Cosmetic Dentistry
Using advanced cosmetic dentistry treatments and materials, your Mullica Hill, NJ cosmetic dentist, Dr. Raines, can make a real difference. The skill, experience, and commitment of our practice can literally redesign your smile.
Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses tooth colored composite resin to repair cosmetic issues such as chips, gaps, tooth discoloration, or issues with teeth shape. The tooth surface is lightly etched, a bonding agent is applied, then composite resin is sculpted to the desired shape by Dr. Raines. Once the resin is light cured, it is then smoothed and polished to look like the natural tooth. Bonding can typically be done in one visit and is a minimally invasive and cost-effective solution for many cosmetic issues. As the composite resin is not as strong as our natural enamel, it can chip, stain, or break with the typical lifespan being 3-5 years before being needing to be repaired or replaced. Veneers, an alternative to bonding, while stronger and more permanent, are more costly and require some removal of teeth enamel.
Zoom Whitening
Our in-office whitening system allows you to whiten your teeth in a little over an hour while you relax at our dental office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results, and you may go even lighter with additional applications. In-office whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. It uses a much stronger ingredient under controlled and safe conditions than what is possible at home. Our Zoom Whitening visits are a combination of in-office and take-home whitening. At your first appointment, impressions of your mouth will be made so that we can create models of your teeth. From these models, custom whitening trays will be fabricated so that they precisely and intimately adapt to only your teeth. Simply place a small amount of whitening gel in each tray and wear the tray for 30 minutes while watching TV or relaxing. Patients use the take-home whitening for maintenance purposes or to get an even whiter result. Like with any whitening system, periodic repeated treatments are required to maintain the whitest smile!
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are an effective treatment when a patient wishes to change the color, size, shape, or position of their teeth. A minimal amount of tooth structure is removed from the front surface to allow for the placement of the veneer, a thin porcelain facing. Particular attention is made in color selection and design to make sure the desired result is achieved. After being tried-in and approved by the patient, the porcelain veneers are treated with a special solution and then chemically bonded to the prepared teeth. Veneers must be brushed and flossed at home like regular teeth and patients must keep up with their regular teeth cleanings for the longest lasting, best results. In certain situations, Dr. Raines may suggest additional treatment prior to the placement of veneers, such as Zoom Whitening or Invisalign, that will create an even better result.
Shaping and Recontrouing
Sometimes our teeth wear unevenly, sustain minimal chips, or appear more prominent in our smiles than we would like. In such situations, very conservative treatments such as shaping and recontouring can provide a quick and easy result! Dr. Raines will simply smooth out or reshape select teeth using specific dental instruments to achieve a more esthetic outcome. The teeth are then polished, and the bite is checked. In the correct situations, shaping and recontouring can be a very predictable alternative to bonding or more invasive procedures like crowns. Call our office today to see if it is right for you!