Tag Archives: Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile Makeovers: Are They for You?

479328903Modern cosmetic dentistry has advanced to the point where we can completely overhaul our smile, sometimes in as little as one visit. But nowadays, cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for celebrities and the wealthy. Now there are a wide variety of options and price ranges, putting a fantastic smile within reach for many patients.

Traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on their appearance. From subtle changes to major oral surgery overhauls, there are a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can get a smile looking good as new, whether they are discolored, misshapen, chipped or missing.

So is cosmetic dentistry right for you? Let’s take a look at the various procedures possible:

Teeth whitening: Everyone’s teeth get discolored or stained from time to time. Our diet is filled with food that does the damage. Teeth whitening, or bleaching, can be done in a dentist’s office or at home with a system dispensed by the dentist.

Bonding: Life is full of accidental mishaps, sometimes those mishaps mess up our teeth. Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or gapped by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface, making them nearly impossible to distinguish.

Veneers: Another variation of the bonding technique are veneers. These are thin, custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth to disguise discoloration or imperfections.

Tooth reshaping: This procedure changes the actual look of your teeth by modifying or removing enamel, completely changing the look of your tooth. Tooth reshaping (also known as dental contouring) is often combined with bonding.

Crown lengthening: Sometimes it isn’t the teeth that are the issue, it’s the gums. This “gummy” smile or an uneven gum line can be fixed by removing excess gum tissue, exposing more of the tooth’s crown to give the appearance of longer teeth.

Smile makeovers: Deciding your smile needs an entire makeover involves a comprehensive assessment of the overall appearance of the teeth and smile. Typically, several cosmetic dentistry procedures are required to overhaul the look of a patient’s smile, but the results will be staggering.

As with all other cosmetic surgeries, your mouth also needs to be in fairly good health in order to have these dental procedures done. Strong healthy teeth are absolutely necessary in order for a cosmetic procedure to work. Many patients think they can walk in with existing problems (cavities, etc.) and walk out with a Hollywood smile. Sadly, that isn’t the case. To determine if you are a good candidate for cosmetic procedures, and to find out which cosmetic procedure will give you the lasting smile you desire, contact Dr. Kirtley today!

For more information on smile makeovers and to make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website dentalimplantsinindianapolis.com.

Dr. Kirtley gladly welcomes patients from Indianapolis, Spring Hill, Beech Grove, Wynndale, Speedway, Rocky Ripple, Warren Park and all surrounding areas.

Some Facts You Should Know About Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneerPorcelain veneers are considered among the most beautiful and natural-looking means of improving one’s smile. Many people know how esthetically beneficial these veneers are, but there are a lot more one should know about porcelain veneers.

For example, it’s important that you know if whether porcelain veneers will be placed on all your teeth, or just some of them.

Below is the answer to that question and a few must-know facts about porcelain veneers.

  • The number of teeth requiring porcelain veneers is a case-to-case basis. Though, most cosmetic dentists recommend only 8 to 10 veneers on top since the upper teeth are the ones that show the most when a person smiles. It is also not surprising for most patients to opt for porcelain veneers to be placed only on the upper teeth first, and then completing the lower when they’reUltimately, however, the decision will be based on a number of factors, including the patient’s smile goals, a patient’s smile and how he or she talks, as well as their overall budget.
  • To be placed, cosmetic dentists will have to remove around 0.5 mm of the tooth’s original enamel. For this very reason, porcelain veneers are considered an irreversible form of treatment.
  • The typical fabrication time for porcelain laminate veneers is one week, though this may be cut down considerably with CEREC.
  • Preparation and insertion or cementation of porcelain veneers rarely, if at all, requires the use of local anesthetic.
  • While porcelain is a very strong and durable material, it is brittle and once placed, dentists will recommend making a few necessary changes to one’s lifestyle and diet to prevent damaging the veneer. For example, chewing on hard food, such as nuts, bones and candies are discouraged. The same goes for habits such as clenching and biting one’s na The use of mouth guards when playing contact sports is also highly recommended.
  • Porcelain veneers can last for as long as twenty years. However, treatment for gum line shrinkage may require for the veneer to be removed and even replaced. Veneers may also have to be replaced if it breaks, though it can also only just be rebounded if it chips.
  • Porcelain veneers can withstand stains, but the surrounding teeth cannot. This is why it’s recommended to periodically receive teeth whitening treatment, on top of practicing good oral hygiene at home, to make sure that the veneers do not stand out should staining occur in the surrounding teeth.

