Everyone appreciates a great smile. Some smiles need a little assistance and that’s where the experts at Bloom Dentistry of Hayden, Idaho excel. Dr. Bloom, Dr. DeVore and their professional staff are highly trained and experienced in all facets of cosmetic dentistry. The following is a compilation of cosmetic dentistry practices offered to serve our patients:
Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
There are several types of bridges. Dr. Bloom, Dr. DeVore, or one of our team members will discuss the best options for your particular situation. A fixed bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges are extremely durable and will last many years, although they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reasons for a fixed bridge:
- Fill space of missing teeth
- Maintain facial shape
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restore chewing and speaking abilities
- Restore your smile
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance
What does getting a fixed bridge involve?
Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally, Dr. Bloom or Dr. DeVore may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to adjust to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later date.
Our staff will provide you with care instructions at the conclusion of the procedure. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.
Crowns
A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size (for this reason, people sometimes refer to a crown as a cap). A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) is the most popular. Gold crowns are an option as well. There are advantages to both materials and Dr. Bloom or Dr. DeVore will discuss which is the best treatment option for you. Crowns are highly durable and will last many years.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth has a root canal
What does getting a crown involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your initial appointment at Bloom Dentistry will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks or until a new crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, a temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At another appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and follow up visits will be scheduled to check your new crown.
Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are then bonded to the front of your teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Reasons for porcelain veneers:
- Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile
- Crooked teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Severely discolored or stained teeth
- Oversized or undersized teeth
- Unwanted or uneven spaces
- Worn or chipped teeth
Whitening
Whitening of the teeth is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become an aesthetic concern of many patients, there are several options available to whiten your teeth. The most common method is to use a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every few years. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or wine will increase the frequency of whitening treatments.
Reasons for whitening your teeth:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of the outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
- Yellow, brown stained teeth
What does whitening require?
Whitening your teeth usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.
At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution either once a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit Dr. Bloom and Dr. DeVore at Bloom Dentistry regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.