While our highly trained staff of Houston cosmetic dentists does not claim the official title of orthodontics, we find ourselves nevertheless providing more and more orthodontic solutions to clients from all over Houston. There are a number of reasons why so many people are now turning to us first to correct malocclusion in their upper and lower jaws.

The biggest motivator appears to be a strong desire on the part of these patients to keep their corrective care confidential. No one wants to smile with a mouth full of metal. People who do wear traditional braces do so with a sense of resignation—putting up with the pain and embarrassment of the devices and grimacing with embarrassment within themselves when they feel forced to smile. Standard metal braces normally have to be worn a minimum of two years, are very expensive, and cause a great deal of pain on occasions when they are tightened.

Thanks to new technology, though, our cosmetic dentists can now offer some truly viable—if not superior—alternatives to traditional orthodontic treatment. We want to qualify this statement by making it clear we by no means feel that metal braces are completely obsolete or non-viable options. On the contrary, we still refer our most severe cases of tooth malocclusion to practicing orthodontists that we partner with. These extreme cases can only be corrected by drastic measures, and we recommend someone who specializes only in metal braces handle these cases.

However, a very large percentage of the patients that our cosmetic dentists see do not have problems this severe. They may only have a problem with crowded teeth that resulted from too little room in their mouth when their teeth first grew in. Or, equally common, we encounter a patient who suffered an accident and loosened or lost one or more teeth in the process. The surrounding teeth then began to shift toward the gap and created a noticeable irregularity in the person’s smile.

For mild to moderate cases like this, our cosmetic dentists will normally recommend our new Six Month Smile cosmetic dental braces. These amazing braces are designed much like their metal counterparts-- with two important differences. For one thing, the brackets are clear and the wires are the color of teeth—thus making the braces nearly invisible when the patient smiles. Secondly, the brackets and wires are much smaller and allow for more thorough tooth brushing and flossing.

True to their name, these cosmetic braces get the job done in only six months.

More noticeable problems with malocclusion, however, will need stronger corrective measures. Our cosmetic dentists, upon discovering severe bite problems, recommend that the patient spend the necessary funds to get the best possible cosmetic orthodontic solution. This solution does not lie in the form of braces, but rather a retainer-like mouthpiece called an Invisalign aligner.

The Invisalign aligner is custom-made to molds of the patient’s teeth and pre-adjusted to put just the right amount of pressure on teeth that are out of alignment. Bit by bit, each new set of aligners moves teeth back where they belong. A computer is used to pre-set the adjustment factor in each set of aligners, and the entire procedure normally takes about a year-and-a-half for the average patient.

Before you just let your teeth go, or resolve yourself to the pain and embarassment of metal braces, talk to one of our cosmetic dentists first to see if you need a short-term solution, an Invisalign solution, or a referral to an orthondontist for an exceptionally severe alignment problem.

Labels: cosmetic braces, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentists Houston, cosmetic orthodontics

What makes our team perhaps the most unique group of cosmetic dentists in Houston is their exceptionally broad range of medical skills and their warm, professional bedside manner. We have established a practice that is highly unique in both its sophisticated level of care and the warm sense of comfort that our office and practice provides for our patients. With a comprehensive set of both general and cosmetic dentistry practices available, there is very little that we do not provide directly to patients ourselves. On those infrequent occasions where a specialist outside our office is required, we refer patients only to the very best and most reputable dental experts whom we personally know and trust.

Basic dental care falls under the domain of general dentistry. Things like teeth cleaning, fillings, root canals, and gum disease treatments are typically things that most people believe can only be done by a family dentist. Many of our first time patients are surprised when they learn that our cosmetic dentists are trained and experienced in all of these basic care techniques. The advantage this offers to the patient is a single office where multiple medical AND aesthetic problems can be solved by the same group of experts. Even more advantageous is the sophisticated technology and advanced methodology we use. For example, we fill cavities like every other practice in town, only our cosmetic dentists avoid using silver-mercury amalgams and favor the more healthy and attractive alternative of resin-based fillings that last longer and match the color of teeth.

Advanced cosmetic solutions are, of course, are main areas of specialty. Our cosmetic dentists have trained for well over 20+ years each in specialized techniques developed specifically for beautifying the human smile. Such techniques require not only advanced training, but a great deal of experience to master. As we have noted, the youngest dentist on our staff has over 20 years of experience, and other cosmetic dentists who work in our office have served in the United States Military as dental experts before moving into specialized practice for the general public.

Each one of our experts has any number of solutions that can provide as remedies to cracked, broken, or missing teeth. We have porcelain veneers to help even out damaged tooth surfaces. We have cosmetic dental bonding to repair cracks and replace old cavities. Porcelain crowns can cover the remaining portion of a broken tooth and make it as good as new. Or, a porcelain crown can be placed over a dental implant base and create an entirely new, completely natural looking replacement for a missing tooth.