 

Generally, having porcelain veneers placed on teeth is a pretty straightforward procedure.

Without CEREC, the whole procedure usually takes two visits, with the first being requires for the fitting and taking of measurements so that the porcelain veneers can be custom-made in a dental laboratory. However, with CEREC, the cosmetic dentist can finish the whole procedure in a single afternoon, so make sure to check in with your preferred dental professional if he or she uses CEREC for dental restorations.

If you’re interested in having your teeth whitened through porcelain veneers, choose only the most reputable cosmetic dentist in your area to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.

If you would like to transform your smile with the help of porcelain veneers, contact Dr. George Kirtley at 317-841-1111 to schedule a consultation today! Or visit www.smilesbygeorge.com for additional information.

Get The Smile You’ve Always Wanted With A Smile Makeover Treatment!

 

pearly whites

They say that first impressions last, and few, if any, makes more of an impression than your smile. This is why it’s important that your smile make as good of an impression as it can.

If you are, however, like most people, you’ve likely dreamt of having a better-looking smile, one that’s straighter, and preferably, whiter.

To get that smile, a process known as a smile makeover may just be what you need.

What Is A Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover is a process whose main goal is to improve the appearance of the smile through a combination of various cosmetic dentistry treatments or procedures. The list of treatments includes, but are not limited to, dental veneers, composite bonding, tooth implants and teeth whitening.

It is similar to a full mouth reconstruction where multiple procedures are involved. However, the two differ in that a smile makeover is elective, while a full mouth reconstruction is necessary.

Smile Makeovers and Your Life

Your smile is an investment whose benefits you’ll be reaping for the rest of your life, and this alone is reason enough to consider getting a smile makeover.

More than being a cosmetic procedure, though, a smile makeover carries a lot of functional and health benefits as well.

For example, those with malocclusions may find it hard to brush and floss their teeth, making them prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Correcting malocclusions through orthodontics can help solve that problem, as well as the other possible complications that come with malocclusion, such as speech impediments, accidental chipping and so on.

This is just one of the many benefits brought about by a smile makeover treatment, making it one of those things that you can do to help significantly change your life for the better!

Is It Worth It?

The fact that a smile makeover can make a huge positive impact on your life alone makes it worthy of, at least, consideration. However, making the choice is quite complicated because getting a smile makeover is far from cheap.

Cosmetic dental treatments alone are expensive enough, which makes it safe to say that a series of such treatments is bound to cost a lot – something that happens in a smile makeover. In fact, it would not come off as a surprise for patients to spend well over thousands of dollars just to get the smile they’ve always wanted.

Thus, this begs the question, is it worth it?

Well, you are the only one who can answer truly that question because you’re the one who’s wearing your smile. If you’re perfectly content with what you have, then good for you. However, if you’re like many others whose personal and professional life is and has been suffering because of how much trouble they have smiling, then you may want to really consider getting a smile makeover treatment.

Yes, a smile makeover is expensive, but as long as you see your smile as something that you’ll own and wear for the rest of your life, it should be easier for you to decide whether it is a worthy investment or not.

If you’re interested in transforming your pearly whites with a smile makeover, contact Dr. George Kirtley at 317-841-1111 to schedule a consultation today! Or visit www.smilesbygeorge.com for additional information.

Telling the Difference Between Lumineers, Da Vince Veneers and Mac Veneers

ThinkstockPhotos-146796980Have you ever found someone with a beautiful smile not smiling often? Chances are, you haven’t and it’s because there’s just no reason for them to hide their beautiful smiles. But, for those who aren’t exactly blessed with perfect teeth and have to deal with chips, discoloration, misalignment and other complications, smiling can be a bittersweet experience.

