Cosmetic Care  //  Esthetic Dental Solutions

Dr. Vinson’s artistic talent and dedication to perfecting your smile are second to none. Whether you are looking for a subtle smile enhancement like teeth whitening, or envisioning a complete dental makeover, you have found a cosmetic dentist you can trust.

	What would you like to change about your teeth?
Treatment Options	COLOR	POSITION	SIZE

    * whitening gel is included with treatment.

When the teeth whitening does not satisfy your expectations, and you just don't have the time to go through an orthodontic treatment, veneers may be the alternative you are looking for.

We believe that Lumineers by Cerinate are a superior treatment alternative, because they satisfy four of the most articulated concerns in dentistry:

• Promptness of the treatment,
• Dazzling, natural-looking smiles,
• Longevity of the restorations, and
• No Pain!

What is a Dental Veneer?

There are two categories of dental veneers:

1. Porcelain veneer, also known as Laminate, is a thin shell of ceramic that is custom designed and 'bonded' (cemented) onto the front side of your tooth. It is an exciting new treatment option used to improve a multitude of smile deficiencies:

• functional – such as chipped, cracked, worn-out or otherwise disfigured teeth, as well as
• esthetic – such as closing gaps between teeth, permanent whitening for stained or discolored teeth, or to perform ‘instant orthodontics’ in cases of misaligned teeth.

With proper maintenance, porcelain veneers are expected to last well over 10-15 years.

2. Direct Veneer, also known as Bonding, is a tooth-colored filling that is placed over the entire front surface of your tooth. The benefits of bonding are that it is faster and less expensive compared to porcelain veneers. However, it should be noted that cosmetic bondings, just like natural teeth, are subject to discoloration from certain types of food or smoking and will generally require touch-ups or replacement in 5 to 10 years.

What is a Lumineer?

Lumineers by Cerinate is a type of porcelain veneer that can be made as thin as a contact lens and placed over your existing teeth without removing any sensitive tooth structure (in most cases). Thereby, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. These smile makeovers have been clinically proven to last up to 20 years and because your natural teeth remain untouched, the treatment is completely reversible.

What is Invisalign?

We believe that the convenience and ease of use of the Invisalign® system makes it the ideal choice for our patients. No metal wires or bands to irritate your mouth, and best of all, most people won't notice you're in treatment. Invisalign®, the clear alternative to braces, has been chosen by over 500,000 people who want amazing smiles.

By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with results you'll notice sooner than you think. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position step by step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed so you can eat and brush your teeth as usual.

Do I really need braces?

Not surprisingly, people who have had braces feel better about their appearance. But orthodontic treatment does more than straighten teeth; it also prevents other oral and general health problems. If you are not certain that you or your family can benefit from orthodontic treatment consider the following:

• Crowded teeth, when left untreated, trap food particles that cause tooth decay, gum disease and ultimatly tooth loss.
• Uneven distribution of biting forces leads to cracks, fractures and excessive wear of the teeth.
• Poorly aligned teeth interfere with the chewing ability which affects digestion and overall health.
• Orthodontics can also play a significant role in correcting speech and breathing dificulties as well as sleep apena and even snoring.

Interestingly, papers published in the Journal of the American Dental Association and the British Medical Journal show that people who have received orthodontic treatment also have a statistically lower risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death.

We know that cost is a big question for anyone considering orthodontic work. However, as you weigh the expense of the treatment you should consider the benefits of this lifetime investment: a healthier, more beautiful smile resulting in a more confident you!

Why do my teeth become discolored?

There are two types of stains that affect the color of your teeth.

• The stains that occur on the outside surface of the tooth are called extrinsic stains. They are commonly caused by
  • Plaque buildup
  • Tobacco
  • Coffee and tea
  • Wine
• The stains that form inside the tooth are referred to as intrinsic stains. They are usually the result of
  • Aging
  • Defects within the tooth
  • The use of certain antibiotics during tooth development
  • Cola beverages
  • Tobacco smoke

What can I do to whiten my teeth?

Extrinsic stains can be removed most effectively by a professional dental cleaning and polishing. To prevent accumulation of these surface stains between your recall visits

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Use whitening toothpaste
• Avoid tobacco and foods or drinks known to stain teeth

Intrinsic stains are more challenging to deal with. When your teeth are stained on the inside, we can improve their appearance by

• utilizing Zoom! professional bleaching system to safely whiten your teeth in just under one hour, or
• covering affected teeth with dental veneers

Because extrinsic stains can still build up and discolor teeth even after professional bleaching or application of veneers, regular hygiene visits will help ensure that your teeth keep looking great!

How does the Zoom! system work?

During the Zoom! tooth whitening process, a gel containing hydrogen peroxide is placed on the teeth, after carefully isolating the gums, tongue and cheeks. An ultraviolet light is focused onto the teeth, causing the hydrogen peroxide gel to release oxygen. The light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up the stains and discoloration.

Because the light used during the Zoom! tooth whitening procedure generates some heat, you may experience minor discomfort. On rare occasions, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate. If you suspect that your may be sensitive we will be happy to supply you with anti-sensitivity toothpaste for use prior to treatment. But most people comfortably read, listen to music, or watch television during the procedure. Some even fall asleep!

Although Zoom! treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others, the results are immediate and typically produce teeth that are at least six to ten shades lighter. By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before, so you can enjoy a lifetime of whiter, brighter teeth!