Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic DentistryDr. Tuan Vu is a highly trained cosmetic dentist who offers an assortment of latest cosmetic dental services to enhance your smile. You’ll be amazed with your appearance after taking advantage of our cosmetic dentistry services.


Bonding

Bonding is a safe and effective technique to fix cosmetic flaws in teeth. It restores teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misaligned. This procedure has the ability to conceal stains and cracks, fill gaps and repair chipped or broken teeth.

How does Bonding work?
The tooth is prepared by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding agent. Once the bonding agent has been activated with a curing light, a flexible plastic called resin is sculpted into the desired shape covering your existing teeth or just the missing part of your tooth structure. After the resin has been set by the curing light, it is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance. Once completed, it looks just like a natural tooth.

Considerations
Bonding is a fast and affordable way to fix damaged teeth while repairing the damaged tooth structure. Bonding procedures can often be completed in a single office visit depending on the complexity. Since the plastic resin is not as strong as natural tooth enamel, it is typical for bonding to only last three to five years. Preventive measures that you can take to increase the lifespan of the bonding include: maintaining good oral hygiene and avoid bitting on hard food.


Lumineers & Veneers

Have you ever wondered how people have perfect teeth and a perfect smile? Chances are these perfections were created by using either lumineers or veneers. If you want that perfect smile, give us a call today to schedule a consultation.

Lumineers and veneers are thin shells created out of the highest quality porcelain available. These shells are permanently bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Lumineers and veneers are used to:

  • Cover stains
  • Cover cracks
  • Fix chips
  • Fix gaps between teeth
  • Lengthen teeth that are too short

Lumineers and veneers are highly resistant to coffee, tea and cigarette stains. Their appearance and resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. With the proper care, lumineers or veneers can last for over a decade.

What is the difference between Lumineers and Veneers?
Lumineers – Made from very strong patented porcelain that is much thinner than traditional veneers. Their thickness is comparable to contact lenses, thus often referred to as contact lenses for your teeth. The main advantage of lumineers is the minimal tooth preparation required for installation.

Veneers – Unlike Lumineers, more tooth structure may be removed for installation. The main advantage of veneers over lumineers is that they better correct misaligned and discolored teeth.


Onlays & Inlays

Ceramic Onlays and Inlays are recent technological advancements that give you a beautiful cavity-free smile without the appearance of any metal fillings. An onlay or an inlay is commonly referred to as a “partial crown” procedure. Since the restoration is fabricated by a lab, its strength is superior to resin filling and the color can be matched to your existing tooth structure. If you have any questions or would like to have this procedure done to replace your existing metal filling please call and talk with a team member today.

What is the difference between Ceramic Onlays and Inlays?
A Ceramic onlay is a ceramic restoration designed for a tooth with perimeter wall damage. A Ceramic inlay is a ceramic restoration designed for a tooth without perimeter wall damage.


Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening is safe, quick and inexpensive. Some benefits of professional teeth whitening include:

  • Corrects brown, yellow, and spotted teeth staining
  • Suitable for people of all ages
  • Near-permanent solution for a “dull” smile

If you would like to have whitening done, do not hesitate to contact us. A whitening program can be developed specifically for you and the look that you desire. Friends & Family Dentistry have two types of teeth whitening programs: a custom take-home whitening system and Zoom! Whitening.

The custom take-home whitening system comes with special bleaching agents and a custom tray. An impression of your teeth is taken to fabricate the custom tray. Upon receipt of the take-home kit (custom tray & special bleaching agents), use as directed by your dental provider to achieve your desired brightness. The treatment needs only to be applied occasionally for maintenance.

Zoom! Whitening is a bleaching process that is the fastest and most dramatic whitening method available. The process uses a high concentration of peroxide placed directly on the teeth and a special light to help speed up the treatment. A Zoom! Whitening treatment can brighten teeth up to multiple shades. This process has become the method of choice for many because creates dramatic improvements in just one treatment. However, this treatment is only available at a dentist’s office.

Below are some considerations for contacting Family & Friends Dentistry for teeth whitening:

  • Over-the-counter kits are less effective and take longer to work due to a weaker concentration of peroxide
  • Over-the-counter kits provide trays that are designed to fit a wide variety of teeth. This can cause uneven and shorter lasting results.

Please remember, that what you eat and drink will affect how long your whitening lasts. For severely stained teeth, crowns or porcelain veneers may be the more appropriate treatment.

If you have any questions or would like to be evaluated for a whitening treatment, call us today!

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