It’s good because it shows you’re happy and confident. But, it’s also a source of embarrassment, as your smile may not be as beautiful as you’d like it to be.

Fortunately, dental medicine offers plenty of solutions for those with imperfect smiles, with one of the most popular treatments of choice for adults being porcelain veneers.

What is a Porcelain Veneeer?

A porcelain veneer is a medical appliance that’s applied as a cosmetic dental treatment. It’s thin and made out of pieces of porcelain that’s shaped to fit on the front of the teeth.

Veneers are made to be strong and durable. They also have the added benefit of looking natural, custom-made to match both the shape and color of the patient’s teeth.

Now, deciding to have porcelain veneers isn’t the end of it all, because you also have to choose which brand you’re going to go for.

In total, there are three popular brands carried by most cosmetic dentists – Lumineers, Da Vince Veneers and Lumineers.

  • MAC Veneers – Exclusively produced by the Microdental laboratory in California, which also happens to be its inventors, MAC Veneers are made with pressed ceramics. This makes this particular brand different from others, which use layered ceramics.  MAC Veneers are also widely preferred by celebrities and athletes alike. This mainly due to the realistic and translucent appearance it creates, which it owes to how it’s able to add colors from the inside out using as many as 16 hues.
  • Da Vince Veneers – Fabricated at the Da Vince Laboratory in California, Da Vince Veneers are very thin and as a result are rarely noticeable. The brand has been around for over 25 hours and is the brand of choice in Extreme Makeover, a television program from ABC where individuals are given the chance to receive an all-expensive paid Hollywood makeover treatment.
  • Lumineers – This particular brand of veneers is made from a special patented cerinate porcelain that is both very durable and at the same time, very thin. It is so thin that it’s been compared to contact lenses. Lumineers are widely considered as the brand of choice for patients who’re looking to attain that “Bright, Hollywood smile”.

Making the Right Choice

As the consumer, it’s best that you do not get fixated on pursuing a single, particular brand. This is because there’s not a single brand that stands out from the others, as each one carries its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

When it comes to veneers, it’s best to listen to the assessment of your cosmetic dentist about what will benefit your esthetic goals best and what the best course of action is for long-lasting results.

As long as you’re working with a cosmetic dentist that you trust and has the credentials to warrant your trust, rest assured that esthetic goals will be met.

If you would like more information on these different types of veneers, contact Dr. George Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley welcomes patients from Spring Hill, Beach Grove and Warren Park.

Porcelain Veneers – A Minimally Invasive Way To Rebuild Your Smile!

ThinkstockPhotos-146796980

Gaps, stains, misshaped and crooked teeth are all something that we’re either born with or a result of trauma or injury, and all of them are easy to correct via dental medicine.

Veneers, for one, have long been known as one of the main options to solve each one of the said problems above. The knock on them, though, is that they’ve had a history of being an irreversible procedure since the procedure involves the removal of a certain amount of tooth enamel for the veneer to be placed.

Porcelain veneers help solve that problem by being much thinner, making it no longer absolutely necessary for tooth enamel to be altered.

How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?

In terms of placement, porcelain veneers are no different from the conventional, resin-type. Though, as mentioned earlier, porcelain veneers have the added benefit of needing a much smaller amount of the tooth’s surface to be removed for placement to be possible. In fact, there are cases where none of the tooth surface may have to be removed at all.

After this, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth, which then will be sent to a dental laboratory. The veneer is then custom-made, including aesthetic details to make sure that it blends well with the rest of the teeth.

Once the veneer is finished, it’s bonded to the tooth’s surface using a special type of cement.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Caring for porcelain veneers should be no different from how you take care of your own teeth.

Flossing once a day and brushing twice are still both important. Rinsing with mouthwash can also help remove additional food debris and plaque bacteria that flossing and brushing may have missed.

