California Smile Design

A: Dental implants are (titanium) substitutes for natural tooth roots. One implant can support one porcelain tooth; two or more implants can support a fixed porcelain bridge or a removable denture.

A: One, two or all teeth. For instance, a person that wears dentures can have 10 implants placed in the upper jaw and 8-10 implants in the lower jaw. Porcelain fixed teeth similar to the natural teeth can be fixed on these implants. There is nothing in dentistry that resembles and feels as natural as implant supported porcelain teeth.

A: If successfully placed, the success rate of implants is of 96-100% for the front region of the lower jaw; in the upper jaw and the back region of the lower jaw where the bone is softer, the success rate is of 85-90%. Like natural teeth, they may last for a lifetime if properly taken care of. Factors that may adversely affect implants are diabetes, smoking, and radiation for cancer disease, liver disease and lack of compliance on the part of the patient with hygiene instructions.

To compare natural teeth to implanted teeth in terms of longevity, we have to create an identical load / pressure on the bone from the implant to that created by natural teeth; so, for each missing natural tooth one should have it replaced with implant supported. This is not always possible. Luckily, if enough implants are placed, the bone responds favorably to a physiological load and deposits new bone layers around the implants, thus making them capable to withstand increased loads.

A: Studies show that CEREC porcelain fillings are some of the most durable aesthetic porcelain fillings on the market. Only porcelain fillings have a completely natural, perfectly color-matched, and life-like quality Silver amalgam fillings are very visible, can darken or tarnish, and sometime discolor the entire tooth Porcelain is also a great alternative for those who are concerned about potential health risks associated with amalgam fillings

A: Using CEREC cosmetic dentistry technology only one visit is required to fit and form a porcelain filling, though in the past, two or more were required.

A: If your teeth are already straight and healthy, you might be interested in Zoom!™ whitening. Zoom!™ whitening is a procedure that takes place in a single visit to Dr. Boyce. It involves the application of a specially formulated gel that, when exposed to a type of light energy, penetrates the stains in your teeth, breaking them up and leaving your smile brighter and whiter. The entire process takes under an hour. If you have other issues with your teeth, in addition to them being discolored, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. Many people who have tetracycline stained teeth and cannot whiten their teeth with traditional means, or people who want a more permanent solution will opt for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great way to whiten your teeth in a more permanent fashion. The veneers do not stain with time and also correct many other concerns that you may have including crooked teeth, gaps in teeth and a gummy smile. Most of the smile makeovers you see on television are accomplished with porcelain veneers.

A: Cosmetic dentistry has several benefits including: improved dental health, enhanced appearance of your smile, increased self-esteem, developed self-confidence, and improved personal and social relationships.

A: There are several available cosmetic dentistry procedures available for you: teeth whitening, veneers, lumineers, invisalign, gum contouring, crowns and bridges, dental implants, white fillings, cosmetic bonding, and smile makeovers.