DENTAL CLINIC IN BATON ROUGE
The Smile Of Your Dreams
A smile says so much about you. It can put someone at ease, can boost your mood, and can make you seem friendlier and more confident; however, if you have imperfections in your smile then you may be hiding who you truly are from those around you. It’s time you came out of your shell, and our Baton Rouge, LA, dentists can help you achieve a confident, beautiful smile.
Dental Bonding
Bonding is a process in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened, and then polished for an ideal smile. This procedure usually can be accomplished in a single visit.
Bonding is often performed in order to fill in gaps or change the color of your teeth. It typically only entails one office visit, and the results last for several years.
Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration such as veneers. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities and broken or chipped surfaces.
In addition, bonding can be used to close spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape. Crowns, also known as caps, are used in cases where other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but are the most time consuming.
Veneers
Veneers have long been touted as creating that perfect “Hollywood” smile; however, you don’t have to be ready to walk down the red carpet to be a candidate for this cosmetic treatment. Any healthy individual who is looking to improve their smile can turn to our cosmetic dentists for dental veneers.
These shells are custom-fitted to each tooth, making it possible to completely reshape the overall color, size, and appearance of your smile. Many adults also love the fact that veneers can give them an instantly straighter smile without ever needing to wear braces. Our dental team will create your very own set of veneers based on your own smile goals.
These thin porcelain shells are bonded directly to the front of one or more teeth to hide common dental flaws including: stains and discolorations, chips and cracks, gaps between teeth, crowding or overlapping teeth, slightly crooked or misaligned teeth, oddly shaped or worn teeth, and gummy smiles
- They are made from porcelain, so they are stain-resistant.
- They can last up to 20 years with the proper care.
- Some enamel is usually shaved off the front of your teeth before veneers can be placed, making this a permanent restoration.
- Veneers may make teeth stronger and can even reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Veneers can be placed on a single tooth, a couple of teeth, or all of your teeth (depending on your needs)
Dental Crowns
Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth.
Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth.
Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. A cast is made of the existing tooth and an impression is made. The impression is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place.
With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration. Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.
Dental Sealants
The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses some of these intricate structures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Enter sealants, which are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces designed to prevent the intrusion of bacteria and other debris into the deep crevices on the tops of your teeth.
Sealants actually were developed about 50 years ago, but didn't become commonly used until the 1970s. Today, sealants are becoming widely popular and effective; young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants because in many cases, decay has not set in.
Sealants are applied by first cleaning the tooth surface. The procedure is followed by etching the tooth with an abrasive substance, which allows the sealant to better adhere. After the sealant is applied, a warm light source is directed to the site to promote faster drying. Sealants usually need re-application every five to 10 years.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening has become the most popular cosmetic option our dentists offer at our dental clinic. If years of coffee drinking or smoking have left you with nasty yellow stains, our professional whitening system can help you scrub away those stains and give you the pearly whites you’re looking for.
Whiter teeth are associated with youth, health, and even your level of professionalism in the workplace. Your dentist has the ability to improve the appearance of your teeth by up to eight shades in one short visit.