Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/354830
AUGUST 2014 | BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM 25 Are you considering cosmetic dentistry, but have questions? Oak Park Dental's Dr. Jana answers two of the most common cosmetic dentistry questions in this informative Q&A! I hear many terms about cosmetic dentistry, such as whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns, and full mouth restoration. How do I know what the best option is for me? The perfect smile is different for everyone! The kind of treatment you need will depend on the current health of your teeth and gums as well as your desired result (i.e. whiter teeth, straighter teeth, replacement of missing teeth, or simply a more 'perfect' smile). One of the most common cosmetic procedures is teeth whitening. This can be done in the VMÄJLVY[OLKLU[PZ[JHUZLUKHZWLJPHSRP[OVTL with you to use over the course of a few weeks. (^OP[LYZTPSLNP]LZWH[PLU[ZTVYLJVUÄKLUJL HUKJHUZPNUPÄJHU[S`IVVZ[ZLSMLZ[LLT Bonding uses a naturally colored composite resin to create an even, natural look, and is HWWYVWYPH[L^OLUÄSSPUNZHYLYLX\PYLKVYPM there are small spaces between teeth. Bonding JHUZPNUPÄJHU[S`PTWYV]LHZTPSL[OH[OHZILLU marred by a chipped or cracked tooth! If your teeth are uneven, have large gaps between them, or are discolored and whitening attempts have failed, veneers can hide all of the imperfections. Traditional porcelain veneers YLX\PYLKZPNUPÄJHU[TVKPÄJH[PVUVM[OL[LL[O before application. Today, most patients prefer prepless veneers, which can be applied without altering the tooth's natural structure or removing the patients' existing tooth enamel. Many WH[PLU[ZÄUK]LULLYZ[VIL[OLPKLHSZVS\[PVUMVY a smile they have been unhappy with for years! Crowns are used to restore and protect teeth [OH[OH]LIYVRLUVYOH]LYLX\PYLKZPNUPÄJHU[ work such as a root canal. They are also the ÄUHSZ[LWPUHKLU[HSPTWSHU[(NVVKJYV^U will look and feel natural, and will protect the remaining tooth from decay. Full mouth restoration is usually done for patients who have multiple missing or damaged teeth. A complete restoration can involve several visits to the dentists, and may include the replacement of missing teeth with dental implants to create a functional, natural looking smile that will last a lifetime. 6I]PV\ZS`[OLYL»ZUVZ\JO[OPUNHZºVULZPaL Ä[ZHSS»KLU[PZ[Y`@V\YJVZTL[PJKLU[PZ[^PSSIL able to identify which procedure(s) will work best in your case, to provide you with the smile of your dreams. What benefits can I expect from cosmetic dentistry beyond boosting my self-esteem? While cosmetic dentistry can certainly increase `V\YZLSMLZ[LLTHUKIVVZ[JVUÄKLUJL[OLYL HYLHKKP[PVUHSILULÄ[Z[OH[HYLL]LUTVYL important. Cosmetic dentistry can correct serious bite and TMJ, issues and prevent future dental problems while giving you the smile you always wanted! For example, when a tooth is lost the impact is more than cosmetic – the teeth on either side VM[OLSVZ[VULHYLZPNUPÄJHU[S`HUKHK]LYZLS` affected. These remaining teeth must take on added strain during chewing, and can weaken over time. Bone loss can occur and one lost tooth turns into two, then three, and so on. A dental implant can restore the functionality and structural integrity of the dental arch, supporting the teeth on either side of a lost tooth and keeping them from loosening and falling out themselves. It doesn't just look like your real tooth – it functions like one! This is just one example of how cosmetic dentistry can not only restore your smile, but improve the functionality and health of your entire mouth, preventing future dental problems and saving you untold thousands in restorative dental costs. Have additional questions about cosmetic dentistry? Visit Dr. Jana's website at OakParkDentalMadison.com or call (608) [VZJOLK\SL`V\YJVTWSPTLU[HY` consultation. HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT COSMETIC DENTISTRY? ASK DR. JANA! ASK THE EXPERT | SPONSORED CONTENT Oak Park Dental 7617 Mineral Point Rd., Madison #120 (608) 709-0645 oakparkdentalmadison.com Q Q