What is a bridge?

A bridge is a custom device anchored to neighboring teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. When a lost tooth is replaced with bridgework, the teeth on either side of the missing one are prepared as crowns that serve as abutments supporting the prosthetic (replacement) tooth.

Crowns and bridges are made from precious or semiprecious metals, porcelain, or a fused combination of the two. Aesthetics, functionality, durability and tissue compatibility are some of the considerations when selecting the material most suitable for your treatment.

Stationary bridge prosthesis

Stationary Bridge Prosthesis is the system for fixed replacement of missing teeth
or the splinting of weak teeth. It is constructed with a base of gold or other metals
with a tooth-colored ceramic covering. The bridge restores normal function by
stabilizing the teeth and spreading biting pressure.

There are two basic parts to the Stationary Bridge.

The abutment teeth are attached to the bridge. Abutment crowns are fastened to the
bridge. The abutment crowns serve to encase the top of the tooth, dispersing the biting
force over the entire surface of the tooth and protecting the tooth from deterioration.

The pontic portion of the bridge replaces the missing tooth. This is a suspended
tooth or teeth supported by the abutment teeth over the empty space.

The fixed bridge not only replaces missing teeth, but is used as a space maintainer to stabilize
the arch, and prevent the teeth from moving around, additionally allowing the patient to chew better!

The bridge is durable and aesthetically pleasing, however as with any restorative option your oral care
is the key to long term success. We will guide you through the proper steps for care of your prosthesis.

What is a crown?

A crown ("cap") is covering placed over a tooth. Crowns serve many functions, such as strengthening, restoring and improving the appearance of your tooth. A crown can support the tooth when there is no longer sufficient structure left to place a filling. Crowns may also be used to protect the structure of a tooth that is fractured or broken, and can be attached to bridges or dentures.

The Full Protective Crown

The crown is the optimal restorative treatment for the extremely decayed, restored or fractured teeth. This restoration serves to cover the tooth, dispersing the biting forces over the entire surface of the tooth and providing protection against further crumbling, decay and fracture.

In addition to functioning as a protective restoration, the full crown will restore normal bite and natural
shape to the top of the tooth. This aids in preserving the health of the supporting bone and gum tissue.

Full Cast Metal Crown

The crown is made from several types of alloy metals. It is an extremely
durable full crown restoration. The color varies from silver to yellow.

Porcelain Fused to Metal Crown

This crown has an alloy substructure which is fused to porcelain.
The veneering process provides an aesthetically durable, and glass-like surface.

All Ceramic Bonded Crown

These ceramic restorations are made of ceramic materials with no metal base. They are
bonded to the existing tooth with specialized cements. The exceptionally high forces placed on
restorations in the back of the mouth may limit the use of this restoration to the anterior teeth.

There are times when the tooth is so broken down that a crown
cannot be placed without one or both of the following treatments:

To ensure that there is adequate structure to retain the crown, we may have to place a composite reinforcing restoration in the base of the tooth. This is called a crown build-up. In the case of a root canal, a high strength reinforcing post may have to be placed in the root canal. It is not always possible to predict the necessity
for this service.

One last word on prevention: Teeth with crowns or large fillings are not immune to decay or gum disease.
Good oral hygiene and regular appointments with the dental hygienist are important to prevent future problems.

The crown is a stable, long-term restoration for a tooth that needs additional support.

Sapphire will get you whiter teeth in just one visit!

Sapphire is a unique tooth whitening system that uses an LED light array delivery system combined with a gentle whitening gel to safely lighten and brighten your teeth.

Sapphire provides to you:

• The most advanced whitening technology available
• Dramatic results in just one visit
• Affordable rates
• Results that last for years
• Free consultation
• Guaranteed lightening results

How does it work?

Your gum tissues are first covered and protected by a special flexible material called opal dam. This acts like a raincoat to the tissues to prevent them from a possible chemical reaction or burn. Then, a hydrogen peroxide gel is carefully applied to the teeth from premolar to premolar. If the width of your smile enables us to safely lighten back to the molar teeth, we will also lighten them. At 20 minute intervals the hydrogen peroxide gel is removed, and a fresh layer is applied. Each layer of gel is light activated by the bright, blue-gas plasma wave light. It is positioned directly over your smile and in essence, is responsible for activating the whitening process.

General Info

On average, one person dies every hour from oral cancer in the
United States. Incident and mortality rates increase due to late detection.

At each care visit with the doctor or hygienist, every patient receives an oral cancer screening.
Our evaluation process always includes a visual evaluation. Additionally we can use VIZILITE to
supplement the evaluation process. VIZILITE is a small light with a rinse used to detect oral cancer at
an early stage to minimize or eliminate the potential for disfiguring effects of pre-cancerous tissue.

