cosmetic dentistry services
Cosmetic Dentistry
One-Day Smile Makeovers
On many occasions, you may only need a single type of treatment to help your smile look, feel and function its best. However, in some cases, our dentist, Dr. Brian Danielsson, may suggest a smile makeover to improve the appearance of your smile and your oral health. If you would like to learn more about our one-day smile makeovers in Ridgecrest, California, contact Ridgecrest Cosmetic Dentist today at (760) 371-4800.
A smile makeover is a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan that can greatly enhance the beauty of your smile. A smile makeover consists of multiple cosmetic and restorative dental treatments that are combined to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Depending on your personal dental needs and your goals for your smile, your smile makeover may include any of the following treatments:
● Dental bridges● Dental crowns● Dental bonding● Dental fillings● Dental implants● Dentures (complete or partial)● Porcelain veneers● Teeth whitening
Our friendly dentist may recommend a smile makeover if only one treatment will not give you the beautiful results you deserve. By combining multiple cosmetic treatments, we can ensure that you achieve the attractive, healthy smile of your dreams. A smile makeover might be right for you if your smile is flawed by:
● Missing teeth● Gapped teeth● Broken, fractured or chipped teeth● Very worn teeth● Yellowed, discolored or stained teeth● Misshapen teeth● Slightly crooked teeth● Decayed or damaged teeth
Based on your individual dental needs and desires, we will help you create a personalized treatment plan that meets all of your goals. To discover whether a smile makeover is right for you, we invite you to contact us today and schedule your cosmetic consultation with our team. We look forward to transforming your smile!
Composite Fillings
If left untreated a cavity can lead to an infection and even the loss of a tooth. Our dentist, Dr. Brian Danielsson, can use composite fillings in Ridgecrest, California, to repair and restore a decayed tooth. Composite fillings not only provide a healthy alternative to the older varieties, they can also be shaded to match the color of your tooth. Get started on a healthier smile today by calling Ridgecrest Cosmetic Dentist at (760) 371-4800 for your appointment.
Traditionally, dental fillings have been made of silver amalgam. However, our dental office uses only composite, or tooth-colored filling material. Our dentist and team have chosen to use composite filling materials in order to provide you with a more natural-looking result and to promote better long-term oral health. There are many benefits to composite fillings, including:
● Material that bonds to your tooth to provide more support for the tooth’s structural integrity.
● Reduced risk of the treated tooth breaking or fracturing in the future.
● Insulation from temperature changes caused by foods and beverages.
● Better seals around the edges of the damaged area, increasing the tooth’s resistance to decay and leaks.
● The ability to correct cavities that are too small for amalgam fillings to repair.
● Fillings that can be repaired and replaced without being removed from the tooth.
● No mercury or other metals are used, making the filling safer.
When you receive a composite dental filling, our dentist will carefully select a filling that matches your natural tooth color to give you a more beautiful and healthier-looking smile. Fillings can usually be placed in a single appointment. We'll give you instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will help extend the life of your new fillings.
Porcelain Crowns
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns:● Broken or fractured teeth.● Cosmetic enhancement.● Decayed teeth.● Fractured fillings.● Large fillings.● Tooth has a root canal.
What does getting a crown involve?A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
When possible, we use our CEREC CAD CAM technology complete your treatment in one appointment. We then take photos instead of impressions and design your restoration on the computer and then mill it in our lab. We then try it in and make any adjustments necessary and cement it while you wait a few minutes in comfort watching TV, a movie, reading a magazine or taking a rare cat nap.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Sometimes a special string is placed around your tooth which helps to be able to see the edge or margin of the crown clearly.
If a second appointment is needed, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth-shaped porcelain that are custom-made (for shape and color) to restore or enhance your tooth. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.
As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for porcelain veneers:● Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.● Crooked teeth.● Misshapen teeth.● Severely discolored or stained teeth.● Teeth that are too small or large.● Unwanted or uneven spaces.● Worn or chipped teeth.
What does getting porcelain veneers involve?Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and the dentist.
When possible, we use our CEREC CAD CAM technology complete your treatment in one appointment. We then take photos instead of impressions and design your restoration on the computer and then mill it in our lab. We then try it in and make any adjustments necessary and cement it while you wait a few minutes in comfort watching TV, a movie, reading a magazine or taking a rare cat nap. This is usually done when only a few are done at a time.
If needed, on the second visit the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.
You will receive care instructions for veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.