Teeth that have been stained badly by years of abuse or necessary prescription medications can look pearly white again after dental bleaching treatments our cosmetic dentists perform in our office. No matter how badly the teeth are stained, we WILL find a way to make them white AND more resilient and healthy as a result of our treatments.

Bedside manner is something we feel is important to our practice as well. Technically there are no beds in a cosmetic dentist office, but you know what we mean by the term. People need a sense of warmth and understanding from ANY caregiver they work with, regardless of the nature of the practice or the ultimate course of treatment. Our team feels that the last thing we want to do is come across as aloof to our patients. Instead, we patiently explain advanced dental concepts in simple terms and empower our patients with more than one care option to choose.

Finally, if advanced technology and sophisticated dental materials are still not enough to calm people’s fears, our cosmetic dentists will administer either oral sedation, or IV sedation (with the help of a licensed anesthesiologist) to ensure that the patient will feel no pain. Some people who choose this service do not have a problem with pain but rather have such a strong gag reflex it is best to sedate them during treatment. For these individuals, we patiently look for every possible way to make their dental appointment pleasant and their outcomes remarkable.

Labels: cosmetic dental care, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentists Houston

Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentists are general dentistry experts who extend that expertise into aesthetics. Cosmetic dentistry is not a separate from general dentistry, but is a grouping of sub-sciences within it. Our dental professionals have years of experience and continuing education in both health and wellness services and full mouth restorative services.

Implants
Implants rank among the most important forms of general dentistry. Implants involve the use of crowns, but they are much more than crowns. An implant is an artificial titanium tooth root implanted in the jawbone itself. A porcelain crown placed over the tooth appears identical to surrounding natural teeth and provides a stable, hard, reliable chewing surface that will not chip or break while you are eating normal food.

Laser Periodontal Treatment (LANAP)
LANAP is periodontal surgery (surgery on the gums) that uses a special laser to replace the metal cutting tools traditionally used in general dentistry. You will experience the same benefits as the standard surgical methods, but with much bleeding pain. Recovery time from LANAP is also much quicker.

Sleep Apnea Management
Obstructive sleep apnea is very serious and can cause anything from restlessness to chronic fatigue the following day. Sleep apnea is normally treated with CPAP therapy, which uses a machine to keep air passages open while the patient sleeps. Many people try CPAP and give it up on the basis that it causes them too much discomfort or awareness. This is where general dentistry, surprisingly, can actually step in and provide alternatives.

The FDA has approved a number of sleep apnea oral appliances. These devices are like mouth guards, only much more sophisticated. The dentist has to select the type that is best for your mouth, and in most cases, further customize the model to your particular teeth and bite.

When correctly manufactured and fitted, dental appliances have proven to be equally effective to CPAP in treating all but the most severe forms of sleep apnea.

Fillings
Using fillings to repair cavities in teeth is common in both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. The difference lies in the nature of the fillings themselves. In general practices, amalgam fillings have historically been used that are made by mixing silver and mercury. They are not the healthiest things to have in your mouth, and they will often fall out after several years and require replacement.

We prefer to use composite dental resin instead of silver-mercury fillings. Composite resin is customized to look like the color of your natural teeth and is made from bio-friendly resin. It is healthier and last longer than other types of fillings, and it creates a much better cosmetic appearance.

We use porcelain inlays and onlays to fill teeth when the area that needs to be covered is more than 40%-50% of the biting area.

Crowns
Before the development of titanium dental implants, crowns were used to cover teeth that could not be repaired by fillings. Crowns were made of gold and were often known as “caps.” Crowns are now mostly made from porcelain, which is used equally in both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry to cover teeth that have been severely cracked, chipped, or fractured.

IV Sedation
General dentistry practices might involve working on the teeth in a way that the patient finds uncomfortable. IV sedation delivers anesthetics to the body so the patient will feel no pain during the procedure. Lucidity is maintained in a very relaxed state, but is monitored by an anesthesiologist.

We would like to point out that in many cases the general and the cosmetic can go hand in hand to create a win-win situation for both health and physical appearance.

Labels: cosmetic dental crowns, cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, houston dental office, houston general dentistry

There are many cosmetic teeth procedures that we can perform for you here at the Houston Medical Center Dental Group. Some are simple, requiring only one or two office visits. Some are more complex, requiring reconstructive dental work to repair or replace damaged or broken teeth.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding
One of our newer, more advanced cosmetic teeth procedures is cosmetic dental bonding. This procedure has basically replaced silver-mercury fillings. A special bio-friendly resin that looks like tooth enamel is used in dental bonding. It fills cavities much better than older amalgams, smoothes out cracks, and whitens tooth surfaces. Because it lasts longer as well, there is little risk that it will fall out.

