Dr. Casiglia

Cosmetic Dentistry is increasing in popularity thanks in part to many "makeover" shows on television and hollywood stars. Also, newer materials and techniques now allow us to produce rapid and outstanding results when compared to just five years ago.

A smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It has a tremendous impact on the impression you make and the way that people perceive you. A great smile can also increase self-confidence and influence how you interact with others. Don't you owe it to yourself to see what a great smile can do for you?

Whitening.

Tooth whitening is one of the most dramatic, easy, and safe procedures available in dentistry today. Whitening works by application of gels to the teeth. These gels alter the chemical structures of the stains within teeth (but not the teeth themselves!) to cause them to lose their color. This procedures can either be performed by us in the office for very rapid results, or by you at home.

If you choose to whiten the teeth yourself, we will fashion custom bleaching trays into which you can put the gel. Over the course of seven to ten days, you will see dramatic results. This also allows you to re-whiten your teeth at a later time if you desire, such as before a special occasion.

The only side effect of whitening is a temporary sensitivity to temperature experienced by some patients. This always resolves in one or two days, and we also have ways of preventing this phenomenon.

Veneers.

Veneers are a conservative way of making cosmetic improvements and they have been seen a great deal on television lately. Essentially, these are made by covering only the front aspects of teeth with a very thin layer of porcelain. This allows us to change the shape and color of the teeth. Sometimes, this can even be done without removing any of the tooth with a drill, although it is typical to remove a very superficial amount of enamel. Veneers may not be right for everyone--for example, if you already have large fillings on your front teeth. However, there are many great cosmetic options. Dr. Casiglia will discuss these with you and you can make the best decision for your unique case.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns essentially cover the entire tooth with a new tooth made from gold and porcelain, or porcelain alone. These are usually the restoration of choice in cases of root canals to front teeth, or those that have discolored from trauma (for example, childhood playground accidents). Bridges allow for the replacement of missing teeth. Depending on your situation, one or both of these options may be the cosmetic choice for you.

Bonding

Dental bonding is one of the most conservative and economical options for getting good cosmetic results. This involves using a high-tech, very strong plastic to cover or add to the front teeth. One of the most typical uses for this procedure is the closing of gaps between front teeth, depending on the size of the space. It is also the best way to repair small chips on the edges of teeth (for example, trying to open beer bottles).