Disadvantages of Using Porlceian Veeners

Of course, porcelain veneers aren’t perfect and there are certain things that you’ll want to take note of, such as:

  • It is possible for your dentist to recommend that you stay away from certain stain-causing foods and beverages. This includes coffee, tea, red wine and so on.
  • Veneers usually chip or fracture much more easily than natural teeth, so they may not be recommended for those who habitually bite their nails or grind their teeth while they sleep. Though, in cases such as the latter, porcelain veneers may still be used, provided that the patient wears a night guard while they sleep to protect their teeth and veneer from damage.
  • Porcelain veneers can be very expensive, costing around $1,000 per tooth on average in the United States.

Improve Your Smile With Porcelain Veneers

Fixing mild to moderate tooth discolorations almost instantly, correcting minor misalignment issues, and re-shaping of misshapen teeth are just some of the few ways porcelain veneers can help you improve your smile. And, while it’s certainly not the cheapest dental treatment out there, many who’ve tried it will attest to how porcelain veneers are more than worth the investment.

Of course, no single dental treatment is universal, so if you’re considering veneers, you may want to have a lengthy discussion with your dentist first. This way, your dentist can tell you what options are available for your particular dental problem.

For more information regarding porcelain veneers, contact Dr. George Kirtley at 371-841-1111 or visit his website at www.smilesbygeorge.com to learn more about the services Dr. Kirtley offers.

Dr. George Kirtley welcome patients from Spring Hill, Beach Grove and Warren Park.

Two of the Best Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

teeth whitening

Some people are just born with much more yellowish teeth compared to others. That’s a fact. It’s also a known fact that our teeth also become yellow as we age. Though, there are also other factors affecting the color of our teeth, such as:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco.
  • Drinking certain beverages such as red wine, tea, coffee and others.
  • Eating cherries, blueberries and other highly pigmented types of food.
  • The hardening of plaque resulting from the lack of proper oral hygiene.

Whitening Your Teeth

Frequent dental cleanings can easily remove most of the stains caused by certain food, drinks and tobacco. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help remove such stains in between visits to the dentists. Though, if your stains have been present for years, simply cleaning and brushing just won’t cut it.

Stubborn stains will have to be removed either by bleaching, bonding or capping. All of these methods are considered by dental care experts as very safe and effective. However, it’s usually up to your dentist to determine which type of treatment is based on both the results you want to achieve and the current state of your teeth.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Bleaching requires the use of tooth-bleaching gels to oxidize out the stain and can be done either by the dentist or at home.

A common side effect during the process is for teeth to become slightly more sensitive than usual.

  • At-home whitening. This is usually the preferred method by many people since it’s much more convenient. This is done by letting your dentist take an impression of your teeth and making a custom-fitted tray. You’ll then have to fill the tray with whitening gel and wear it for two hours a day for as long as two weeks. If done correctly, at-home whitening can be a very effective teeth whitening solution.
  • In-office whitening. This type of procedure is done in the dentist’s office. Each visit takes somewhere around 30 minutes to one hour and multiple visits are usually required to achieve the desired results.

Of the two, in-office whitening is considered the most effective solution, but it’s also much more expensive.

Tooth Bonding

Bonding is another dental procedure that relies on the use of composite resins and porcelain/composite veneers to cover the surface of stained teeth. This procedure can help not just in whitening teeth, but also giving broken and misshapen teeth a better appearance.

There are generally two types of bonding techniques:

  • Composite bonding. In this procedure, the front teeth are usually reduced so that once the composite resin is bonded or fitted, the teeth will not look too bulky. The composite resin is carefully matched with the color and shape of the surrounding teeth, so you don’t have to worry about them standing out.
  • Veneer bonding. The process is generally the same with veneer bonding, but with minor differences. Though, the biggest difference between the two is that porcelain veneers are considered to be much more durable and may last for as long as 10 years.

Taking Care of Your Newly Whitened Teeth

Whether it’s been whitened in the office, or at home, or if you’ve had veneers or bonds, your teeth can and will stain over time. The best way to prevent that from happening is to avoid smoking, heavily colored foods and generally, practicing good oral hygiene, including frequent trips to the dentist.