Cosmetic Dental Bleaching
Another one of our more popular cosmetic teeth procedure is cosmetic dental bleaching. This is done with a bleaching gel. During your initial office visit, the dentist whitens your teeth. You then use another bleaching agent every night, at home, for two weeks. During your second and final office visit, another treatment of bleach is applied.

Cosmetic Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are made of porcelain. They are very hard and very difficult to break. Their color looks like that of natural tooth enamel. Porcelain is resistant to staining, so once veneers are applied, they will retain their color for years.

Veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic teeth procedures. They can be used to treat a number of conditions. They can cover small chips and pits in tooth surfaces. They can whiten badly discolored teeth which bleach will not work on. They have even been used to correct minor tooth alignment problems.

Cosmetic Dental Porcelain Crowns
Prior to the development of more sophisticated cosmetic teeth procedures, dentists had few choices in treating severely decayed or fractured teeth. When a cavity destroyed more than 40 percent of a tooth, or when a tooth was cracked down to the dentin, the tooth had to be pulled. Prior to the development of dental implants, people no real tooth replacement options beyond traditional bridges or partial dentures. .

Porcelain crowns have introduced a whole new realm of options. While the life of a tooth cannot always be saved, crowns now make it possible to salvage physical structure and function of the tooth. Severely infected or damaged teeth can be cleaned with a standard root canal. Then, they can be capped with a porcelain crown that looks identical to surrounding teeth. Porcelain crowns are much more resilient than natural teeth, so they can restore both aesthetics to the smile and allow you to eat virtually anything.

Cosmetic Dental Implants
For people who have lost teeth, implant dentistry offers the best tooth replacement options. Made from a bio-friendly alloy known as Tivolloy, dental implants screw into the jawbone and act like artificial tooth roots. When the jaw has accepted this implant, the dentist then caps the base with a porcelain crown, effectively creating a whole new tooth where none has existed for years.

Labels: cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentists Houston, cosmetic teeth whitening, cosmetic tooth procedures, cosmetic tooth whitening, dental imlplants, dental implant, teeth replacements

Cosmetic dentists are committed to two things: the preservation of the beauty of the human smile and the health of the patient. These experts in dental care must first obtain a medical degree in general dentistry prior to becoming specialists in cosmetic dentistry. Because of this, they can perform all the services traditionally administered by family dentists as well as treat complex issues with advanced cosmetic dental procedures.

Cosmetic dentists are often multi-specialists. They often pursue continuing education throughout their careers. Common areas of study include such cosmetic dental work as Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction, Practical Occlusion in the Progressive Practice, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Advanced Posterior. Still other practitioners, having mastered a number of special procedures, choose to zero on in a specific discipline, such as LANAP or dental implants.

Because these procedures are often very complex treatments that must be individualized to the patient and done in multiple stages, it is necessary for the cosmetic dentist to use only the very best supplies and the latest technology. Such tools as the PerioLase® MVP-7 allow specialists to treat periodontal disease with a laser instead of a knife. An intraoral camera allows dentists to closely examine teeth and gums without the discomfort of a mirror being twisted in all directions within the mouth. A high resolution monitor can provide live video feed in full color of each individual tooth and surrounding gum tissue, making diagnosis more precise and a treatment plan easier to devise.

Dental supplies used by cosmetic dentists are also much more advanced than those used in traditional general dentistry. Instead of filling teeth with metal fillings that do not belong inside a human tooth, cosmetic dentists will use a composite dental bonding agent to fill cavities, repair small fractures in teeth, fill pits in the enamel, and smooth the outer surfaces of teeth. Cosmetic dental braces made from plastic are virtually invisible. They are much more comfortable than metal braces and virtually undetectable as well. Porcelain crowns mimic both the structure and translucent color of natural teeth in a much more aesthetic fashion than gold crowns used in past decades.

Finally, you simply will not find better bedside manner in the world of dentistry than you will in the office of a Medical Center Dentistry Center practitioner. These professionals are just as committed to preserving the emotions of their patients as they are to their medical needs. They want them to feel just as good about the process as they do about the outcome, as they work to minimize pain, maximize outcome, and exceed expectations for each individual patient that walks through their door.

For more information, read the following articles on our website:

Cosmetic Dentistry
Technology in Cosmetic Dentistry
Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty (Gum Removal)
Cosmetic Dental implants
Cosmetic Teeth Procedures
Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Cosmetic Dental Care
Cosmetic Dental Treatments
Cosmetic Dental Work

Labels: cosmetic dental crowns, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentists Houston, cosmetic teeth whitening

Labels: cosmetic dental bonding, cosmetic dental crowns, cosmetic dental implants, cosmetic dental veneers, cosmetic dentistry

Thanks to new treatments and technology, there are now more cosmetic dental procedures available to patients than ever before. The good news is that regardless of how long a particular procedure may take, or how complex the process may actually be, cosmetic dentistry has evolved to such a level of precision that there is little, if any, discomfort involved in any of these treatments. That means you should call and schedule an appointment if you have been putting off going to the dentist out of fear of pain. Skillful hands can ensure a winning—and pain free smile—here at the Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, TX.

