Glossary

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are artistically crafted, thin porcelain shells that are bonded to natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are a fantastic way to fix front teeth. Veneers can whiten teeth, close spaces, and create a great smile. In some cases, they are used as instant orthodontics to straighten crooked teeth.

Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns, also called caps, are long lasting and natural looking. The procedure involves reducing and carefully shaping the tooth, creating a model from an impression of the prepared teeth, and having the crown made. When the crown is ready, it is permanently cemented in place.

Porcelain Bridges
When teeth are loose, back teeth are broken, or gaps from missing teeth must be filled in, bridges made from porcelain are used. When back teeth are broken down, but some good healthy tooth structure remains, porcelain fused to gold crowns are used. Porcelain fused to metal crowns do not have the translucency of pure porcelain crowns. This type of restoration procedure for back teeth is the strongest and longest lasting. The benefit of this type of treatment is the durability of gold underneath which holds up during heavy biting, protecting the tooth and the nerve.

Whitening - Take Home System
A home teeth whitening system is actually a bleaching process that lightens discoloration's of tooth enamel. Dental bleaching systems use an effective whitening solution retained in a custom-fitted mouthpiece worn over the teeth, usually six to eight hours at night or when it is convenient for the patient.

Bonding
A very mild etching solution is applied to the teeth to create a slightly rough surface so the bonding resin will adhere. Then the bonding material is layered onto the tooth and a high-intensity light cures the bonding resin onto the tooth's surface. When the last coat is applied to your tooth, the bonded material is then sculpted to fit your tooth and finely polished.

Contouring
Dental contouring, or tooth reshaping, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth. Sanding discs and the dentist’s creativity are utilized to create a natural look with existing teeth.

Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resins are what most people think of when they talk about "white fillings". They are placed in the tooth in a fashion similar to old-style metal fillings. These fillings are most appropriate for small to medium sized restorations. 

Inlays/Onlays
Inlays and onlays are similar to composite resin renewals. The difference is that the actual restoration is made by a dental lab, similar to the crown fabrication. Made of composite or porcelain, these procedures are appropriate for medium to large restorations.

Dentures/Partials

Full Dentures and Partial Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.

Implant Restoration
An alternative to either a partial or full-denture is an implant. An implant is a metal cylinder surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw by an oral surgeon or implant specialist. The dentist performs the restoration, which is the actual placing of a crown, or modified denture to the implant.

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