|
|
Whitening
Dr. Ingram can whiten teeth dramatically using various forms of hydrogen peroxide.
One form, carbamide peroxide, is most often used in the form of a gel, and placed into a
special tray that is custom-fitted to your teeth. The tray is worn in the mouth for one to four
hours per treatment. When in contact with the teeth, the carbamide peroxide releases oxygen that
releases the stain on your teeth. This process is safe and effective with only a few temporary side
effects. This treatment can be applied at home under periodic supervision by your dentist.
Dentist-Assisted Whitening utilizes highly concentrated carbamide peroxide that is brushed
directly onto the teeth, then a custom-fitted bleaching tray is placed. The high concentrations
of peroxide can cause irritation to the surrounding gum tissue and should only be applied by a professional.
Most often, this procedure is used followed by additional treatments applied at-home by the patient.
Power Bleaching utilizes highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide in a carefully applied solution. A heat
or light source is used to activate or accelerate the whitening process. This treatment creates the most
dramatic results and is used for people with severe discoloration. Treatments can last seven to ten years,
depending on your habits. Ask your dentist to evaluate your smile and decide which treatment is best for you!
Dr. Ingram is now offering the KoR Deep Bleaching System which will even whiten tetracycline-stained teeth. Read more about it here!
Back to Top
Bonding
Composite bonding is the most versatile and effective way to aesthetically restore your smile.
Composite materials are used to replace old unattractive fillings, change the color of your teeth,
or reshape and recontour a less than ideal smile. Composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture
filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Composite fillings have a slightly higher rate of wear than your
traditional silver fillings.
Most procedures take as little as 10 to 15 minutes per tooth, depending on how complicated your particular
treatment may be. At your actual bonding appointment, the dentist will use a mild acid to condition the surface
of the tooth so the composite will adhere to it. Next, the dentist applies several layers of the bonding material
onto the tooth, then uses a light source to set the material. The last step is shaping, smoothing, and polishing
the surfaces. Daily hygiene may require more detailed flossing to clean edges at the gum line. As with your natural
teeth, cosmetically bonded teeth may chip or stain. A bonded restoration should last 5 to 10 years or more before
requiring a touch-up or replacement. The procedure is painless and quick enough to be completed in one visit.
Back to Top
Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin sculpted pieces of tooth-shaped porcelain that fit over the front of your teeth.
They are wonderful for fixing teeth that are significantly discolored, chipped, pitted, malformed, or
crooked, or if you have unwanted spaces. In certain situations, a change in upper lip fullness and balance
can be obtained by placing porcelain laminate veneers on your four front teeth.
Unlike crowns or caps, porcelain laminate veneers don't require the removal of much tooth structure.
Veneers are usually created in a dental laboratory from an impression taken in the dental office.
During the first visit, the color is matched using a shade guide then the teeth are filed down a bit.
Then the teeth are fitted with temporaries while the veneers are being created at the lab. Then the
veneers are cemented directly onto your teeth and polished to a natural, aesthetic smile. Veneers are
stronger and have a longer life than bonding, but the process requires more time. Veneers typically cost
less than crowns and won't stain, making them a popular means of improving your smile. Treatment may take
two or more office visits to complete and will last for up to 15 years.
Back to Top
Crowns
Crown restorations are similar to veneers, because they too are attached to individual teeth.
Crowns completely cover the tooth on all sides, helping to correct any problems that you might
have with alignment. Crowns are used to repair teeth that have undergone root canals, have severe
erosion, or extreme malposition. The use of crowns is essential in any situation that requires greater
strength and aesthetics. Crowns are fabricated from ceramic or ceramic and metal, and are indistinguishable
from adjacent teeth.
Having crowns applied takes two or three appointments so that your teeth can be prepared and impressions
can be made. The impressions are used to fashion a porcelain crown that fits into the contour of the remaining
teeth. While your permanent crowns are being created in a laboratory, you'll wear temporary crowns that
maintain your appearance and ability to function. Often crowns are added to existing teeth to create better
connecting surfaces for attachment of fixed bridges and partial dentures. As with all treatments, crown
restorations require meticulous oral hygiene; proper brushing and flossing techniques are effective in
eliminating plaque and bacteria. Crowns or caps can last the longest compared to other treatments depending
on placement and forces placed on them.
Back to Top
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are used to replace your silver fillings. These restorations are usually made from
composite resin material, porcelain, or gold. Once placed, they are virtually undetectable in the mouth,
and they conserve much of your natural tooth structure.
