Cosmetic dentistry is a large part of our practice at Advanced Dentistry of Clifton Park. Dr. Tonkin takes pride in the ability to focus on dental health while meeting your expectations for esthetic results. Whether simply desiring a whiter shade of teeth or dreaming of a full smile makeover, Advanced Dentistry of Clifton Park is the place for you.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin tooth-colored porcelain shells designed to cover the front (visible) part of the teeth. Porcelain veneers will add a surface layer to the tooth, improving the surface in regularity and color, and can also modify the size, length and shape of the tooth for cosmetic purpose.
A porcelain veneer is fabricated in the dental laboratory after precise dental preparation and impressions by Dr. Tonkin. It will take more than one appointment, but the wait is worth it: the result is a highly natural-looking, stain-resistant enhancement for the tooth.
Another type of dental “veneer” is made of resin composite (“white filling”) and fabricated by Dr. Tonkin when you’re in the dental chair. Although resin composite is not quite as optimal as porcelain as a tooth surface, this type of dental art usually presents the advantages of shorter treatment times, lower costs and even less removal of tooth substance. Dr. Tonkin will be happy to discuss the various possibilities with you.
Dental veneers (both porcelain and resin) can be used to improve on teeth that are “chipped”, fractured, discolored or showing gaps (“diastema”) between them. Within limits, they can be used to make more even slightly misaligned teeth.
Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (“composite”, or “white filling”) is applied and hardened with a curing light. This process bonds the material to the tooth and is used for multiple purposes: to repair decayed, chipped or fractured teeth, to improve their color, to change their shape (make teeth longer, wider or to close the space between them), and to cover the root exposed when gums recede.
Dental bonding does not last as long as other restorative procedures such as crowns, and is not as strong and stain-resistant as laboratory-fabricated crowns or bridges can be.
Dental bonding has some limitations and may not be the best option for your particular dental issue. Dr. Tonkin will perform a thorough assessment and will suggest the best approach for your personal dental needs.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening is a process that will whiten the teeth, making them a few shades lighter than they were before the treatment. When done or supervised by dental professionals it is an effective, safe method to give you a brighter-looking smile!
A good dental cleaning is the first procedure used to remove stains and discolorations, often caused by certain foods and beverages, tobacco, medications, illness or just the natural aging process. We then offer several ways to whiten your smile further:
In-Office Whitening is completed in one visit. A protective gel or shield will cover your gums to protect them, then a whitening agent is applied to your teeth. A special light or laser may or may not be used to accelerate the action of the whitening agent.
At-home whitening usually takes 10 to 14 days. A whitening gel is placed in a special tray that you wear for the recommended time every day, depending on the regimen.
Some potential side effects of the treatment are teeth sensitivity or gum irritation.