Some of these procedures are elementary and simple, while others require more precision, time, and complexity.

Cosmetic dental bonding, for example, is a very simple process used repair chipped or discolored teeth with a special composite resin that has been custom-mixed to produce the desired color correction in the smile of the patient. Small cracks and pocks often develop in teeth over many years of chewing. The dentist applies an extremely mild acidic solution to the teeth enamel, which etches tiny, microscopic lines in tooth surfaces. The bonding agent is then applied, which instantly adheres to the etched tooth enamel, fusing to its surface. A special light is then used to harden and set the bonding, creating a smooth, restored surface. Patients often remark that this is the most painless experience they could ever hope to have in a dental chair.

Teeth not only become pocked and cracked, but they also become severely discolored for any number of reasons. Drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes never helps tooth color. Certain prescription medications as well can turn teeth a yellowish color. There are two cosmetic dental procedures used to reverse discoloration and restore a white, healthy smile. One is cosmetic tooth whitening, and the other is cosmetic dental veneers.

Tooth whitening is performed using cosmetic dental bleach that is applied in two office visits normally spaced two weeks apart. In the interim time between visits, the patient uses a special tray to apply similar bleach at home. Sensodyne toothpaste is also recommended as an adjunct to this procedure. The longevity of results varies from patient to patient, depending on what lifestyle choices the patient makes to alter detrimental eating and drinking behaviors.

Another popular cosmetic dental procedure for tooth whitening is the use of porcelain veneers. Veneers overlay the tooth enamel and are very strong and stain resistant. Even if a person continues to drink coffee or smoke, veneers tend to maintain their color. Usually veneers are not applied, however, merely for correcting coloration problems. Like dental bonding, one of their main benefits is to correct pitting and chipping of teeth, and in some cases, minor alignment problems that are noticeable, but not severe enough to justify orthodontic treatments.

But what if a tooth suffers more damage than simple chipping? What if a piece of the tooth breaks off, or if the tooth cracks severely? The most common cosmetic dental procedure is the use of a dental crown. A crown, like a veneer, is made from porcelain, and custom-molded to mimic the original tooth. It fits over the damaged tooth like a cap, which is why crowns in general dentistry are often referred to as caps.

For teeth that have been knocked out, or that have decayed to the point that they have to be extracted for the health of the patient, dental implants offer a much more attractive alternative to dentures. Dental implantation is the most complex of all cosmetic dental procedures and is generally used only as a last resort. However, when done by a trained specialist who knows what he or she is doing, the new implant will look, feel, and function as an indistinguishable replacement for the original. Dental implants consist of a titanium alloy base that acts like a tooth root embedded in the bone, an abutment that supports a crown, and a porcelain crown that provides an attractive appearance and reliable chewing surface. Some of our patients often comment that they sometimes forget they have implants because these artificial teeth work often feel just like the ones they were born with.

Cosmetic dental procedures like the ones we have looked at today require years of special training. Be sure to read the biographies of our resident dentists, Dr. Dale Brandt, Dr. Charles Campbell, and Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow. There, you will find all the assurance you need to see how the staff at the Medical Center Dental Group has everything you need to give you a beautiful, confident, healthy, and truly winning smile.

Labels: cosmetic dental bonding, cosmetic dental crowns, cosmetic dental implants, cosmetic dental procedures, cosmetic dental veneers, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic tooth whitening

here are Many Cosmetic Teeth Procedures Your Dentist Can Perform to Restore Your Smile. This is because dentistry can be a science as much as it is an art. The essence of cosmetic dentistry, after all, is the restoration of a beautiful smile. Many cases are simple, and easy to treat with basic procedures. Others, however, are much more complex, and present such a challenge that only the most advanced cosmetic teeth procedures can address. Fortunately for patients these days, science has become as diversified and specialized as art. Cosmetic dentists in our society now have access to a wide variety of technology that will allow them to repair virtually any problem they encounter with any number of sophisticated cosmetic teeth procedures.

Tooth Whitening is one of the more basic forms of cosmetic teeth procedures that involves whitening the teeth with special bleach that is made permanent and sealed by a high intensity light. It is normally the first course of action a cosmetic dentist recommends for moderate or moderately heavy tooth discoloration. Very severe cases of discoloration, however, often need more aggressive cosmetic teeth procedures are needed.

Dental Veneers
If stains are too severe for bleaching to remove, it is sometimes better to overlay the tooth with a hard, non-permeable substance cosmetically attractive and impervious to further discoloration. Porcelain just such a substance, and features a remarkable appearance that is very similar to the natural translucence of tooth enamel. Once applied; dental veneers will last for years, and never stain or discolor themselves.

