While traditional dentistry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases, cosmetic dentistry specializes in obtaining a natural smile that is in perfect proportion and blends with the harmony of the entire face. A new smile can change your life. If you don’t smile or hide your teeth behind your lips, if your teeth are chipped, stained, discolored or spaced, we can help you obtain the smile you once had or the one you always dreamt about.
Although cosmetic dentists utilize the same underlying dental knowledge and skills that a general dentist uses, there are numerous differences between the two. Cosmetic dentistry is truly a combination of technical skill and artistic ability and the success of any cosmetic procedure is in the hands of the dentist you choose. That is why it is so important to know how to find the best cosmetic dentist to meet your needs. Licensed cosmetic dentists must complete advanced training at accredited dental institutes. The most famous and prestigious of these educational institutes is the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), where Dr. Caracioni trained to become an LVI dentist and continues to attend advanced courses. Dr. Caracioni is also an active member of The International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics. Our office can provide you with before and after photos for the procedures you would like to undergo. By doing this you can see for yourself the kind of quality to expect. For more information on how to choose a cosmetic dentist you can refer to the following article published on AOL by Daniel Solin under Retirement, Healthcare and More.
If you are located in the Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, or Kansas City area and you would like to improve your smile for any reason, contact us to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation.
We provide the following cosmetic procedures:
- Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Teeth Whitening
- Gumline Recontouring
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Inlays, Onlays and Crowns
Tooth Colored Fillings
Amalgam fillings, sometimes referred to as silver fillings, were the most commonly placed fillings. The amalgam was considered the material of choice in the early stages of dentistry (in the 50 and 60) because it was inexpensive, ease to place, and has longevity. Metal fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes, therefore there is a risk for cracking and breaking the teeth. New conservative treatments like tooth color fillings, referred as composite fillings, or porcelain bonded restorations, not only improve the appearance of the teeth but also strengthen them. Using resin instead of porcelain restorations saves time and money, however there are disadvantages with resins. They are not as strong as porcelain and require repairs every few years.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening involve the use of peroxide-based materials to whiten teeth. At Enchanted Smiles we use take-home whitening kit that consists of a custom mouth tray, professional-strength bleaching material and simple, easy-to-follow instructions. It is a very popular technique because you can control and achieve your own desired whiteness. You can also use the tray to “touch-up” your teeth again and again, enhancing your bright, beautiful smile.
Gumline Recontouring
If your front teeth appear short or small being covered by the excess gum, or if the upper lip comes high when you smile giving the imagine of a “gummy smile”, Dr. Caracioni uses a soft tissue laser for minimally invasive gum lifts.
Also, an uneven gum-line can make the teeth appear to have different lengths, which takes away from the appearance of an attractive smile.
The dental laser gently removes excess soft tissue, sealing the gums as it goes, so no sutures are required. Many patients are amazed by the big, beautiful smile that a gum lift reveals. And with soft tissue laser therapy, little to no recovery time is to be expected.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are an excellent cosmetic solution for teeth that are stained, chipped or slightly misaligned.
Veneers can be used to:
- whiten permanently stained or discolored teeth,
- close the spaces between the teeth,
- fix misshaped or crooked teeth
- sometimes, in minimal cases, as a solution for instant orthodontics.
Made from fine, layered porcelain, veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are bonded on the front of the anterior teeth. Even though the veneers are only 0.5mm in thickness they are very strong once bonded to the teeth. Since porcelain is a ceramic, and therefore glass-like, its surface is extremely smooth and resistant to permanent stains. Another characteristic of the porcelain veneers is that the veneers are translucent which gives them the “natural“ appearance with the strength, beauty and durability that only porcelain restorations can afford.
Only an examination by your dentist can determine if porcelain veneers are an
appropriate option for yo ur desired treatment. Even if you find out that porcelain
veneers are not appropriate for your circumstances, your dentist will most likely be able to suggest other treatment options that are suitable.
Inlay, Onlay and Crowns
Inlays, onlays or dental crowns restore structurally compromised teeth to full function, durability and beauty.
When a filling is too small to correct a decay and a crown would be excessive, an inlay or an onlay may be appropriate. Inlays and onlays are made of porcelain or resin materials. An inlay is similar to a filling for a cavity, but has the advantage of being fabricated in a professional dental laboratory, therefore it is stronger, more stable and mimics the natural look of a tooth better than a regular filling. An onlay extends out to one or more cusps of the tooth.
Dental crowns may be indicated when a tooth is cracked or fractured, after the root canal therapy, as part of bridges, or when a tooth has more filling material than
sound tooth structure.
There are several types of crowns:
Gold crowns are very strong and durable but because they are gold, they are not considered optimal aesthetically.
Porcelain fused-to-metal has a metal substructure, that over time becomes noticeable as a “dark line” at the gumline. Their shade is also opaque.
Porcelain crowns are the most esthetic crowns. They transmit light better and therefore have a more translucent appearance giving a natural, esthetic look. They are also extremely durable and resistant. |
