Cosmetic Dentistry

The practice of cosmetic dentistry has gained increasing popularity over the years. Now more than ever, many dental products (i.e. toothpastes and mouthwashes) have been promoting their tooth whitening effects. Total makeover TV shows have also cast a light on the power of a beautiful smile. There is no doubt that a good looking healthy smile undeniably improves ones self-image, confidence, speech, first impressions, and ability to eat comfortably.

The development of cosmetic dentistry as noted in such disciplines as periodontics (i.e. the architecture of the gum line) and prosthodontics (the reconstruction and color improvements of teeth through veneers/crowns/bridges), has achieved transformations worthy of this attention. Through the advances in soft tissue management and more durable esthetic fillings and crowns, our patient's desire for a beautiful smile is achieved with greater predictability.

Porcelain crowns, or "caps", are a way to esthetically restore broken teeth, or a way to improve the size, shape and color of your teeth in some cases. Each tooth is prepared by trimming it in all dimensions to make room for the materials that restore them. Esthetic crowns can be made of porcelain and ceramic or porcelain fused to metal, depending on your goals and occlusion, or "bite". The crowns are cemented in place and maintained like the rest of your natural teeth.

Amistad Dentistry now offers CEREC restorations which allow crowns in a single visit.

Porcelain veneers have come into trend with the various 'makeover' shows on television.

They are thin custom made pieces of porcelain permanently bonded onto teeth to improve the shape and color of one's smile. Veneers are used when there is plenty of good tooth structure and the dentist is trying to trim the least amount of tooth possible, yet still achieve the desired esthetic result. Veneers are strong and exhibits long lasting beauty.