Dr. Deborah G. Anders

Lumineers |Veneers | Whitening | White Fillings
Crowns & Bridges | Oral Screening

Lumineers

Achieve dramatic results quickly with Lumineers!

If you dream of having a perfect smile, but the thought of having veneers applied to your teeth makes you wince in pain, you'll be happy to know there is a new, pain-free alternative to help you get a fantastic looking smile.

This new dental discovery is called Lumineers™ by Cerinate^®. Described as “smile shapers”, Lumineers are ultra-thin, super translucent porcelain that is non-invasively applied to teeth for a natural looking smile that fits every individual. Anyone with “needle-phobia” can breathe easy. Lumineers can be applied without the use of anesthesia, so no shots are required.

But how do Lumineers differ from the traditional porcelain veneers that dentists have been using for years? Typically, most veneers require that your dentist grind down sensitive tooth structure for a good fit. Not so with Lumineers, as there is no cutting or grinding of teeth in almost all cases.

Another bonus is that this new procedure generally calls for just two visits to your dentist, and no uncomfortable temporaries while you wait for your Lumineers to be created. There is no post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity, which means Lumineers look and feel natural as soon as you step out of your dentist's chair.

Lumineers can even be a more comfortable and time-saving solution for adults who are considering braces. If your bite problem isn’t severe, Lumineers will change the shape and alignment of your teeth, making them look straighter and more uniform. They will also help restore and strengthen teeth and aid in preventing wear over time.

Clinically proven to last up to 20 years with no shade discoloration, Lumineers can be placed over old crowns and help rejuvenate bridgework to create a more uniform look to your smile.

So now your dream of a new smile can become a reality– without pain. And that's really something to smile about. Click here to take the Lumineers Questionnaire!

|| back to top ||

Veneers

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size or length and resulting in an improved appearance.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you. Call Dr. Anders to schedule your consultation appointment today!

|| back to top ||

Whitening

Teeth can often be whitened by the several new techniques of "bleaching" available today. The most common method used is the "in-office" method where a strong bleaching agent is placed over the isolated teeth and a special light is used to assist the bleaching material lighten the teeth. This method is generally more controlled and probably better for people who have tetracycline stains or streaks on their teeth. The "home" techniques involve making trays which fit into the mouth and these are then filled with bleaching materials. When worn for a few hours a day, noticeable results are seen generally within a few days to a couple weeks.

Results vary from individual to individual and Dr. Anders will be happy to to help you decide which method works best for you. Some of the factors involved include the intensity of the stains, whether or not you have fillings or crowns on your front teeth as well as what may have caused the stains.

|| back to top ||

White Fillings

When you need a small filling but don't want ugly silver in your teeth, direct resin or white fillings are the way to go. Their most obvious advantage is beauty - a well-done white filling can be indistinguishable from the natural tooth. They have many advantages. White fillings can change the appearance of teeth, strengthen teeth, and more conservatively treat teeth - all things that silver fillings cannot do.

White fillings are bonded to tooth structure - this means that they actually integrate with the tooth, thereby sealing the gap between tooth and filling and adding their strength to the tooth. This allows for the more varied uses of resin beyond just regular fillings - like placing thin layers over front teeth to change their color, shape or general appearance; or repairing small chips or fractures in teeth; or even being placed in the grooves of teeth to prevent decay from ever occurring. Bonded white fillings are an extremely beautiful advance in the creation of fantastic and healthy smiles.

|| back to top ||

Crowns & Bridges

Bridges
A dental bridge is a device used to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. A typical dental bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding crowns (abutments). Once complete, this bridge structure is bonded into the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, lead to occlusion (biting) and/or jaw problems, and may spur periodontal disease. Dental bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

Crowns
When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a dental crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A dental crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold and other metals, acrylic resin, or an amalgam (a mix) of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance, although they tend to be less durable than other materials. Dental crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.

|| back to top ||

Oral Screening

Current research indicates that problems with your mouth can affect your overall health. The opposite is also true. It is important to detect dental problems early so that your mouth and your entire body remain healthy.

Periodontal (gum) disease affects three out of four adults at some time in their lives. It doesn’t necessarily hurt and you may not even be aware you have it until an advanced stage. Regular dental visits are essential for detecting periodontal disease at an early stage, before the gums and the supporting bone are irreversibly damaged. We will screen your mouth for signs of periodontal disease every time you visit our office for an oral examination and prophylaxis (teeth cleaning).

During your exam, we also screen for pre-cancerous changes in your oral tissues, head and neck. Cancer detected at an early stage can be more successfully treated. We will check your head, neck and oral tissues for lumps, masses, growths, red or white patches, and recurring sore areas.

|| back to top ||