For an inlay to be successful, it is best if the cavity involves only the occlusal surface
(chewing surface) and one proximal surface (surface in between the teeth). The other proximal
surface should be free of decay. An onlay, which is similar to an inlay, covers the entire proximal
surface and protects the cusps from fracture. Treatment involves isolation of the tooth and removal of
the old fillings under local anesthesia. Once your dentist makes an impression, the inlay/onlay is created
from porcelain, gold, or composite resin material. The inlay/onlay is then cemented securely into place.
Inlays and onlays usually take 2 to 3 appointments to complete. The onlay is the best alternative for covering
larger surface restorations. An inlay/onlay looks exactly like the rest of the tooth, and is so durable that it
doesn't need to be replaced for years.
Back to Top
Bridges
Bridges are useful as corrective measures after an accident or serious dental decay.
These restorations-generally made of porcelain or a composite material- are used to replace
missing teeth. Bridges are a method by which to restore your bite and create a pleasant smile.
It also takes a great deal of time to both prepare the area and affix the bridge once it comes
back from the lab. Fixed bridges are placed on the neighboring teeth, so they span the site of
the missing tooth. The bridge is fitted with ceramic teeth to replicate the missing teeth, to restore
function, and aesthetics.
Removable bridges (full or partial) are recommended in complex dental situations to restore
support and proper function. These bridges are constructed of ceramic and metal and require
creation of a study model made from impressions. The bridge is also fitted with ceramic teeth
to replicate the missing teeth and combined with metal that is shaped to fit the inside contours
of the mouth. Multiple visits are required for adjustments to the bite and fit of the appliance.
Fixed bridges require meticulous cleaning usually with a threading floss. Removable bridgework requires
meticulous cleaning after meals and soaking in a solution to remove plaque and bacteria.
Back to Top
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
People who suffer from symptoms such as headaches, earaches, tenderness of the jaw muscles,
or dull, aching facial pain may suffer from TMD-temporomandibular joint disorders. The muscles and
joints may not function properly, resulting in cycles of pain and spasms. These disorders can have a
variety of causes and, can be treated. You may also have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease.
Since TMD symptoms (eg, tooth clenching or grinding, headaches, jaw pain or discomfort, clicking, grating,
difficulty in closing your jaw) can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely, and treatment takes time to be effective.
Misalignment of the jaw can be corrected using different devices applied by your dentist or an orthodontist.
Treatment is based on determining the underlying cause of the problem and correcting it, if possible
Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) can help to reduce inflammation in the jaw. Muscle spasms or muscle tension
may be relieved by using moist heat packs on the affected area. A diet of soft foods is recommended. Biofeedback or
relaxation exercises may also be effective. Surgery of the jaw is rarely required.
Back to Top
Implants
Like teeth, dental implants are embedded in the jawbone. The bone actually bonds to the implants.
This allows the teeth to be replaced without placing any pressure on the gums, thus eliminating the pain
normally associated with dentures. Using dental implants, the upper teeth can be replaced without covering
the roof of the mouth. By exposing the roof of the mouth, the former denture wearer can enjoy the subtle tastes
and textures of food and drink that they have been missing out on for so many years.
If you want dental restoration that looks and feels as though it's really part of your mouth,
then dental implants may be right for you. Knowing your dental history helps decide if you're a good
candidate for implants. A dental exam and tests help determine where the implants should be anchored in your jaw.
Back to Top
Root Canals
Once upon a time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose that tooth.
Today, with a special dental procedure called a root canal therapy you may save that tooth.
Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth, it runs like a
thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don't
remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it. After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal
is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.
Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one
to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!
Back to Top
Sealant
Sealant material bonds to the chewing surface of the back teeth, forming a protective barrier
covering the pits and fissures (depression and grooves) of the chewing surfaces. Sealants are an
intermediate preventive step in delaying or preventing tooth decay on these areas of back teeth.
Back to Top
Waterlase
We are excited to offer treatment using Laser Dentistry. We are the first dental office in the
Hunstville area to make the substantial investment in the Waterlase Dental Laser made by the Biolase company.
The Waterlase is a ErCr:YSGG laser operating at 2780nm. The Waterlase allows us to offer a variety of new services
with comfort and quicker healing. Also seen on Oprah, the Waterlase was featured on "The Swan" makeover show on
Fox network in the 2004-2005 season.
Back to Top
|
|
