Cosmetic Dentistry: Common Problems and Solutions
Dr. Derek Tieken specializes in cosmetic dentistry, offering several cosmetic dentistry treatments. We work with many patients from League City, Seabrook, Webster and Kemah, Texas. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!
Dull colored, stained, or discolored teeth:
Before
After
Coffee, tobacco, wine, poor oral hygiene, and more can lead to stained, unattractive teeth.
Sapphire Smile Whitening System - With the Sapphire system, Dr. Tieken can whiten teeth by eight to ten shades usually in one hour! Dr. Tieken will apply a special gel to your teeth and cure the gel with a special light to create your brilliant, whiter smile.
Porcelain Veneers - Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.
Lumineers - The conventional process of applying veneers generally involves shaving away a significant portion of the tooth, and requires an anesthetic shot to numb the resulting pain. Because Lumineers are as thin as a contact lens, their application requires little to no tooth reduction, and no anesthetic is necessary. Lumineers are bonded to your teeth and set in place with a curing light. Because the process is less invasive than with traditional veneers, Lumineers patients find that they immediately enjoy their new smiles without any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity.
Crowns - Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay. They are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
Unsightly gaps between teeth:
Before
After
Gaps are usually caused by missing teeth, teeth that are too small for the jaw, or tooth decay and neglect over time. Porcelain veneers were used to close gaps & reshaped teeth.
Solutions for gaps in the teeth:
Porcelain Veneers - Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.
Lumineers - The conventional process of applying veneers generally involves shaving away a significant portion of the tooth, and requires an anesthetic shot to numb the resulting pain. Because Lumineers are as thin as a contact lens, their application requires little to no tooth reduction, and no anesthetic is necessary. Lumineers are bonded to your teeth and set in place with a curing light. Because the process is less invasive than with traditional veneers, Lumineers patients find that they immediately enjoy their new smiles without any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity.
Invisalign - Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted — without braces. Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Tieken has prescribed. otal treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
Bridges - A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support. The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it's very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.
Old, worn dentures:
Upper
Lower
If your current dentures are badly stained, no longer fit properly, or are showing signs of wear and tear, it may be time to replace them
Solution for old, worn dentures:
Cosmetic Dentures - New cosmetic dentures are designed to match the color of your existing teeth and enhance your smile. You’ll also gain self-confidence with your new smile!
Porcelain Veneers
Chipped teeth:
Before
After
A chipped tooth can be caused by an injury or may just be a natural occurrence from waring out your teeth over time.
Porcelain Veneers - Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.
Lumineers - The conventional process of applying veneers generally involves shaving away a significant portion of the tooth, and requires an anesthetic shot to numb the resulting pain. Because Lumineers are as thin as a contact lens, their application requires little to no tooth reduction, and no anesthetic is necessary. Lumineers are bonded to your teeth and set in place with a curing light. Because the process is less invasive than with traditional veneers, Lumineers patients find that they immediately enjoy their new smiles without any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity.
Bonding - During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth. Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers.
CEREC - CEREC is a technology for restoring damaged teeth, and this restoration can be completed in a single visit to the doctor's office. The restoration is metal-free and the high-grade ceramic material is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. During the procedure, the doctor will apply a thin layer of reflective powder onto your tooth and will use a special camera to take a photo of your tooth. Using Computer Aided Design, the photo serves as a "map" to design your tooth's restoration. Then, CEREC will use a diamond bur and disk-work to create your restoration piece out of ceramic. Finally, the ceramic restoration is bonded to your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.
Crowns - Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay. They are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
Teeth that are too small or large in proportion to rest of the mouth
Before
After
Solutions for correct proportion:
Porcelain Veneers - Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.
Lumineers - The conventional process of applying veneers generally involves shaving away a significant portion of the tooth, and requires an anesthetic shot to numb the resulting pain. Because Lumineers are as thin as a contact lens, their application requires little to no tooth reduction, and no anesthetic is necessary. Lumineers are bonded to your teeth and set in place with a curing light. Because the process is less invasive than with traditional veneers, Lumineers patients find that they immediately enjoy their new smiles without any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity.
Crowns - Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay. They are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
Bonding - During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth. Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers.
Crooked, misaligned, or overlapping teeth
Before
After
Solutions for crooked or misaligned teeth:
Porcelain Veneers - Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.
Lumineers - The conventional process of applying veneers generally involves shaving away a significant portion of the tooth, and requires an anesthetic shot to numb the resulting pain. Because Lumineers are as thin as a contact lens, their application requires little to no tooth reduction, and no anesthetic is necessary. Lumineers are bonded to your teeth and set in place with a curing light. Because the process is less invasive than with traditional veneers, Lumineers patients find that they immediately enjoy their new smiles without any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity.
Invisalign - Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted — without braces. Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Tieken has prescribed. otal treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
Worn teeth:
Before
After
Teeth shorten and wear over time with our day-to-day life! You don’t have to suffer from worn teeth! Confirmed bite and restored all teeth with all porcelain bridgework, veneers & crowns.
Porcelain Veneers - Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.