 

In-Office and Home Teeth Whitening

teeth cleaning

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. This is why it’s important that you invest in them to make sure that they always leave a good, lasting impression.

Chances are, though, that your pearly whites aren’t exactly as white as you’d like them. This may have caused you to become conscious about them and as a result, your self-esteem has suffered because of this.

Now, while white teeth aren’t the only ingredients of a bright and radiant smile, they are one of the most important, which is exactly why you should take the time to learn about teeth whitening treatments.

Teeth Whitening Treatments

Generally, there are two types of teeth whitening treatments – home tooth whitening systems and in-office teeth whitening.

The former is widely considered as more popular because there are plenty of available tooth whitening systems out there that are easy to use and very cheap.

Even without the prescription or the supervision of a dentist, anyone can use over-the-counter teeth whitening products. The most common are paint-on tooth gel, mouth trays, whitening gum and toothpaste, as well as whitening strips.

Safety is very rarely an issue with these products as well, but if you’re having reservations, you can ask your dentist first.

In-office teeth whitening

Less popular compared to home tooth whitening systems, in-office teeth whitening is the preferred whitening method by most dental professionals. This is because these types of treatment are just much more effective and safer too.

Generally falling under the category of cosmetic dentistry, it’s important that you find a certified and experienced cosmetic dentist before you undergo such a treatment. Otherwise, you may just end up wasting your money.

Once you’ve found the right cosmetic dentist, the fun starts.

There are various ways dentists can professionally whiten your teeth, but what’s widely accepted as the most effective is the use of a buffer in the gel, which protects the tooth enamel from any kind of damage. The use of such a gel makes the procedure not only safe, but also very effective and has been known to transform teeth many shades lighter in just a single visit.

As effective as in-office teeth whitening treatments are, it does have its limits.

This type of treatment can only affect the front teeth, usually the eight that are most evident when you smile. But, still, eight much whiter teeth are still better than none at all and is a great way to jump start your whole teeth whitening program, something that you can or, rather, should continue at home.

Have a brighter smile today

While it is impossible for you to have a totally brighter smile immediately, you can at least rejoice in the fact that it will happen, so long as you work at it.

With your cosmetic dentist’s help and proper oral care, as well as the use of dentist recommended home whitening products, not only will you have whiter and better-looking teeth, but they’ll also be much healthier too.

Learn more about teeth whitening today by calling George Kirtley D.D.S. at 317-841-1111. Learn more about Dr. Kirtley by visiting his website at www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

Caring for your Implants | Cosmetic Dentist Indianapolis

177406608Receiving a dental implant(s) treatments isn’t the easiest procedure. There are many steps, visits and waiting time to go through the entire process correctly. You’ve put in a lot of time and money in to your new restorative, now how can you ensure they last a lifetime? Once you have your dental implants in place, you want to make sure they are taken care of properly.

Dr. Kirtley also wants to make sure your dental implant(s) are cared for properly as well! We’ve compiled a short list of easy steps to properly care for your new implant(s).

Proper care for your new implant(s):

-Brush and Floss twice a day – just like your regular teeth, implants need to be cleaned and flossed to prevent food particles from invading your gums and implant structure.

-Say no to Staining – dental implants can stain the same as normal teeth. Steer clear of smoking, coffee, tea, sodas and wine. Moderation is key.

-Mouthwash – special germicidal mouthwash is often prescribed by dentists for patients with dental implants. It helps reduce the risk of infection.

-Dental visits twice a year – regular dental visits are a part of normal dental hygiene; however this is especially true for people with dental implants. Your dental implants will need a thorough cleaning and plaque removal. Along with the cleaning, the condition of your gums, jaw and anchors will be checked.

Caring for restorations is just like caring for your natural teeth: brush, floss and maintain regular dental cleanings and check-ups, as scheduled. Easy, right? With proper care, your dental implants can last you a lifetime.

Contact Dr. George Kirtley for an appointment today for more information on implants at 317-841-1111 or generaldentistryindianapolis.com.