What are they?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front of
the teeth. They are an ideal choice for correcting discolored, misaligned and misshaped teeth. Because of their simplicity and versatility, they have become increasingly popular.

A properly placed veneer require a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. We here at Advanced Dental Arts place veneers routinely and design each one specifically matching and enhancing each
patient's smile.

Will they look like normal teeth?

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually
undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength
and appearance this white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Who is a candidate for veneers?

As with any treatment, a consultation and evaluation is necessary to determine whether
veneers, or some other procedure, would be appropriate in your individual case.

How are veneers applied?

A dental technician fabricates veneers from a model provided by your dentist.
Placing veneers is often an irreversible process because a small amount of enamel is
usually removed to accommodate the thickness of the veneer shell.

What are they?

Ultra-thin LUMINEERS are custom designed to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of. Unlike traditional veneers, there are no shots, no drilling of sensitive tooth structure, and no pain. LUMINEERS are also proven to last for over 20 years, so your beautiful smile will be with you for years and years.

Treatment

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment. Periodontal disease progresses as the (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, or tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth. If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done in one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planning). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, mouth rinses and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing. If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist.

Root canal therapy is a technique used to SAVE your tooth.

For any number of possible reasons the nerve inside your tooth may not be healthy. This loss of vitality can be a result of decay, tooth fractures, root fracture, temperature stress, or unidentifiable causes. Deterioration of this nerve can cause an infection in and around your tooth and manifest itself in pain, swelling, temperature sensitivity, pressure sensitivity, or throbbing. It is also possible to have none of these symptoms and have the infection discovered on examination of an x-ray. Of course, regardless of the reason, the infection is present and must be treated to save the tooth.

Endodontic therapy requires precise skill. Effective treatment may take more than one visit.
If it is determined that the tooth has a fractured root, then saving the tooth may not be possible.

Successful endodontic therapy is the beginning point of saving your tooth. Upon completion of therapy,
rebuilding or core stabilization of your tooth may be necessary. A final restoration, ranging from a filling to
a protective crown may also be required. Specific treatment for your tooth will be discussed by the doctor.

What is composite filling?

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.
The decayed or affected portion of the tooth is removed and then filled with a composite filling.

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth
• Closing space between two teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Decaying teeth
• Worn teeth

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings can usually be placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space is then thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay is near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling is then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are placed. This subsides shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

Why Waterlase Dentistry?

Doctors have used lasers for years to provide better care for their patients in LASIK vision correction, for removing skin blemishes, and in all kinds of surgery. Now, thanks to your dentist, you can benefit from advanced laser technology for your dental care, with Waterlase Dentistry. Your dentist has chosen to invest in Waterlase to provide you with the highest standard of dental care.

Here are some of the benefits you will experience with Waterlase:

Waterlase Dentistry uses laser energy and a gentle spray of water to perform a wide range of dental procedures without the heat, vibration and pressure associated with the dental drill. With many procedures, it’s possible to use less anesthetic, and often no anesthetic at all.

A Waterlase Dentist can remove decay far more precisely than a dentist using a drill. This saves more of the healthy parts of your tooth. Saving your natural teeth can save you from the discomfort and cost of bridges, dentures and implants.

Waterlase cavity preparations can increase bond strength of tooth-colored restoration resulting in longer lasting fillings

Due to its conservative, gentle cutting action and coagulating capabilities, the Waterlase® performs many procedures on the gums with little or no bleeding and less post-op swelling.

Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. You wear each set of clear aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the final position your orthodontist or dentist has prescribed. You'll visit your orthodontist or dentist about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Some people are affected more than others, but most adjust in a short period of time to the feeling of the aligners and do not have permanent changes in their speech.

Invisalign only works while you're wearing the aligners. It's recommended that you wear your aligners full-time, day and night, except to eat, brush, and floss your teeth.

Cost is always a concern, and only your doctor can determine the price of treatment. It is typically in the same range as ordinary metal braces, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the requirements of your case.

Yes. In orthodontic and dental practices nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth.

Any insurance plan that covers orthodontics should cover Invisalign.

Invisalign can be used to treat the vast majority of common problems for adults and teens. Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can certainly help. It's successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites. In fact, an Invisalign Certified Orthodontist or Dentist can use Invisalign clear aligners in all or part of just about any treatment plan.

Invisalign is clear and practically invisible, so nothing gets in the way of your new smile. No wonder Invisalign is the choice of over half a million people.

* Unobtrusive in business meetings or social gatherings
* No metal wires or bands to irritate your mouth
* Most people won't notice you're wearing aligners