Cosmetic Dentistry in Durham NC

There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. With our cosmetic dentistry in Durham, we can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers and reshaping and contouring. Once again Dr. Ramos is a cosmetic dentist in Durham that begins with a complete picture approach. We begin by listening to your concerns, likes and dislikes about your smile. We take photos and sometimes make models and expertly perform a Smile Analysis. We discuss with you the various options available to improve or enhance your smile and only proceed when you clearly understand your options.

Smile Enhancing Cosmetic Services:

Teeth Whitening:

Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth. Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while other just want a whiter shade. Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be hereditary or due simply to getting older.

We can perform in-office whitening or, under dental supervision, you can whiten at home with professional products. Many patients enjoy bleaching at home because it is more convenient, but it may take several applications over time. Whitening in the office is often preferred because it may get faster results. Dr. Ramos blends both systems and includes at home trays with the in office whitening to get the best of both options. Which ever method you prefer, professional monitoring and advise is given.

Tooth Bonding:

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After

Bonding is tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. Requiring a single office visit, bonding lasts several years. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration. 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. Additionally, it can be used to close spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape.

Crowns:

Crowns, also commonly known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. Crowns are recommended in cases where other procedures will not be effective, especially when a large portion of the tooth is damaged or misshaped. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations. Dr. Ramos has many options for aesthetic, naturally colored and shaped crowns that look like your natural teeth. Non-metallic materials are often used for cosmetic enhancement of crowns and to achieve the natural young translucency of real enamel.

Veneers:

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After

Veneers are thin custom made pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Veneers are used to treat some of the same problems that bonding is used for, but when crowns would be over treatment.

Unlike bonding porcelain veneer procedures requires an impression of your tooth. Porcelain veneers require more than one visit because they are fabricated in a laboratory. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding.

The most important step we take before cosmetic procedures is to listen to your concerns and make appropriate recommendations individualized to your unique needs.

Smile Analysis:

Beauty doesn’t just happen.  Having a beautiful smile is not as simple as getting the right color of teeth.  It takes careful analysis of all the factors that come together to form your face, your teeth and your smile in action.  Often improving your smile can be a matter of just whitening your teeth or as complex as designing where to place implant for missing teeth.  The decision making process can be a brief chat about replacing one discolored filling or it can be as complicated as making models of your teeth and carefully and expertly analyzing and diagnosing, with the help of photos, to come up with a uniquely developed esthetics plan.  Just like any artist, craftsman or surgeon will tell you, the successful end result begins with carefully developed plans.  When you are interested in cosmetic enhancement of your smile, Dr. Ramos is a cosmetic dentist in Durham  will begin by listening to your needs and desires.  She will often make models of your teeth and take a series of professional diagnostic photographs and many measurements of your jaws and teeth.  A careful global diagnosis of your teeth, your smile and your face is given and treatment options are presented to you.  We call this a Smile Analysis and it is the best way to have an idea of the end result before you begin.  Contact Us if you are looking for reliable cosmetic dentistry in Durham that strives to improve your smile.