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Frequently Asked
Questions
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What is the best way to whiten my teeth?
The answer depends on the degree of tooth discoloration, and how
white you want them to be. We offer teeth whitening 3 ways:
HOME
WHITENING - This process works for teeth that are discolored
from coffee, tea sodas, and tobacco. Home whitening involves wearing
a custom-made whitening tray (looks like a thin, transparent mouth
guard) filled with a mild whitening gel 2-8 hours per day for about
two to four weeks. We check your progress once a week during the
period you are using the teeth whitening gel.
IN-OFFICE
WHITENING - This process can be done in one visit or
may require additional visits, depending on how your teeth respond
to
the process. It is also applicable for a tooth that has been darkened
by root canal treatment. A protective shield is placed around the
teeth to be treated and protects your gums. Whitening gel is then
put into place and a high intensity light is applied to further
activate the process. Tray maintenance is required from time-to-time,
in order to keep teeth their whitest.
VENEERS
- With this process, even the most difficult whitening situation
can produce dramatic results. Unlike the home and in-office methods,
which require maintenance, veneers never stain or change shade.
What is the difference between a veneer and a
crown?
Veneers are very thin pieces of very strong porcelain that are
bonded permanently to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are
great for
restoring
teeth that are discolored, spaced apart, misshapen and arranged
crooked. Crowns, on the other hand, completely cover the tooth
on
all sides and are used in situations where a greater amount of
the tooth has been damaged and strength is required.
I want straighter teeth, but I just don't want
to wear braces. Are there alternatives?
Yes! Dr. Goble has perfected the art of reshaping teeth
with veneers. He can straighten, permanently whiten, and reshape
teeth without braces. The process takes only two appointments and
within days you can have that smile you've always wanted.
I have missing teeth. Can I have replacements
that look natural?
Missing teeth can be replaced with implants, fixed bridges, or
a combination of the two. These options are far more desirable than
removable dentures that you have to take in and out at night. Implant
dentistry is one of the most exciting, innovative, and progressive
of the new dental technologies.
Dental implants are bone-anchored prostheses used to replace missing
teeth (similar to joint replacements). They consist of tiny titanium
cylinders that are anchored into the jawbone, just like the root
of a tooth. Implants are for people who are missing teeth and they
are the closest things to having natural teeth. Deterioration of
the jawbone that accompanies tooth loss can result in an undesirable
change in facial appearance. Implants help prevent this from occurring.
My smile makes me look old. What can be done to
look younger?
The answer may be a "Smile-Lift." As we age, maintaining
healthy teeth becomes even more important to preserve a youthful
appearance. When teeth are missing or worn out over time, support
of facial features diminishes. This may cause us to look older than
we really are. Teeth can be restored in a way that lifts and broadens
the smile, and at the same time, supports the cheeks and lips. Subsequently,
we can look younger.
I have crowns that are dark at the gum line. Is
there anything that can be done?
Crowns that show a dark area at the gum line reflect an inner
metal layer that is covered over with porcelain. With all-ceramic
crowns, teeth can be made to look completely natural, even at the
gum line area.
When I smile, I show dark, ugly fillings. What's
the best way to make my teeth look nice again?
These teeth usually have silver and mercury (amalgam) fillings.
Depending on the filling size, smaller areas can be replaced with
ceramic bonded materials, whereas larger fillings can be replace
with ceramic crowns, onlay or inlays.
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