Bonding
Bonding is a procedure normally used to repair imperfections and minor chips on front teeth. It’s also commonly used to fill in the gaps between teeth. For larger cracks and crooked or misaligned teeth, porcelain veneers or Invisalign (invisible braces) are usually used. When bonding is applied the material used is what dentists use for white or composite fillings. The bonding material can be matched to the color of your teeth and shaped to correct whatever the problem may be. This procedure can usually be completed in one appointment, and anesthesia is rarely needed.
White Composite Fillings
Do you feel self-conscious about your old tarnished silver fillings? Do you cover your mouth when you laugh so no one notices them? Did you know that after several years, old amalgam silver fillings can crack your teeth creating a weak tooth structure? There is no reason to continue living with old silver fillings when you can have natural looking white fillings instead. Composites fillings are made with high-tech plastic material very closely matching natural teeth. A single “Direct Composite” filling can be done in just one visit to your dentist at South St Louis Dental Group and are perfect for small restorations.
Veneers and Porcelain Veneers
A veneer by definition is a thin sheet of material bonded to another material. In the case of dentistry, the thin material is either plastic or porcelain bonded to the surface of a cosmetically imperfect tooth. The tooth may be discolored, have fractures, show signs of wear, be the wrong size or shape, or be imperfect for a number of other reasons. The veneer covers the imperfection, making the tooth, or teeth look more esthetically pleasing.
Porcelain veneers are fabricated out of the mouth and then bonded to the teeth. Porcelain veneers can be thin allowing for a maximum amount of natural tooth preservation. However, if significant discoloration of the existing tooth exists, a thicker veneer might be required to hide the defect. Porcelain by nature has translucent properties which gives it a toothlike appearance and depth.
Crowns
Crowns are meant to protect the part of the tooth that is seen above the gum line and are often used to replace a significant amount of decayed tooth structure. They are intended to strengthen the tooth, enhance its appearance, secure a bridge, or complete a dental implant. Crowns are made of different substances such as porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, metal or resin. We can help you decide which type of crown would be best for your restoration.
Many people are interested in whitening or brightening their smile. We offer both in office and take-home options.
Custom Trays
With this option, impressions are taken to fit your mouth, and whitening trays are custom made in our on-site lab. Our staff verifies the fit of the trays and demonstrates how to load the tray with whitening agent. Custom whitening trays allow the user to whiten their teeth at their own pace. It also gives the user the ability to touch up the whiteness or brightness of their smile before special occasions.
In-Office Whitening
This is a quick 20-minute procedure that can easily be coordinated with your next dental visit. Our in-office whitening combines a medical grade whitening gel with a light source which helps to activate the gel. This is good option for instant gratification.
We provide emergency phone consultation services after working hours and on weekends. Call us at our office (314) 752-7468