A cosmetic dentist in Portland specializes in dental procedures designed to improve the look of your teeth. This may include altering the size of your teeth, changing the color of the teeth, or using false teeth to transform them. Here is a list of common procedures and services offered by a cosmetic dentist in Portland. Teeth Whitening: Currently, teeth whitening is the top procedure offered by a cosmetic dentist in Portland. Most offices offer either a whitening gel light procedure or a laser procedure. Both are very similar but slightly different. For both procedures, a bleach gel is applied to the teeth. With the whitening gel light procedure, the light heats up the gel, allowing your teeth to absorb it, thus allowing it to whiten. With the laser procedure, lasers activate special crystals in the bleach gel, causing it whiten. The laser treatment is faster, but it is more expensive and more patients complain of discomfort with this procedure. Veneers: There are a number of reasons why someone would have veneers placed over one or more teeth. If they have a cracked or chipped tooth, if their tooth or teeth are permanently discolored, if they don't like the size of their teeth, or if their teeth aren't straight and they can't afford braces, veneers can be used. Contrary to what some people believe, veneers are not false teeth; they are more like a facade. The real tooth is still present and in place. The veneer is a cover that is glued onto the front of a real tooth, altering the appearance of real teeth. The procedure for getting veneers is a multi-appointment one. The dentist will need to measure your real teeth and then construct the veneers by hand. You will then have a fitting, where the dentist ensures they will properly fit the individual tooth and fit in with the rest of your teeth. Any alterations are then made. The last appointment is when the veneers will be permanently installed. Dental Implants: If a tooth is so badly damaged that it can't be salvaged or has fallen out, a dental implant can help give you a tooth back. Traditionally, your only options in these situations were bridges or dentures for several missing teeth. However, dental implants are now commonly used because they are longer lasting and more natural looking and feeling. Both a cosmetic dentist in Portland and a denturist can fit you for implants, make them, and then install them. However, there are certain criteria that you need to meet in order to get implants. Implants are drilled into your jaw bone, so the bone must be in good condition, and you must meet health requirements. Invisalign: Invisalign is a great alternative to braces. Instead of using wire brackets to help straighten your teeth, an Invisalign system uses a series of clear, plastic trays to get your teeth to move into a better position. This helps close gaps and straighten teeth. If your teeth are overlapping, Invisalign may not be the best option for you. When Invisalign was first introduced, it was primarily offered only by orthodontists. However, these days, most cosmetic dentists also offer the tooth straightening system. Tooth Filing: There are a number of reasons why teeth filing may be done. Filing teeth can help reduce their size, can help smooth jagged teeth, or change the shape and appearance of teeth. This procedure is most commonly done if a tooth is slightly chipped or damaged. Filing down the tooth can help straighten the tooth out, so the chip isn't noticeable. It is also done if someone has a tooth or a few teeth which are much larger than the rest of their teeth. The filing helps balance out all of the teeth, creating a straighter, more natural looking smile for the patient.
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