Dental Bonding
Perhaps the simplest and most painless cosmetic tooth procedures that dentists perform are cosmetic dental bonding. This procedure is performed with a composite that is either customized to the color of exiting teeth, or whitened to improve their appearance.

Dental Crowns
If severe tooth decay goes untreated for too long, it can destroy more than 50 percent of a tooth to the point that it cannot be salvaged. This is especially true if decay breaks into the nerve chamber and begins killing the root itself. Cosmetic dentists avoid the patchwork procedures silver amalgam fillings that have since become outdated and proven insufficient. Instead, they remove the diseased portion of the tooth and cap it with a dental crown. Unlike a veneer is the crown is made to cover the cover the entire tooth, acting like a cap over its exterior surface.

Dental Implants
In those unfortunate cases where a tooth cannot be saved, and it has to be extracted, there is still a cosmetic that can save the smile procedures. This solution is the dental implant. A dental implant is made from a titanium root structure attached to the jawbone, capped by a porcelain crown that looks just like a natural tooth. Implants work so well that people who get them often forget they had them to begin with.

Labels: cosmetic dental bonding, cosmetic dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic teeth whitening, cosmetic tooth procedures

A man named Ron, who had a number of missing teeth, came to us when he realized that tooth decay in his remaining teeth would probably cause him further tooth loss. He had no idea why so many of his teeth had failed, and he did not want to lose any more of them. He asked about a procedure he had heard about called a full mouth reconstruction. He wanted to know if it could offer a medical solution to his failing teeth as well as a cosmetic solution to his missing teeth. He also wanted to know if it would be a painful procedure. He told us that by the sound of the term, full mouth reconstruction, he could only imagine the amount of surgery and pain such a process might involve.

We quickly put his fears of pain and surgery to rest. We explained that a full mouth reconstruction was not the same as reconstructive surgery. Rebuilding bone, tissue, or muscle after a major accident is not the same as rebuilding a smile. Rather, a full mouth reconstruction involves strategic use of dental inlays, bonding, or crowns to replace missing teeth and to prevent teeth that are in the process of decaying from failing completely. In cosmetic dentistry, this procedure does not involve drilling or filling teeth with silver-mercury amalgams. All reconstructive work is done with materials that can be sculpted or molded to the existing teeth so that the original color, or whiter appearance if so desired, can result.

Cosmetic dental implants, for example, can be used to teeth that are missing from the upper and lower jaws. Cosmetic dental implants are made from a titanium base that acts like a tooth root. Once the bone adapts around the tooth, a porcelain crown is placed over it, providing an excellent mimic for the translucent whiteness of natural tooth enamel.

But what caused Ron to have such massive tooth loss in the first place? The answer lay in a seemingly unrelated medical problem. Ron had suffered for 10 years from a condition known as sleep apnea. For those same ten years, he had ground his teeth unconsciously in his sleep, and never noticed that cavities were forming in the cracks that resulted. The decay seemed to hit him all at once, and many teeth were lost in a short amount of time. While this was a very sad and severe case, the good news for Ron was that a full mouth reconstruction could still be performed that would restore his smile with an even better look than he had had before. After all, improvement of this sort is what Cosmetic Dentistry is all about.

To systematically accomplish this for Ron, we placed arches in the upper and lower arches of his mouth. We then used these implants, along with healthy natural teeth that remained, as anchor points for fixed porcelain bridges and crowns. Although the procedure took almost 7 months to complete, the Ron says it was well worth the time and money, because he looks and feels almost 20 years younger as a result of his full mouth reconstruction.

Labels: Bruxism, cosmetic dental bonding, cosmetic dental bridges, cosmetic dental crowns, cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, full mouth reconstruction

Dental fillings are some of the most common treatments used in general dentistry.
If left to itself, tooth decay can destroy a whole tooth. Generally, a dentist will fill the tooth when 50 percent of it has been destroyed. Traditionally, silver-mercury amalgam fillings were used for this purpose, but this practice is rapidly declining. This is because silver-mercury amalgams are made from metal, and any kind of metal will expand and contract when exposed to extremes of heat or cold. This in turn puts a strain on the tooth that carries the filling, and the tooth can either crack from this strain, or become infected by bacteria that enter under the filling.

It is becoming more and more of a general consensus throughout all dental specialties that there are much better materials for filling teeth. Composite materials made from certain types of resin, for example, can now be custom-made to mimic the teeth, or they can be made to whiten the teeth.ort and strength. Whereas a filling will weaken a tooth over a period of time by as much as 50 percent, a composite filling made from resin or porcelain can actually strengthen a tooth up to 75 percent.

There are also a number of treatments that can now replace the old silver-mercury amalgams previously used in general dentistry.

