Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to Consider for Your Smile

Your dentist is an excellent resource for your oral health, but he can also help you discover cosmetic procedures that will give you the sparking and beautiful smile you deserve. There is a wide range of cosmetic dentistry procedures available, and many of them can be completed in a single visit to the dentist’s office. Below, you will find an introduction to some of the most popular procedures that might be right for your unique smile.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is an excellent material for cosmetic tooth enhancements, because it is durable, stain-proof, and easily customizable. Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped overlays that bond directly to the surface of the teeth to correct poor tooth spacing, discoloration of the enamel, or chipped teeth. One or several veneers may be needed to achieve the effects you are looking for in your treatment.

Crowns

Dental crowns are used to cap dental implants, preserve the structure of a broken tooth, or complete a root canal procedure. In the past, the dental crown procedure took several office visits to complete, but now most dental crown treatments can be completed using CEREC same-day restoration technology. CEREC uses digital tooth impressions to create custom tooth restorations made from versatile, beautiful porcelain that will blend seamlessly into your smile.

Invisalign

If you have crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or gaps between the teeth, you may have chronic oral health issues in addition to aesthetic dissatisfaction with your smile. Invisalign can correct these problems without the discomfort of unattractive metal brackets and wires so that you can undergo orthodontic treatment at any age.



To see if you are a candidate for these and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, contact Dr. Jeffrey T. Cohen  DDS today by calling (847) 680-7171. Dr. Cohen offers a wide range of dental services to Vernon Hills residents, from general cleanings and checkups to advanced and complex procedures such as dental implants.

"Cerec" Crown in a day is here at Metrodental.com

Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC®) has revolutionized dental procedures. Traditionally, if crowns, onlays, inlays or dental veneers were required to restore damaged teeth, multiple procedures and a great deal of waiting time in-between would be inevitable. CEREC® creates these ceramic restorations within minutes in the dental office. This means that many treatments can be completed in just a single visit.

CEREC® is comprised of several computer-assisted design (CAD) tools and a milling machine that creates custom ceramic restorative devices. CEREC® can benefit almost anyone needing a ceramic restoration. This is of great benefit to nervous patients, and it can also reduce the cost of treatment.

How can CEREC® benefit me?

CEREC® can benefit almost anyone needing a ceramic restoration. Exceptions include patients who have a prior history of breaking ceramic devices and those with a deep bite. CEREC® devices are proven to last for over 5 years, but recent research indicates that most CEREC®-created restorations last for more than 10 years.

Here are some other advantages associated with CEREC®:

• No temporary restorations.
• High-quality ceramic products.
• Minimal invasiveness.
• Less injections and discomfort.
• Fewer dental visits.
• Cost effectiveness.
• More natural tooth is saved.
• Long lasting restorations.
• Biocompatible solutions.

What is the CEREC® system comprised of?

The CEREC® System is sometimes called a CAD-CAM system. CAD-CAM means Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Milling. The CEREC® system has three major components:

Acquisition device: This device is home to a high-quality camera and a medical grade computer. The function of this unit is to photograph the prepared tooth. Three-dimensional images are created of the tooth on the screen, which the dentist uses to design the perfect ceramic restoration.

Three-dimensional CAD software: This software allows the dentist to examine the tooth from every angle. It is the closest possible thing to holding the tooth in the hands and rotating it.

Milling device: This unit actually manufactures the custom restoration from the specifications entered into the computer. A ceramic block that best resembles the existing tooth color is chosen and placed into the unit. Within minutes, the milling device produces the restoration the dentist designed.

What does a CEREC® restoration procedure involve?

The first step in the procedure is to prepare the tooth. The dentist removes all tooth decay and creates a divergent occlusal axial wall, to make the opening of the tooth wider than the base. Next, an impression is made using a covering of titanium dust. This dust allows the camera to take a highly detailed picture of the tooth. Images are formulated with the CEREC® camera. CEREC® optical imaging utilizes an infrared wavelength.

The image is transposed onto the computer screen. It is here that the dentist is able to view the tooth from every angle and design the final restoration. When the design is complete, it is transmitted to the milling unit. The dentist chooses a block of ceramic that matches the color of the teeth. This ensures that the restoration will be almost invisible.

Within 15 minutes, the full crown, onlay, overlay, or veneer is complete. The restoration is made of compressed, rather than laboratory-layered, porcelain. This enhances strength and durability.

Before affixing the restoration to the tooth, the dentist will place it dry to ensure it fits perfectly. It is then polished and affixed to the tooth with dental cement. The procedure is now complete and all without the need for a second visit! The quality of the results is the same as the laboratory-generated restoration, but a great deal of time and money has been saved.

If you have questions or concerns about CEREC®, please ask us during your next visit.

FLU Season and Teeth ?

The dreaded cold and flu season is here again! After recovering from your cold, one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush! Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart – keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips: • Wash your hands before and after brushing • Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen • Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long! We hope these tips help! Feel free to give us a call