Cosmetic Dentistry
Improve your smile's appearance
You can look great and have a healthy smile. Most people who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth do not realize the numerous ways cosmetic dentistry can heal a smile. Dr. Wilhite creates a customized treatment plan based on individual age, goals and budget.
Cosmetic dentistry can correct:
- Crooked teeth or spaces between your teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Chipped, broken or missing teeth
- “Gummy” smiles
Porcelain Veneers
Most smile makeovers you see on TV are created using porcelain veneers. These are thin strips of porcelain designed to fit on the front of your tooth. Veneers are made to resemble real teeth in size, shape and color and are bonded to misaligned, damaged or discolored teeth to improve their appearance. They can make a dramatic change in your smile.
Tooth Whitening - At Home
Dentist-supervised tooth whitening gives you the smile you always wanted. Anyone can have the confidence of a bright, white smile. Tooth whitening is safe, effective and long lasting.
Your personal home whitening kit from Dr. Wilhite includes a special tray that is customized to fit over your teeth, prescription-whitening gel and detailed instructions for your treatment. The average home whitening process will take between two and four weeks, leaving you with a dazzling smile.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
With advancements in dentistry, you may improve the appearance of your smile by having old silver fillings replaced with undetectable tooth-colored fillings.
Bonding
Bonding refers to the placement of tooth-colored resin to correct chipped and broken teeth, discolored teeth and in some cases, spaces between teeth. Bonding is generally considered more conservative than veneers or other cosmetic dentistry.
The benefits of bonding include:
- The ability to maintain the natural structure of the tooth
- The ability to color and sculpt the resin to create natural-looking teeth
However, like a natural tooth, resins may stain with the use of coffee or other staining foods.
Porcelain Crowns
You can erase years of wear and tear with porcelain crowns. Sometimes called “caps,” porcelain crowns are individually customized, covering broken, cracked or discolored teeth. A crown can be a durable, long-lasting method of enhancing both the look and functionality of your smile. After preparing the tooth, Dr. Wilhite will position a custom-milled, lifelike porcelain crown over your damaged tooth, restoring and renewing your oral health.
Implant Supported Dentures
While typical dentures shift and require the use of denture adhesives to stay in place, the use of implants that fit solidly reduce the problems associated with traditional dentures. Implant-supported dentures distribute your biting pressure more like natural teeth, stimulating the supportive structures of your teeth and helping to prevent shrinkage of bone and soft tissues. An entire set of teeth can be replaced with beautiful, natural-looking implants.
Porcelain Bridges
When teeth are missing, your mouth undergoes significant changes. Missing teeth cause you to chew differently and may cause mouth pain. As your remaining teeth work to compensate for the loss, gaps and spaces form that make the situation worse. A porcelain bridge, custom designed by Dr. Wilhite, can keep your smile aligned and your bite functional. Bridges are anchored to existing teeth or crowns on either side of the missing tooth. They are semi-permanent, meaning they can only be affixed or removed by a dentist and are a long-term restorative solution to your damaged smile.