What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is designed to improve your appearance by enhancing your smile by changing the shape, size, and color of your dentition. Cosmetic dental work often helps people build more self-esteem and confidence. The success of a natural and esthetic smile depends on many important factors which is why Dr. Lam emphasizes clear communication with the patients’ esthetic desires and establishing a highly demanding relationship with her cosmetic laboratory technicians. And while many people think just of whitening or veneers, Dr. Lam can provide much more through cosmetic dentistry.
Visit our cosmetic dentistry photo gallery to see just some of what we have done to improve the lives of our patients.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services
Porcelain Veneers – Desires to change tooth shape, color, minimal alignment, and/or spaces, may be achieved by conservative porcelain veneers. Veneers use the natural properties of dental porcelain. They are a conservative and highly esthetic treatment option that drastically changes the smile. Today’s dental porcelain mimics natural tooth structure, is lifelike and very durable.
Implants – The ideal treatment in replacing missing teeth. This option doesn’t involve restoring adjacent teeth to support the crown (ie. bridge); therefore allows easy flossing in between the teeth. Implants replace the roots of lost and damaged teeth. They are integrated with the jaw which increases durability and longevity of the teeth. A dental implant crown should be imperceptible from a natural tooth.
White Restorations (Composite and Ceramic) – Old silver fillings (amalgam restorations) are replaced with white resin composite fillings. Another option is an all ceramic restoration which has greater longevity and prognosis. Depending on the size of the old silver filling, cracks in the silver filling margin may be an entry for bacteria into the tooth where redecay may occur. Our primary restorative goal is to return the look and function of your teeth to a natural state.
Whitening / Bleaching – Stains, discoloration, and dull colored teeth are made whiter and more consistent with cleaning and whitening agents that leave you with a younger looking smile and healthy teeth. This is a noninvasive and simple approach to whitening your smile where customized trays are used with the activated whitening gel.
Limited Orthodontics – Slight tooth crowding can be corrected with an orthodontic active appliance that may be removed for those important social engagements. Using removable appliances or partial braces – clear orthodontic aligners, many people can greatly improve their smile faster than through traditional complete orthodontic treatment.
Smile enhancement can have dramatic effects on your overall appearance and boost your confidence, self-esteem, and make you want to smile more.
