Q & A - Cosmetic Dentistry in Monterey, California

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry, is comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function.

In the past, dental fillings and other tooth restorations were made of gold, amalgam and other metals -- some of which were veneered with porcelain. Now, dental work can be made entirely of porcelain or composite materials that more closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth structure. These tooth colored materials are bonded to the underlying tooth structure with resin adhesives. Unlike silver fillings (amalgams) they are entirely free of mercury. Many dentists offer procedures to be cosmetic and because their patients prefer natural looking teeth.

The main advantage of a direct dental composite over traditional materials such as amalgam isimproved aesthetics. Composites can be made in a wide range of tooth colors allowing near invisiblerestoration of teeth. Composites are glued into teeth and this strengthens the tooth's structure.

What can be done for Cracked, Worn or Broken Teeth?

Contouring, also known as tooth reshaping, is one of few instant treatments now available in cosmetic dentistry. Dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in just one session. The dental contouring procedure can even be a substitute for braces under certain circumstances. It is also a procedure of subtle changes. A few millimeters of reduction and a few millimeters of tooth-colored laminate is involved. Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of teeth.

How do Porcelain Veneers work?

The veneer is actually a thin piece of porcelain similar in size to a fingernail. Once it is "bonded" onto the tooth it becomes extremely strong. Once in place, it looks, feels, and functions just like a regular tooth. Porcelain veneers are recommended to change the shape and color of a single tooth or if necessary, restore an entire smile. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct teeth that have been worn from clenching and grinding.

How do Crowns work?

A Crown is used when the damage to the tooth has removed too much structure to hold a filling. The restoration must be done by a technique that will attach to the remaining tooth, stand up under heavy use and and cosmetically look great.

The crown serves two important functions. First, it restores the natural appearance of your teeth. Second, a crown will be the same size and shape as the natural surrounding teeth. As a result, it will keep your jaw and bite aligned.

Crown refers to the restoration of teeth using materials that are fabricated by indirect methods which are cemented into place. A crown is used to cap or completely cover a tooth. Crowns provide much more protection against future fracture or recurrent decay.