Dental Crowns
Dental crowns act like caps over teeth. This is why they are sometimes called caps. Crowning a cracked tooth keeps it from fracturing completely, because it actually creates an entirely new surface area for an entirely new surface area for the tooth. Crowns in the past were sometimes made of gold. Gold is soft and clashes with the color of natural teeth. Cosmetic Dentists these days use exclusively porcelain dental crowns. This is because porcelain is very hard and nonporous, and also because porcelain mimics the translucence of natural tooth enamel.

Porcelain crowns are formed in a mold of the individual teeth of the patient, and frequently look better than the original teeth when they are installed.

Cosmetic Dental Inlays and Onlays
Like dental crowns, inlays are made from porcelain. However, they do not cover the entire tooth surface, but instead fit over the cusp (tip) of the tooth. Dentists use porcelain that is colored to mimic the existing color of teeth so the inlays will go unnoticed. To give the best possible fit, the dentist creates a temporary inlay, and then takes an impression which is used to cast the permanent, porcelain inlay. The dentist bonds it to the tooth and polishes it to create a cosmetic, natural, and healthy-looking appearance.

Onlays resemble inlays, but they are used for more substantial reconstructions. Often onlays are used to repair the damaged portion of a tooth in lieu of capping the tooth with a crown.

Root canals
General dentistry practices have long relied upon the root canal as the best strategy for saving a tooth that is badly infected and whose root is dying. In the inner pulp of a tooth, all the blood vessel canals and nerves connect to the root. If this area becomes infected, the root and surrounding tissue begins to die, General dentists long ago realized that removing diseased pulp and thorough disinfection of the pulp chamber and the canals that connect it to the bloodstream and nervous system.

Even the tooth is technically dead, its normal chewing function and cosmetic appearance can be saved through this procedure. This practice is used in both cosmetic and general dentistry in order to avoid tooth extraction.

Although general dentistry abound throughout Houston and all of Texas, why not get these procedures done here at the Cosmetic Dentistry Center in the Medical Center? Not only will you get fantastic medical care, but a more attractive smile at the end of the day.

Even better, the sophisticated technology we use for many otherwise very painful general dentistry procedures (such as periodontal treatments) makes treatment here much more relaxed and painless.

Labels: cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns, dental inlays, dental onlays, general dentistry, periodontal surgery, periodontal treatment, root canals

What is cosmetic teeth whitening?
It is a quick, painless, and inexpensive procedure that takes only two office visits to restore a brighter, more natural looking and healthy smile. Over the years, it has become more and more sophisticated, and has earned a reputation for producing lasting results. Cosmetic teeth whitening is something that almost every person can benefit from at some point in his or her life.

How is cosmetic teeth whitening performed?
The treatment involves the use of special bleaching gels and high-density light. In the past, a laser was used, but this created too much heat and often caused patients to experience undo sensitivity around their teeth. The Cosmetic Dentistry Center discontinued the use of the laser for this reason some time ago. The new high-density light works just as well, and causes no discomfort. Also, to further minimize sensitivity, we stagger two appointments two weeks apart on the calendar, and we have the patient perform nightly at home bleaching with special trays and gels we prepare before they leave the office on their first visit.

How long do the appointments last?
Both sessions last only for approximately 1-2 hours. By the end of the first session, the patient already begins to see an improvement in the whiteness of his or her teeth. The dentist then sends the patient home with the teeth whitening kit (a tray that fits over the teeth, and some teeth bleaching gel.) Patients remark that these kits are very easy and painless to apply.

The Cosmetic Dentistry Center strongly recommends that all teeth whitening patients avoid any substances, such as cigarettes, coffee, or wine that can stain the teeth. If the patient follows these and all other instructions, more visible results are clearly seen after two weeks of home treatments.

The final appointment consists of a second in-office bleaching is performed, followed by a special coating that seals the teeth. Although dentists discourage people from going back to old habits that initially stained their teeth to begin with, they are aware that some people do. This extra sealant coats the teeth and makes the results of the teeth whitening procedure last much longer.

How often should I have cosmetic teeth whitening performed?
That depends on your habits and how you treat your teeth. It may also depend on whether or not you are taking any prescription medication that is known to stain teeth. If so, you may need to come back in 6 months if the teeth are consistently exposed to staining agents. However, if you are not on medication and avoid unhealthy products, foods, and chemicals, you can expect your bright new smile to last a long, long time.

To get started on the road to a whole new look, start by calling our office today at 713.795.5905 to schedule a time for a cosmetic teeth whitening procedure.

Labels: cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic teeth whitening, teeth bleaching, tooth whitening bleach, tooth whitening kits

Cosmetic dental veneers are overlays that restore a white, uniform appearance to teeth by covering the damaged or discolored enamel. Porcelain dental veneers are the most cosmetic and durable veneers that can be used to restore a natural, healthy smile. They are applied topically and require no anesthetic—making them one of the most painless experiences you can have in a dental chair. Even better, they are designed to last, and will not require repeated treatments and follow-ups if they are professionally designed and applied.

