Here at Temple Valley Dental Group, cosmetic dentistry is our specialty. And with more than 30 years of experience, we are sure to keep your smile beautiful! Our dentists are compassionate and empathetic—we are gentle to keep you at ease.

Tooth Whitening
Most of the tooth whitening in the past has involved taking impressions of your teeth so that clear splints can be made. You wear the upper splint, with whitening gel placed in it for at least a few hours a day. Usually, within two to three weeks, you will find that your teeth have reached a level of whiteness you are happy with. At this time, you then repeat the process with your lower teeth. 

We now have a newer process we refer to as power whitening. For a slightly higher cost, the whole process is done in the office in about an hours time. The teeth are isolated, and the gums are protected with a temporary plastic covering. A very strong whitening gel is then placed on the teeth and additional energy for the process is provided by a very bright plasma arc light. It is not unusual to find the teeth five to eight shades lighter.

The two most common questions:

1. Does it damage my teeth? We have yet to find any damage or long term problems as a result of whitening. There have been a few instances of increased sensitivity with wearing the splints, but these have gone away with reduced wearing time.

2. How long does it last? With age, teeth naturally get more gray or yellow in color. This is due to the fact that the pulp, or the live part inside the tooth, continues to lay down dentin, which is where the color comes from. The whitening process just turns back the clock, and the teeth will slowly begin to darken again. Usually, the teeth remain white enough for at least five years, at which time the process may be repeated.

Laminates
Porcelain veneers are a wonderful way to correct many cosmetic deficiencies, such as discolored and worn teeth. They also can close unwanted spaces and, in some cases, reduce the appearance of crowding, instant orthodontics. If you feel that your teeth are looking old, they can easily be revitalized. No metal is used in the laminates, so you will never see that telltale dark line at the gum line. Minimal tooth structure is removed, so that the teeth are rarely sensitive after the procedure.

Once the teeth are prepared and impressions taken, the patient returns about two weeks later and the laminates are bonded to the teeth. They are initially tried on to check the fit and the color. Once the patient is satisfied, the bonding process begins. Although the laminates are very thin, once bonded they are quite strong and can be expected to last many years.

Bonding
Bonding is a process whereby lost tooth structure can be readily replaced with a plastic, quartz filled material that closely resembles tooth structure. This works particularly well for chipped front teeth, but can also be used to help close spaces between teeth, reshape teeth or to cover unsightly discolorations. This usually involves minimal tooth preparation and requires no anesthetic. Although bonding is not a permanent process, it can last for a number of years.

Implants
Dental implants are truly an exciting new aspect of dental treatment. Invented in Sweden in the mid sixties, they have since progressed to the point where they can handle most situations involving missing teeth. In the past, the only way to replace missing teeth involved fixed or removable bridgework, either way compromising and weakening the adjacent teeth involved. The more missing teeth involved, the less effectively any type of bridgework will work and chewing function and comfort are severely compromised to the point where quality of life is reduced. Although implants are not an inexpensive option, and often there is little or no insurance coverage, they have a very predictable and long term result. In most situations, even though the initial cost will be higher, the long-term cost will be less as the adjacent teeth are not compromised. Fixed and removable bridgework has an average life span of 10-15 years, and implants have a much longer potential.

The process involves the placement of an artificial root form made of titanium within the jawbone after full healing of the extracted tooth. This is then covered and allowed to heal for four to six months. After healing, the top of the implant is exposed and an abutment is then placed in the implant which then brings it out of the gum tissue. These two initial procedures are performed by an oral surgeon after a careful evaluation. Once the soft tissue heals around the implant, Dr. Brown then takes a series of impressions and fabricates the replacement tooth or teeth. The bottom line is that you end up with a replacement as if you never lost the tooth/teeth to begin with. We will be happy to provide you with a consultation.