Cosmetic Treatments
Dr. Wu offers advanced cosmetic dental treatments to redesign your smile with a unique combination of science and artistry. A subtle change in your smile can boost self-confidence and enhance your overall appearance.
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Bonding
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Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of a tooth. The resin is shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth, and then hardened with a special light. Dental bonding can be used to repair chipped, cracked, or stained teeth, to close gaps between teeth, or to improve the overall appearance of teeth. It is a relatively quick and painless procedure that can typically be completed in a single visit to the dentist. Dental bonding is a popular and affordable alternative to other cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers or crowns.
Porcelain Veneers
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Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of high-quality dental porcelain that are custom-designed and bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Porcelain veneers are popular for their natural appearance and durability, as they resist staining and mimic the translucency of natural teeth.
The procedure typically involves preparing the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel and taking scans of the teeth. The scans are then sent to a dental laboratory where the custom veneers are made to fit the patient's teeth. During the second visit, the veneers are bonded to the teeth with a special adhesive and cured with a light.
Porcelain veneers can be used to correct a range of cosmetic dental issues, such as chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth, as well as gaps between teeth. They require proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, but with proper care, they can last for many years. Consult with Dr. Wu to determine if porcelain veneers are the right treatment option for you.
Inlays and Onlays
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When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay. In dentistry, inlays and onlays are types of restorations that are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. They are considered to be more conservative than dental crowns because they preserve more of the natural tooth structure.
An inlay is a type of restoration that is placed inside the cusp tips (the pointed parts) of a tooth. It is used to repair a small area of decay or damage that does not affect the cusps of the tooth. An onlay, on the other hand, is a type of restoration that is larger than an inlay and covers one or more cusps of the tooth. It is used to repair a larger area of damage or decay that extends to the cusps of the tooth. Both inlays and onlays are typically made of porcelain, composite resin, or gold. The dentist will choose the material based on the location and extent of the damage, as well as the patient's preferences and budget.
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The process of getting an inlay or onlay typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will remove the damaged or decayed part of the tooth and take scans of the tooth to create a custom-made restoration. The scans are sent to a dental laboratory, where the restoration is fabricated. In the meantime, the dentist will place a temporary restoration on the tooth to protect it. During the second visit, the temporary restoration is removed and the permanent restoration is cemented onto the tooth.
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Inlays and onlays are durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance, including regular brushing and flossing and routine dental check-ups.
Teeth Whitening
Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedure.
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At-home dental whitening:
This involves using whitening gel and custom-fitted trays that fit over your teeth. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which bleach the teeth and remove stains. At-home treatments may take longer to achieve the desired results, but they are usually more affordable than in-office treatments.
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In-office dental whitening:
This involves having your teeth professionally whitened by Dr. Wu. During the procedure, a high-concentration bleaching gel is applied to your teeth, and a special light is used to activate the gel and speed up the whitening process. In-office treatments typically take about 2 hours and can provide dramatic results in a single visit.
Ultimately, the choice between at-home and in-office dental whitening will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you want faster results, in-office treatment may be the way to go. If you prefer a more gradual approach, at-home treatments may be a better fit. Talk to Dr. Wu to determine the best option for you.
Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available for purchase at drug stores and pharmacies. However, since these products can cause harm to the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends.
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Invisalign
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift teeth into the desired position. Treatment typically lasts 6-18 months and involves wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours per day, switching to new aligners every two weeks, and regular check-ups with Dr. Wu. It's a popular alternative to traditional braces as it is virtually invisible and can be more comfortable to wear. For more information please visit Invisalign.com
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