If your smile has become less than perfect, cosmetic dental veneers may be the ideal solution for you. If your teeth have been chipped over time, have little pits or holes in the surface, or are simply shaped in an irregular way, a crown would be too drastic for you. We can fit porcelain veneers right over the odd shapes and damaged portions of your teeth and create a whitened, smooth appearance. If you have been thinking you might need braces to correct minor tooth alignment problems, you might actually not. Cosmetic dental veneers have been successfully used to fill out the gaps between teeth and make individual teeth look more distinctive and proportional.

Of course, the most common reason people get porcelain veneers is to correct tooth discoloration. Any number of things can cause teeth to stain badly. Cigarettes and coffee are often the most common reasons people end up with very badly stained teeth. Even if you have never smoked, you may very well drink a lot of coffee and still end up after a period of years with yellowed teeth. Porcelain veneers have proven the most effective form of veneer to correct this problem. Porcelain is extremely hard, and it is completely non-permeable. If you get porcelain dental veneers and then continue to drink coffee, they won’t stain the way your teeth did.

You may not smoke or drink coffee, however, and conclude that you will never need cosmetic dental veneers. This may not be the case if you drink tea as a substitute for coffee. The more exotic teas that are becoming increasingly popular are full of dyes that can stain your teeth just as surely as coffee or cigarettes. Some prescription medicines also contain chemicals that can discolor teeth. While it is possible to eliminate caffeine from the diet, it is not possible to do without certain medications. If you are in this position, please consider the very viable solution of cosmetic dental veneers.

Another reason you might want to consider porcelain veneers is the presence of too many visible fillings in your mouth. You may have been very cavity-prone as a child and have been treated with a significant number of silver-amalgam fillings. Cosmetic porcelain dental veneers can easily cover up these dark spots on your smile and make you look like you never had a cavity in your life.

Not all people who come to the Cosmetic Dentistry Center for tooth veneers are coming because of damaged or chemically-discolored teeth. Some were cavity-prone children in their younger years, and have lived many years as adults with visible amalgam fillings that put dark spots in their smiles. Porcelain veneers, though amazingly tough, are nonetheless thin enough to cover up these cavities.

Remember too, that a cosmetic improvement to your teeth is just that—cosmetic. You do not have to have anything seriously wrong with your teeth to give yourself a lasting, white, and attractive smile that will last the rest of your life. Give us a call today for more information.

Labels: cosmetic dental veneers, cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers

What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a ranged of highly advanced, specialized dental services that blend advanced medical knowledge with personalized aesthetics. Our ultimate goal is to restore the confidence and optimism of each patient with a brand new smile that looks as good, if not even better, than the original.

What are some basic elements of cosmetic dentistry?
Some of our services include, sophisticate, natural-looking tooth whitening, replacement of outdated and actually unhealthy mercury fillings, and veneer reshaping of individual teeth to correct overlaps, gaps, and crooked services.

How individualized are your services to each patient?
Our services are extremely personalized. They have to be, because every smile is unique. Our dentists take the time to listen carefully to the wants and needs of each patient in order to get a sense of the personality and lifestyle of the individual. The dentist will then take careful facial measurements of the patient that will allow new features that are proportional to the bone structure, age, and gender to be molded into the teeth.

To what extent do cosmetic dentistry services utilize advanced technology?
Modern technology is a very important component of our work. One of the most important pieces of technology we use is intra-oral camera. This camera examines the teeth and produces a high-resolution, full color image on a monitor. We can examine every detail of a group of teeth or gum line and we can make a more accurate diagnosis and plan for corrective treatment. We can then create an image of what the outcome will look like, show it to the patient, and ensure both comfort and satisfaction prior to beginning any work.

Do you replace old fillings?
Yes, and we strongly recommend that anyone with old or failing silver-mercury fillings come to the Cosmetic Dentistry Center to have these fillings removed and replaced with more modern, natural-looking, and stronger porcelain inlays and composite resins. Mercury is not a healthy substance for the human body, so when old fillings fail, it is advisable and remove it with substances that are much better for the body, will hold up better to the test of time, and truly look better in a smile because they blend in with the color and structure of teeth themselves.

Do you do teeth replacement?
Yes. Tooth replacement is a cornerstone element of cosmetic dentistry. It is our firm belief, and something of an understood mission statement at our center, that no human being should ever have to live with missing teach. The replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of a natural, healthy-looking smile restores not only beauty to the face, but self-confidence to the heart and increased physical comfort to the mouth with a more even and contiguous bite.

