- FillingsDentistry has made monumental advances in both technique and materials that has allowed us to no longer use amalgam (silver) fillings. The new cosmetic (composite/resin/white) fillings not only look better, but are much stronger than their silver counterparts. The difference comes down to the physics of how each works. Metal fillings are retained in a tooth by placing undercuts in the internal surface of the tooth and the amalgam filling is placed into these undercuts while it is still malleable. Once the metal hardens in the undercuts, the filling is now held in the tooth via mechanical retention. Since it is literally wedged into the tooth, these teeth are weakened substantially and oftentimes fractures occur from this loss of strength. On the other hand, composite (white) fillings adhere to the tooth structure, thus providing a stronger, bonded force. Sometimes it can be prudent to replace these larger, aged silver fillings in an effort to avoid such fractures.
- VeneersIn just two or three dental visits, a veneer can reverse years of stains caused by foods, caffeine and tobacco use. Special thin laminates, called veneers, can often be used to correct discolored, worn down, cracked and chipped teeth. Veneers can also be used to close unsightly gaps between teeth. An impression of the tooth must be made and a veneer molded by a lab technician. Because veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed, they are permanent and non-reversible. The process involves buffing the tooth, removing an extremely thin layer of the tooth to allow for the thickness of the veneer, an impression of the tooth, and final bonding of the veneer to the tooth with special cement. A special light is used to complete the process.
- CrownsBruxzir crowns are a new solution for an old problem in the dental field. These crowns combine the strength of solid gold crowns with the esthetics of a metal free crown. Bruxzir crowns are especially useful in the back of the mouth where the biting force is the greatest. These crowns now give us the ability to provide a virtually unbreakable crown in the back of the mouth without the use of solid gold crowns.
- Bridges
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryIn the therapy we provide, we blend the most current esthetic and durable materials with the most traditional materials and techniques. At our Aubrey office, we emphasize natural esthetics in our restorative dentistry and spend considerable effort blending beauty and long-term durability. Patients can take comfort in the fact that we are in a long-term partnership which will ensure that comfort and function are always a priority.
- Root Canal TreatmentThe procedure of a Root Canal is a treatment that gives the patient the option of saving their natural tooth and prevents the need of dental implants or bridges. The procedure involves removing the vital tissue (the Nerve) and shaping the canal prior to sealing it with an inherit material. Root canals are usually performed in one or two visits based on the condition of the affected nerve. Once a root canal is completed, the tooth will most likely need to have a crown placed to ensure strength and longevity.
- DenturesA dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth, bridge or denture in place. Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. The goal is to create a smile with teeth that look and feel just like your own. The Implant process involves a minimal amount of discomfort (it surprises most patients once it has been completed!), but the process is very technique sensitive and requires an experienced specialist to ensure a proper, esthetic and functional result. This is why we work closely with a local dental implant specialist who has completed at least three years of residency training. Dr. Smith will discuss all options of tooth replacement at your appointment and discuss the advantages and disadvantages to all of these options. If you decide you would like implant treatment, we will discuss all of the steps and parts in detail and whom Dr. Smith feels will be the best specialist for you to receive this care.
- Dental ImplantsImplants have become the standard of care for the replacement of teeth, whether single or multiple. Some of the advantages include that implants look and feel like a natural tooth, an implant does not sacrifice the health of neighboring teeth and implants help keep the jawbone healthy and intact.
- OrthodonticsOrthodontics is usually our Second Phase of treatment, following the use of functional appliances. The braces would now be placed to move the teeth into alignment to support the development of the bone achieved in the first phase of treatment. The second phase of treatment is initiated when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.
- BracesBraces are the small, square metal attachments (called brackets) that are bonded with special orthodontic adhesive to the teeth. There is a small slot in the in the middle of the bracket into which the orthodontic wire fits. In order to hold the wire in place, small tiny elastics are wrapped around the outside of the braces. It is the combination of the braces, the wire and the elastic that help the tooth move into is proper position. To help make the wearing of braces more fun, patients have a choice of at least 40 different colored elastics.
- Teeth WhiteningDeveloped by internationally renowned cosmetic dentist and bleaching expert Dr. Rod Kurthy, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System is the most effective way to PERMANENTLY lighten the shade of your teeth. This procedure can be done with little to no sensitivity and no adverse effects to the teeth or gums. If you are ready to whiten your smile, or just want to find out more about how to make your smile the very best it can be, please call our Aubrey to schedule an appointment!