Dr Frey answers your
Cosmetic Dentistry Questions
What is Instant Orthodontics? Is there pain involved?
Instant Orthodontics is a modern procedure that straightens teeth using veneers instead of braces. It can close large gaps and correct overcrowding in as little as one day. In addition, the natural teeth are strengthened by the bonded porcelain restorations. These restorations are placed above the gum-line, which helps keep the gum tissue healthy.
Instant Orthodontics is typically a pain-free procedure that only requires the use of local anesthetics.
What criteria would make me a candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Anyone who wants a whiter or straighter smile is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you have crooked, yellowing teeth or are self-conscious of your smile it can be transformed. You can avoid years of shiny, silver braces and multiple visits to an orthodontist by going to a cosmetic dentist.
What are porcelain inlays/onlays? Do they replace a crown or cap?
Porcelain inlays and onlays are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The porcelain pieces fit into the tooth to restore the natural effect.
Yes, porcelain inlays and onlays do replace crowns and caps. When caps and crowns are placed on the teeth, the tooth structure is drilled down to a stub. Porcelain restorations, on the other hand, build on the actual structure.
How long will my porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are intended to be long lasting restorations. They became popular in the 1980s and many patients from that time still have their veneers. In the past fifteen years not only has the technique improved but so has the adhesive bonding process and the porcelain used for veneers. Due to the advancement in this procedure, today's veneers should last even longer.
Can bleaching gels harm my teeth? Will my teeth become more sensitive to hot or cold?
Studies have shown that bleaching gels cause no harm to the teeth when used under direct dental supervision. Teeth may feel sensitive for up to 24 hours after the bleaching procedure but this almost always dissipates to zero sensitivity after that.
What are the benefits of laser whitening as opposed to gel whitening?
Using lasers for bleaching prevents the use of trays, which are worn to sleep and even to work. When lasers are used the patients can relax in a comfortable dental atmosphere while watching the television or listening to music. Optimum results can be achieved with lasers in just one or two simple visits.
Why are lasers used as opposed to conventional or halogen lights when bonding porcelain restorations to the teeth?
I use an Argon laser for bonding because it takes just five seconds per tooth, whereas the conventional lights can take forty seconds per tooth. The higher the intensity of the light the less time it takes to bond the restorations to the teeth and this is better because it causes less shrinkage of the resin which leads to a higher bond strength.
My gums are uneven - Is there a procedure to correct this problem?
I use a Diode laser, my "magic wand", which painlessly evens the gum-line without the use of anesthetic. Patients can have more enhanced, beautiful smiles with the simple use of this laser.