Porcelain Inlays/Onlays
Inlays and onlays are custom-made porcelain restorations used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. These restorations are ideal for teeth that don't require a full dental crown but need more support than a filling can provide. They are bonded to the tooth surface to restore strength, function, and appearance.
Reasons for Inlays & Onlays● Broken or fractured teeth● Decayed teeth● Fractured fillings● Large fillings● Cosmetic enhancement
What to ExpectInlays and onlays are created using high-quality porcelain and are typically fabricated in a dental laboratory. The process usually involves two visits. During the first visit, the affected area is cleaned and prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary restoration is placed. At the second visit, the permanent restoration is carefully fitted and bonded into place.Ridgecrest Cosmetic Dentistry also offers CEREC CAD-CAM technology, allowing many inlays and onlays to be completed in a single appointment.
AftercareGood oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will help maintain your new restorations for many years.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reasons for a fixed bridge:● Fill space of missing teeth.● Maintain facial shape.● Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.● Restore chewing and speaking ability.● Restore your smile.● Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
What does getting a fixed bridge involve?Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally, your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.
You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.
LUMINEERS®
LUMINEERS® are an excellent option for people who are unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of their teeth. These ultra-thin, porcelain slips fit perfectly over teeth, making them look cosmetically perfect and completely beautiful. An off-white or crooked smile can cause serious confidence problems. LUMINEERS® are a fantastic alternative for patients wanting a beautiful smile without surgery, harsh chemicals or painful treatments.
For LUMINEERS® to be applied, the underlying teeth, bone and gums must be healthy. Patients with gum disease or tooth decay must be treated prior to LUMINEERS® placement. Unlike dental veneers, LUMINEERS® can be left in place for over 20 years or removed upon request to expose the intact original teeth. LUMINEERS® can be fitted in just two appointments, and instantly add pizzazz to the smile.
Here are some of the problems that LUMINEERS® can solve:● Large gaps between the teeth.● Misaligned teeth.● Misshapen teeth.● Stained teeth.● Uneven gums and teeth.● Unnatural looking bridges and crowns.
How can LUMINEERS® benefit me?LUMINEERS® provide a wide range of advantages over similar treatments. The most meaningful advantage to anxious patients is that no painful alterations of the teeth are required prior to the LUMINEERS® application. The covers themselves are so thin and unobtrusive that speech and eating are seldom affected.
Here are some of the other advantages of LUMINEERS®:● Last over 20 years.● No harsh drilling of inner tooth mechanisms.● No injections.● No pain or discomfort.● Only two dental visits required.● Option to place multiple LUMINEERS® at one time.● Perfect, pearly-white teeth.● Thickness of a contact lens.● Totally reversible treatment.
Are LUMINEERS® strong enough?LUMINEERS® are constructed from Cerinate® porcelain, which is known for its exceptional strength. Even though LUMINEERS® are thinner than dental veneers, they are less likely to break or chip. Additionally, Cerinate® porcelain can be color-modified and balanced. This means that different levels of opaqueness and translucency can be utilized.
How are LUMINEERS® applied to the teeth?One of the main reasons LUMINEERS® are so easy to fit is that little etching has to be done beforehand. With veneers, many teeth might have to be permanently altered or drilled to ensure the best fit. However, LUMINEERS® offer a beautiful end product without any drilling, anesthesia or extensive etching. This factor alone can reduce the time in the dental chair by almost half, when compared to traditional veneers.
During the initial visit, bite impressions and X-rays are taken to determine the exact way the teeth fit together. The dentist also thoroughly examines the teeth to ensure that no tooth decay and no signs of gum disease are present. Together, the dentist and patient choose the color of the LUMINEERS® and the desired level of transparency. The bite impressions are sent to the laboratory to be custom-crafted.
The LUMINEERS® are bonded to the teeth at the second appointment. If bonding substance has oozed out from beneath the LUMINEERS®, this is carefully removed using a beveled featheredge margin. Once the LUMINEERS® are in place, the dentist polishes them until they are completely smooth. The advantage of this smoothness is that bacteria and staining agents cannot easily adhere to the surface of the LUMINEERS®.
The LUMINEERS® are finally separated. Up until this point, they are still attached where the bite impressions suggest teeth would naturally join. The treatment is finished, leaving a beautiful white smile, and perfect, healthy teeth.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons for tooth whitening:● Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).● Normal wear of outer tooth layer.● Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).● Yellow, brown stained teeth.
What does tooth whitening involve?This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.
At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.