PORCELAIN VENEERS
What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of material that are bonded onto the surface of your teeth. Porcelain is frequently used due to its strength, durability, resistance to staining, ease of color matching and natural appearance. Woodlake Dental, and Dr. Rassner, have years of experience with porcelain veneers and can provide you with the highest level of professional veneer capabilities.
When are veneers used?
Veneers are used in a variety of situations. In all cases the underlying tooth structure is required to be intact, or a crown will be recommended. Veneers are used for cosmetic restoration of teeth that are worn, discolored, chipped or crooked. Veneers can also be used to fill spaces, typically between the front teeth. Veneers can be used on a single tooth, matching the existing color of the other teeth, or they can be used to do a complete makeover giving you the "Hollywood smile" that you have always wanted.
What is involved with the veneer procedure?
Three appointments are typically needed for the veneer process. In the first appointment the Woodlake Dental staff will discuss with you what your goal is and make recommendations on the best way to achieve your goal. If veneers are determined to be a good choice for you a second appointment will be scheduled. At the second appointment the teeth are prepared for veneer placement. Preparation of the tooth surface will vary depending on the condition of the existing tooth but will always involve removing a thin layer of the natural enamel. Once the tooth surface is prepared, molds are made and then sent to an offsite facility where the veneers are prepared. In typically three weeks time the third appointment will be made to bond the new veneers onto your existing teeth.
INVISALIGN
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign® is a revolutionary new technology for straightening teeth utilizing a series of custom made clear aligners.
When is Invisalign used?
Invisalign® is used when you want to straighten your teeth without the appearance of traditional brackets, bands and wires. Some of the benefits of Invisalign® are:
- Convenience
- Invisable
- Removable
- Comfortable
- Most people will not notice you are in treatment
What is the Invisalign® procedure?
The first step in the Invisalign® process is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rassner to get an overview of how Invisalign works, evaluate your situation and answer your questions. Then, a treatment plan will be created specifically for you. A set of impressions will be taken in the Woodlake Dental office and sent to Invisalign® where your aligners are created via precision computer mapping and design. After the aligners are returned to Woodlake Dental you will receive your aligners and review the treatment guidelines. You will then wear each set of aligners for two weeks, removing them to eat, brush and floss. Periodic appointments will be made to monitor your progress. Typical treatments last 15 months depending on each individuals need.
WHITENING SYSTEM
What is whitening?
Teeth whitening procedures are all based on the concept of using controlled procedures and bleaching agents to whiten and brighten your teeth. The procedures vary in application, speed and effectiveness. Whitening only applies to the natural tooth surface. The material in veneers and crowns are not affected by whitening procedures.
When is whitening done?
Whitening is typically done for cosmetic reasons when teeth become discolored from age, tobacco or beverages such as coffee and tea. Whitening can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. Whitening can be performed on any of your natural teeth.
What is involved in the whitening procedure?
Dr. Rassner uses Zoom! whitening take home kits and the Zoom! in-office procedure for whitening. Woodlake Dental recommends Zoom! due to the effectiveness and predictability of the results. Zoom! whitening system is unique in its utilization of breakthrough dual barrel chemistry; new surfactant technology allows improved gel penetration and further controls the activation of Hydrogen Peroxide. The average improvement in patients' teeth showed six shades of lightening after three applications (as determined in a recent study). To read more about Zoom! please visit the Zoom! website or contact our office.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a metal post, typically made of titanium, that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial root. Once the dental implant is in place it can serve as a structure from which to affix crowns, partial dentures or full dentures.
Implant Crown
When is an implant used?
Dental implants are a great way to provide a sound structure to hold crowns and full or partial dentures in place. A dental implant will simulate bone growth thereby keeping your jaw strong and healthy and does not affect the quality of the surrounding teeth. Implants can be used when you desire restorative dentistry that does not affect the surrounding teeth or to provide a more secure denture.
What is the procedure for dental implants?
Dental implants are done in conjunction with a wonderful periodontist, Dr. Pedro Trejho. Dr. Rassner will consult with you and, if it is determined that a dental implant is a good choice, an appointment will be scheduled with Dr. Trejho. If your jawbone is adequate and you have healthy gums, you are an ideal candidate for dental implants. Dr. Rassner will work with you and Dr. Trejho to insure that your implant and the associated restorative dentistry return your mouth to natural form and function. When completed, the dental implant will not limit you in any area of speech or diet and no one will ever know that you have a replacement.
CROWNS
What is a crown?
A crown is a complete restoration for the visible portion of the tooth and is sometimes referred to as a "cap". Crowns are typically made from porcelain, the same material used for veneers. Crowns, like veneers, can also be color matched to create a natural appearance once the restoration is complete.
Stages for a crown. When is a crown used?
Crowns are typically used in restoration when the structure of a tooth has been seriously impacted. Common causes for this loss of structure are advanced decay, fracture and cracks. Crowns are used when fillings are not adequate to restore a tooth to
What is the procedure for applying a crown?
The first step in applying a crown is to make an impression of the existing tooth. Next the tooth surface is reduced to create a platform on which the crown will be bonded. Once the tooth reduction is done another impression is taken. A temporary crown will be placed on the tooth and the molds will be sent to an offsite facility. The permanent crown will then be made to fit in place of the old tooth surface. When the crown is ready (typically less than 2 weeks) a second appointment with be required for final fitment and bonding of the crown to the reduced tooth.
BRIDGES
What is a bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent false tooth which is used to fill in the space left from a missing tooth. When properly done, bridges are comfortable and proven to strengthen teeth. A fixed bridge is held in place by attaching it to crowns on either side.
When is a bridge used?
Bridges are used when you have permanently lost a tooth. It is important to fill in spaces so that other teeth do not drift out of position. In addition, teeth left next to an open space are more susceptible to decay. Bridges also return your mouth and smile to natural form and function.
What is the procedure for bridges?
The first step in a bridge is to prepare the teeth on either side of the space for crowns. Then, an impression will be made to serve as the model for the bridge, false tooth and crowns. The impression will be sent to an external lab where the bridgework will be made. A temporary bridge will be applied to protect your teeth and preserve the space.
On your second appointment the temporary bridge will be removed and the new bridge will be fitted into final position. Dr. Rassner will fit and adjust the bridge so that it gives a natural look and bite. Once the try-in is complete the bridge will be affixed to the prepared teeth with permanent cement.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Dr. Rassner has helped many people achieve the smile they desire. Here are some examples of how cosmetic dentistry can be used to vastly improve your smile today.
