Cosmetic Procedures

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers or porcelain laminates, are wafer thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth to create a cosmetic improvement. Porcelain veneers have successfully improved smiles by making dark teeth look lighter and healthier looking, including making yellow teeth permanently whiter and gray tetracycline stained teeth look much more natural. Porcelain veneers can make crooked teeth look straight in just a few days. Veneers can help you look and feel more confident and have a wonderfully natural looking smile. Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea or even cigarette smoking. Veneers and laminates have a natural appeal to them and are brushed, flossed and treated just like natural teeth. You should not even know they are in you mouth as they become integrated into your natural tooth structure. Call us today for an appointment to talk with Dr. Schumm about how he can create a new smile for you with veneers.

At some point in your smile life, you may need a crown to cover a tooth to help restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance by using different materials. Crowns decrease physical discomfort in teeth, look completely natural, and offer extra support to those that are weak or damaged.A crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold the filling. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. It’s also used to cover a dental implant. There are many types of crowns, including ceramic porcelain, gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Porcelain fused to metal crowns, also known as caps, slide over teeth to hide misshapen, misalignment, cracks, discoloration, or other imperfections. Gold crowns are particularly suited to cases where patients have a tight bite or clench, because gold will more readily endure these conditions. Cosmetic crowns offer all of the protection of a crown, with the added benefit of a more natural presentation. Ceramic crowns offer a high-strength, all-ceramic, metal-free restoration. The new technology with an extraordinarily translucent zirconia framework, with custom colored porcelain overlay provides a highly aesthetic restoration. Dr. Schumm will recommend a specific type for your situation, and will discuss the benefits and differences of each so you can choose the best option.

A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth either side of the gap, and attaching artificial teeth to them. The “bridge” is then cemented into place. A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap — these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth — and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants. Bridges can:

• Restore your smile
• Restore the ability to properly chew and speak

 

• Maintain the shape of your face
• Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

There are three main types of dental bridges:

• Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
• Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
• Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) are made of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.

Call us today for an appointment to discuss with Dr. Schumm which bridge solution is right for you.

Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours. Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from daily oral hygiene and regular cleanings at your dentist’s office, but if you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your whitening options.The custom-made tray system that we offer delivers  superior results. Ask us for more information and to set an appointment to have your custom trays made with Dr. Schumm.

• At-home bleaching. Peroxide-containing whiteners actually bleach the tooth enamel. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a bleaching tray. Usage regimens vary. There are potential side effects, such as increased sensitivity or gum irritation. Share your concerns or questions with Dr. Schumm as you consider this option.
• Whitening toothpastes. All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not change the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.