Dr. George Kirtley welcomes patients from Spring Hill, Beech Grove and Warren Park

Teeth Crowding Solutions | Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist

woman smileMany people have – or believe they have – problems with their teeth crowding that goes untreated. Crowding can be caused by a number of different factors, and knowing the actual cause may impact the treatment options. Crowding is the lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may be twisted or displaced. Crowding occurs when there is disharmony in the size or number of teeth to available jaw size.

One of the common causes of tooth crowding is natural occurrence – so called mesial drift phenomenon, where your front teeth drift slowly to the center of the mouth. In the past, some dentists believed this was caused by the presence of wisdom teeth, crowding the front teeth from the rear of the mouth, though in reality many of the problems are due to simple insufficient space for the number of teeth as adults grow.  Beyond mesial drift, other potential causes – such as weakened support due to periodontal disease, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting – can also influence teeth to move in directions that are undesirable, leading to misalignment and crowding issues. We see many adult patients who had relatively straight teeth as teenagers coming to correct new crowding that has developed, especially in the lower front teeth. It is still not completely understood why this happens, but we do know that presence of the wisdom teeth are not usually directly related.

Many see crowding as a cosmetic problem, the reality is that poorly aligned teeth are at an increased risk for periodontal disease, decay, and the patient is more likely to suffer from TMJ (jaw-joint) problems, as their irregular bite may cause strain on their jaw over time. For these reasons, fixing alignment should be considered more than simply a cosmetic procedure – correcting the alignment allows the patient to have better access to brush and floss, and their bite will be more level.

If you notice crowding in your front teeth, make a point of asking Dr. Kirtley about options during your next regular checkup. There are a number of treatments available, and treating the crowding early can help prevent more serious problems from developing in the future. Even if your concerns are simply cosmetic, we can work with you to ensure that your teeth will have the best chance for minimal movement in the future.

For more information on tooth crowding and to make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website dentalimplantsinindianapolis.com 

Dr. Kirtley gladly welcomes patients from Spring Hill, Beech Grove and Warren Park.

Is a Dental Implant for You? | Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist

tooth whiteningMany people are living with damaged teeth in form or another. Perhaps you are one of those people? Do you have a cracked tooth, a severe cavity or physical trauma to a tooth, stemming from an accident? With circumstances like these the chances are more than likely that your tooth may not be able to be saved. Modern dentistry has a number of options that look and feel like a natural tooth, and one of the most common solutions for teeth that can’t be saved is the dental implant.

What is a dental implant? A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge(perio.org), through a combination of procedures that work together to provide a prosthetic tooth for patients. The procedure for installing the implant is straightforward, but takes time.

Implants consist of three primary components:

– A titanium post screwed into the bone of the tooth socket

– A titanium extension post is attached to the screw base and provides a socket for the crown

– A dental crown – often porcelain – is attached to the middle titanium post

Once the damaged tooth is removed, the area will be allowed to heal. Once healed, the post is attached to the bone, and again the mouth is allowed to heal. During this time, a lightweight temporary crown will be placed (often using a retainer) to maintain the patient’s smile and protect the post. After the screw is healed in place, the new permanent crown is attached, and the patient has a new artificial tooth that looks exactly like the tooth it replaced.

Dental implants are a popular choice because they last a very long time, have a high success rate, can be used for treating a wide variety of serious problems, and provide a replacement tooth that is almost indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Dental implants are popular among patients because the implant looks and feels like a tooth, implants do not require special cleaning like bridges, and they do not need to be removed nightly like dentures.

Once the procedure is complete, the resulting implanted tooth will allow you to eat normally, speak normally, and will look and feel just like a natural tooth. The dental implant has a very high success rate. However, there are many variables, especially the timing between each step of the procedure, so be sure to talk to your dentist about specifics before you commit to the procedure.

Properly cared for dental implant can last for decades.  If you have a tooth that is damaged, or if you believe a dental implant may be right for you, ask your dentist about implants.

For more information on dental implants and to make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website dentalimplantsinindianapolis.com 

Dr. Kirtley gladly welcomes patients from Spring Hill, Beech Grove and Warren Park.