Lumineers - The conventional process of applying veneers generally involves shaving away a significant portion of the tooth, and requires an anesthetic shot to numb the resulting pain. Because Lumineers are as thin as a contact lens, their application requires little to no tooth reduction, and no anesthetic is necessary. Lumineers are bonded to your teeth and set in place with a curing light. Because the process is less invasive than with traditional veneers, Lumineers patients find that they immediately enjoy their new smiles without any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity.
Crowns - Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay. They are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
CEREC - CEREC is a technology for restoring damaged teeth, and this restoration can be completed in a single visit to the doctor's office. The restoration is metal-free and the high-grade ceramic material is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. During the procedure, the doctor will apply a thin layer of reflective powder onto your tooth and will use a special camera to take a photo of your tooth. Using Computer Aided Design, the photo serves as a "map" to design your tooth's restoration. Then, CEREC will use a diamond bur and disk-work to create your restoration piece out of ceramic. Finally, the ceramic restoration is bonded to your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.
Bonding - During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth. Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers.
Badly decayed teeth:
Before
After
Poor oral hygiene can affect your appearance as well as your overall health. It is important to maintain the health of your teeth and ensure that you have a healthy bite for years to come.
Crowns - Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay. They are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
CEREC - CEREC is a technology for restoring damaged teeth, and this restoration can be completed in a single visit to the doctor's office. The restoration is metal-free and the high-grade ceramic material is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. During the procedure, the doctor will apply a thin layer of reflective powder onto your tooth and will use a special camera to take a photo of your tooth. Using Computer Aided Design, the photo serves as a "map" to design your tooth's restoration. Then, CEREC will use a diamond bur and disk-work to create your restoration piece out of ceramic. Finally, the ceramic restoration is bonded to your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.
Implants- An implant is a "new tooth" made of steel and porcelain that mimics a natural tooth's root and crown. The implant's "root" is a titanium steel rod placed into the jaw bone to act as a root. Once the rod is in place, a porcelain crown is attached to replace the top part (crown) of your tooth. Implants also benefit you because they help give you a more natural looking smile! Placing of implants can sometimes require more than one visit to the dentist, but the results will last a lifetime!
Porcelain Veneers - Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.
Fractured or cracked teeth:
Before
After
With typical wear over time and also with injury, fractured and cracked teeth are possible. A fractured or cracked tooth can be very painful, and without proper care, could also lead to future problems with your bite and oral health. Patients teeth can be restored back to original shape & even better by using porcelain veneers.
Solutions for a fractured or cracked tooth:
Crowns - Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay. They are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
Lumineers - The conventional process of applying veneers generally involves shaving away a significant portion of the tooth, and requires an anesthetic shot to numb the resulting pain. Because Lumineers are as thin as a contact lens, their application requires little to no tooth reduction, and no anesthetic is necessary. Lumineers are bonded to your teeth and set in place with a curing light. Because the process is less invasive than with traditional veneers, Lumineers patients find that they immediately enjoy their new smiles without any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity.
Porcelain Veneers - Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.
Bonding - During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth. Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers.
Unattractive Smile:
Before
After
Your smile is one of the most important aspects of your appearance. With the advent of new aesthetic dental treatments, a stunning, memorable smile is now easily within your reach!
Cosmetic Imaging - Dr. Tieken understands that you are excited about the prospect of a new smile! We are, too! To show you how your new smile can take shape, Dr. Tieken uses Dentrix - a cosmetic imaging system that allows you to see your new smile before you have it! With this system, Dr. Tieken can show you what procedures he can use to increase your smile design!
Combination of cosmetic procedures - Using cutting-edge techniques and advanced materials, our office proudly offers you a beautiful, natural smile and all the benefits that come with it. You will look and feel better because a beautiful smile is a healthy smile. Visit Dr. Tieken to discuss your smile makeover and the recommended treatments he can provide.
Gummy Smile:
Before
After
If the shape or fullness of your gums is a problem, the contours and shape of the gums can often be changed, providing a more pleasing appearance and protecting the health of your teeth. Laser gum sculpting was performed with porcelain veneers to provide an improved smile.
Gum Contouring - Using lasers, we can shape the gum precisely while minimizing bleeding. In some cases, synthetic bone can be added under the gums to build back areas where trauma or gum disease has caused unsightly problems.
Porcelain Veneers - Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their lifelike tooth appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.
Protecting and strengthening teeth:
Over time, without proper hygiene, your teeth lose their strength and decay. If you have deep decay in your tooth, it is recommended that you receive care in order to maintain your future oral health and your appearance.
Solutions for protecting and strengthening teeth:
Crowns - Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay. They are "caps" cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
Bonding - During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth. Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers.
Missing tooth or teeth:
A missing tooth or teeth can seriously affect your overall oral health. Missing teeth can lead to malocclusions, or a "bad bite." If this becomes the case, you may need to further the amount of treatment in order to maintain your oral health. There are many procedures that can help maintain a proper bite and oral health.
Bridges - A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support. The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it's very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.
Implants
Cosmetic Dentures - New cosmetic dentures are designed to match the color of your existing teeth and enhance your smile. You’ll also gain self-confidence with your new smile!
