get damaged; although composite veneers are generally not as strong or wear-resistant as porcelain veneers, composite veneers can be repaired easily and quickly
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell that is custom-made to fit on the tooth. Benefits of porcelain veneers:
- Strong and long-lasting
- Natural-looking surface
- Less tooth enamel needs to be removed than with a crown or cap
- Don’t stain easily
We can help get you to the smile you’ve always wanted!