Cosmetic Dentistry

 

 

Penticton Cosmetic Dentistry:

We all deserve a great smile!

 

You no longer have to live with unsightly gaps, missing or stained teeth or ugly silver mercury fillings.  The advancements in dentistry in the past decade have nearly eliminated the use of metal of any kind in restoring teeth.  Instead, you can expect natural, tooth colored restorations, smooth, white porcelain veneers and crowns, and a more beautiful end result that will last for many years to come.

 

What can cosmetic dentistry do for me?

Cosmetic dentistry allows us to conservatively restore your teeth back to their natural strength and beauty.  It also allows us to enhance the appearance of your smile by closing gaps, straightening crooked teeth, lengthening worn and chipped teeth, and whitening teeth for a more youthful, clean and healthy-looking smile.

It takes years of experience and advanced training to be able to design a natural looking smile.  A cosmetic dentist must combine artistry with science to create a smile that looks natural.  Dr. Singleton has pursued years of advanced training through the internationally renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.  The Institute has also named Dr. Singleton to the position of Clinical Instructor, where he teaches other dentists from around the world how to create spectacular smiles.

 

What will my new smile look like?

Your new smile will be as unique as you are. Dr. Singleton designs each smile to suit the individual by using careful facial measurements so your new smile is beautiful, and is in proportion to your bone structure, age and gender.

Thanks to advances in computer technology, Dr. Singleton is also able to show you an image of your new smile before you even begin the procedure.  Through digital imaging software, Dr. Singleton is able to manipulate a digital photograph of your existing smile and show you your redesigned smile.  You can even take the photograph home to show your spouse and family members.

 

What technologies do you use in cosmetic dentistry?

Modern technology is an integral part of cosmetic dentistry.  The use of intra-oral cameras, for example, allows us to see your teeth magnified on a high-resolution monitor, allowing for better diagnosis and more conservative treatment.  Our soft tissue laser provides for conservative gum surgery to heighten or even out a smile line, many times with no need for anesthesia.

 

I have stained or discolored teeth. Can Dr. Singleton help?

At Singleton Dental, we offer a simple smile whitening procedure.  It’s safe, quick and inexpensive.  You can whiten only your upper or lower teeth, or your entire smile.

Dr. Singleton will begin by taking an impression of your teeth and fabricating a custom fit tray that will precisely conform to your mouth.  This tray is extremely thin and nearly invisible.  Patients may elect to bleach their teeth at night while sleeping, or for a few hours each day.  A special whitening agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way.  Your new smile should stay white and bright for a long time with only occasional touch-ups.

 

What do you use to fill cavities?

The days of silver mercury fillings are pretty much behind us.  At Singleton Dental, we no longer use silver mercury, and would be happy to replace your older, failing amalgam restorations.  Materials used today–porcelain inlays and composite resins–create fillings that are not only natural-looking but also stronger than materials of the past.

Mercury fillings have also been implicated in health problems with some people. If you’re concerned about this, please discuss it with Dr. Singleton and he will be happy to discuss the options available to you.

 

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of ceramic that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth.  They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.  When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea or even cigarette stains.  For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

 

What are inlays and onlays?

We use inlays and onlays made of porcelain or composite resin.  These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth.  Inlays, similar to a filling, are used inside the cusp tips of a tooth.  Onlays are a more substantial reconstruction, extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

While traditional fillings can reduce tooth strength by up to 50%, inlays and onlays made of high strength resins can actually increase tooth strength by up to 75%, lasting from 10 to 30 years.

 

What is bonding?

Bonding is a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misaligned.  Dr. Singleton will lightly etch the surface of the tooth and apply a bonding liquid.  A plastic resin is then applied and sculpted into the desired shape.  Bonding can often be completed in a single visit and can significantly change the appearance of your smile.  However, plastic resin is not as strong as tooth enamel and is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth.  Veneers are a more long lasting solution for chips and gaps.

 

How can you replace my missing teeth?

Many options are available, including bridges, implants or even precision fit natural looking and feeling partial and full dentures. There is no reason to live with missing teeth.  Replacing missing teeth can add self-confidence, and also allows other teeth to last longer by reducing the stress placed on the remaining natural teeth.

 

For Beautiful, Affordable and Local dental care in the heart of the Okanagon, contact Dr. Alan Singleton at Singleton Dental.