Cosmetic Dentist - Bonita Springs, FL

Possibly the most versatile cosmetic dentistry solution available, veneers can be used to correct or conceal numerous cosmetic smile flaws with just one, minimally invasive procedure. Typically completed over the course of two visits to our Bonita Springs dental office, veneers are thin sheaths of porcelain that are custom crafted to fit over the front facing surfaces of teeth.

The process is simple. During an initial appointment, we’ll remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the surface of the teeth. This allows the veneer to blend seamlessly into the natural line of your smile. Then, we take bite impressions that will be used by our dental lab to craft the custom veneer(s). To protect your prepared teeth and allow you to get used to the look and feel of your new smile, we place a temporary restoration. When we receive the final product back from the lab, you’ll return to our dental office where we can exchange your temporary for a flawless, durable, custom porcelain veneer.

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One of the most popular orthodontic solutions available, Invisalign, uses a series of clear, plastic aligners to gently move teeth into their ideal alignment over the course of about twelve months of treatment. Unlike traditional bracket and wire braces, the Invisalign orthodontic system can typically shift teeth into their ideal alignment while being virtually invisible and completely removable.

Each set of aligners represents one step closer to the ideal smile. You’ll wear the trays for about one to two weeks at a time. Then, you’ll switch to the next set of aligners in the series. Every six to ten weeks, you’ll visit our dental office to ensure your teeth are progressing as planned. There’s no need to make changes to your oral hygiene routine or diet while undergoing Invisalign treatment. Instead, simply remove the aligners during meals and while you brush and floss your teeth. Then, replace them afterward.

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The key to this procedure is a tooth-colored composite material that is applied directly to the tooth. The name “bonding” comes from how the material bonds with the enamel. While this process can potentially be used to treat small cavities, it can be used for many kinds of cosmetic corrections.

Compared to other treatments, bonding is quick and can be done over the course of one appointment. It also doesn’t require the removal of any enamel, so it’s a more conservative treatment than porcelain veneers. The material is very easy to apply (the mouth doesn’t need to be numbed), and the end result is a strong structure that feels like your original tooth.

Dental bonding can be used to:

• Hide minor stains or certain types of discoloration
• Fix and hide small chips or cracks in the enamel
• Close small gaps between teeth
• Alter the length of teeth or change their shape
• Serve as a cosmetic replacement for amalgam fillings such as silver

We’ll need to perform a thorough examination before deciding whether dental bonding is appropriate in your case. Sometimes the desired changes will be too extensive, and a different cosmetic treatment will be needed instead.

You can expect the bonding process to last about 30 to 60 minutes. A gentle phosphoric acid is used to roughen the surface of your teeth; this helps the composite material stay in place more easily. Once the material itself has been placed on the enamel, we can shape and sculpt it to help it blend in with the rest of the tooth; we can then harden and set the material using a special light. After that, all that’s left is to polish and buff your tooth, and you can head out into the world with your dazzling, new grin.

Dental bonding can last for several years as long as you practice proper maintenance. Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and other beverages that can leave stains (using a straw can help). Stay away from cigarettes and other tobacco products; they are also infamous for causing dental discoloration.

The material can be chipped somewhat easily, so don’t bite down on anything that’s hard, such as fingernails, ice, pencils, or raw carrots. If you notice a problem with your dental bonding (such as a sharp edge), schedule an appointment with us right away so that we can make the appropriate repairs or touch ups.

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic solutions we offer. Unlike store bought teeth whitening products, in-office whitening offers predictable results up to ten shades brighter. Best of all, the entire treatment is quick and convenient and can be completed in just one appointment at our dental office. We apply the professional-grade whitening gel to teeth after protecting the gums and soft tissue from potential damage. Typically in less than an hour, you’ll see the dramatically brighter results you’re looking for in complete comfort.

If you’ve tried every over-the-counter whitening toothpastes, mouthwash, strips, or gels on the market and you’re still not happy with the shade of your smile, let our team provide a predictable, effective at-home teeth whitening plan. Unlike products available in stores, our take home kits include professional-grade whitening gel and a custom-fitted application tray. By filling the trays with gel and wearing them for a predetermined amount of time, you should see a brilliant smile up to ten shades brighter after two weeks of treatment.

We are often asked if there is a significant difference between the two. There are some benefits to both manners of whitening. The main benefit of over-the-counter (OTC) whitening is cost. These products can be very inexpensive.

Professional whitening has several marked benefits over the over-the-counter methods. First, the results can be much more dramatic and even - meaning the entire tooth surface is evenly whitened. This is due to the custom tray. A tray that does not fit properly over the teeth often prevents an even coating of whitening material. Second, professional whitening delivers results in a significantly reduced time frame. This is due to the large differences in concentrations of the whitening agent. Many times, the desired results simply cannot be realized with over-the-counter methods. Finally, professional assistance should always be provided when whitening. Teeth that are over whitened can become translucent, which often can damage the smile permanently. Teeth that have received dental work with tooth-colored materials do not whiten the same as natural teeth. The dentist can help prevent uneven results due to this limitation.

Absolutely! Whether you’re whitening in the dental office or at home with our kits, we take every precaution to make sure you and your smile stay healthy while brightening your teeth. For example, for in-office treatment, we utilize a gum dam to keep the strong bleaching chemicals away from your gums. It is possible to experience minor sensitivity following in-office treatment, but this symptom usually fades within a couple of days.

The powerful bleaching agent in professional whitening solutions does not change the color of fillings, bonding, crowns, and veneers, but it may weaken the bond that holds composite resin in place. During your consultation, we’ll take your restorations into account to determine which treatment is right for you.

Typically, whitened teeth retain their shade for two or three years before needing touchup treatment. To make the results last as long as possible, you can avoid darkly pigmented foods and drinks that lead to staining. By coming to our dental office on a regular basis, we can make sure that your teeth remain as white as possible. When necessary, we can provide at-home kits for you to maintain your beautiful smile.