What methods do you use to replace missing teeth?
Our website itemizes many of the advanced methods we use to reconstruct a smile to its original—if not better than original—state. Some of these options include bridges, retained dentures, and implants, to name just a few.

Labels: bridges, cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, porcelain inlays, porcelain veneers, retained dentures, tooth whitening

Monday, December 15, 2008

Is it possible to eat normally with a full frontal bridge, for example biting into an apple? Can one be put in place with minimum shaping of the teeth or will they be permanently disfigured? If implants are an option, can it be performed with local anesthesia only. I''m not to comfortable with being put out. Thanks
An anterior bridge(front) can be very strong but of course not as strong as your natural teeth. It also depends how many of your front are missing.. When preparing the teeth for a bridge they do have to be shaped so that the dental lab has enough to room to place the metal and then stack the porcelain so that the bridge looks natural and not bulky. The more teeth that are missing the weaker the bridge will be. If you want implants, you can do the procedure under local anesthetic, however you want to make sure that the implants will be esthetically pleasing and not have alot of metal showing.
I hope this has helped you in deciding what to do, if you have any further questions,please don''t hesitate to call us at:1-888-790-0309.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008

I am 32 years old and I have been fighting Periodontitis since I was 18 year old. I have been through multipal surgeries and bone grafts. I am not a tobacco user. I also have deep cleanings done 4 times a year and I still have very deep pockets, some are as deep as 8mm. Doctors believe that my case is genetic since my dad lost his teeth in his late 30''s and very early 40''s. I have been reading up on this Laser Therapy and would like to know if I would be a good candidate for it? Also, how much does it cost? How many treatment does it normaly take?
Thanks for your inquiry. Apparantly, you are very knowledgable about periodontal disease. You would most likely be a candidate for laser periodontal therapy. Anyone with periodontal disease can be treated with the Periolase The first thing that you need to do is to find a dentist that has one. I have provided a link to their web site. I want to emphasize to you that there are many dentists that have lasers, but the Periolase MVP-7 is the only one that is FDA approved to treat periodontal disease. I also want you to remeber that even though your periodontal disease can be treated, you need to remeber that your genetic makeup will how an effect on your treatment outcome.
Dale J. Brant, DDS
888.790.0309
Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Hello,I have a receding gum line but only over one tooth. It''s very embarrassing since it''s one of my front teeth. Could this be gum disease? What can I do to prevent this. I noticed that It gets a bit sore only for about 3 days every other month. Any advice?
Hello Amanda! I think it would be a great idea if you came to our office so we could see exactly what is going on with your tooth. Have you had your teeth cleaned lately? The recession could be from periodontal(gum) disease or it could be from your occlusion. Is your lower tooth hitting your upper tooth. Do you think you fractured your tooth?
Please call us at 1-888-790-0309 for an appointment.
Elizabeth O''Sullivan-WinslowDDS
Monday, November 17, 2008

I have very small teeth and was thinkingof getting something done about because im very concious when i smile or laugh but my friend suggested that i might have too much gum and i could get it removed, could that be the problem and if so is there a precedure i can get?
Cosmetic dentistry involves not only the teeth, but the soft tissues. A part of cosmetic restoration often involves reshaping or treating the gum tissue. You should have a comprehensive exam that looks at any possible periodontal issues as well as the cosmetics of the level of the soft tissue. It can dramatically change the look of the smile.

Chuck Campbell, DDS
713-795-5905
Wednesday, November 12, 2008

hey i was wondering if you could answer the questions i have about my teeth. First of all i have had braces for about 2 years now but the gum on my bottom teeth seems to be receding. Sometimes theres blood after i brush my teeth but its rare. Is my gum receding because i brush too hard or do i need help... how can i recover the gum line or is it not possible?
First of all, I think you should wait until your braces come off because you have had alot of tooth movement , which may be causing some of your recession. Once you have your braces removed, I would suggest that you go to a periodontist (gum specialist) for an evaluation. He may have to do some form of tissue grafting to cover up the recession. which will help restore your gumline.
I hope this has helped you and if you have any further questions, please don''t hesitate to call us at:1-888-790-0309
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

How much does the surgery cost?
Thanks for your inquiry. It is extremely difficult to tell you how much gum surgery can cost. We first havre to determine what your needs are. You may have periodontal disease in addition to needing to have excess gum tissue removed. The first step wouled be to have a complete dental evaluation. That way you and your dentist will know what your needs are and then what will be needed to treat your problems. I hope this helps.
Dale J. Brant, DDS
888.790.0309
Monday, November 10, 2008

i have what its called a gummy smile along with several embarissing gaps...its invisaling right for me
You need a comprehensive examination with orthodontic treatment in mind. Invisalign is a terrific tool, but it has some limitations. The "gumminess" of your smile can lead to different types of treatment, depending upon the severity.

Chuck Campbell, DDS
713-795-5905

Labels: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Gum Disease, Veneers