Tag Archives: Veneers

Which Cosmetic Dental Procedure Will Improve Your Smile? | Indianapolis Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns, Dental Health, Dental Implants, dental implants, general dentistry, General Health, implant dentistry, Oral Care, Oral Health, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Smile Makeover, Teeth Crowding, Teeth Whitening, Veneers, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
teeth whitening

When the time comes for a new smile, there are loads of procedures available to repair whatever condition your smile is in. All you need to get started is a dental appointment. Once you’re there, you can discuss the various dental procedures available to you depending on your particular case. Here are the common cosmetic procedures and how they can improve your smile.

Teeth whitening. Everyone’s teeth get discolored or stained from time to time. 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.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile.  Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry? | Indianapolis Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns, Dental Health, dental implants, Dental Implants, general dentistry, General Health, implant dentistry, Oral Care, Oral Health, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Smile Makeover, Teeth, Teeth Whitening, Veneers, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
cosmetic dentistry

We know that the dentist will keep our smiles healthy, but they are also here to improve your smile through the use of cosmetic dentistry. But what exactly is cosmetic dentistry and how does it benefit you and your smile? Let’s take a second to break down the various procedures and how they can improve your smile. Common cosmetic procedures include the following:

  • Composite white fillings repair cavities without having silver filling in the mouth. Existing metal fillings can be replaced with modern white resin
  • Bonding uses composite resin to help change the size, shape, or color of teeth. Because it attaches to teeth in the same way that composite fillings attach, bonding can be used to fix chips on visible front teeth.
  • Teeth that are discolored or stained can be whitened – either in the office or using take-home trays
  • Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain on top of the tooth that can be used to change tooth shape, size, or color.
  • Crowns can be used as a cap on top of teeth damaged by cracks or decay
  • Orthodontics – either traditional or Invisalign – can be used to permanently straighten teeth.
  • Gum tissue can be surgically altered – either added via grafts to help with recession, or removed to create a more appealing tooth length
  • For missing, broken, or severely damaged teeth, full implants can be used to provide a replacement tooth

Because modern dentists have implants as a final catchall, virtually any problem can be solved given enough time and room in the patient’s budget. However, your dentist will be able to guide you through the process, creating a treatment plan that maps the various procedures and prioritizes them for maximum effectiveness.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile.  Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Digital Imaging to Improve Your Dental Visit | Indianapolis Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns, Dental Health, dental implants, Dental Implants, general dentistry, implant dentistry, Oral Care, Oral Health, porcelain veneers, Smile Makeover, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
cosmetic dentistry

Computer digital imaging is nothing new, however it’s use has been used more frequently for everyday patient examinations. Simplicity, predictability and accuracy are the key components defining successful computer imaging, technology and it’s use. Software systems in the past have been known to be difficult and time consuming.

So, what is the solution to this dilemma? Improve the patient experience through the use of pictures. Why do we have pictures? Because, according to the adage “pictures are worth a thousand words”. In fact, it comes in so handy because a dental professional can give their patients a visual about what the treatment options will result in.

Is a patient more apt to accept aesthetic treatment when they can visualize themselves with an end result before they commit to it? The answer is yes. ‘Outside of the credentials of the doctor and staff and the comfort you felt with them, what was the most significant factor in deciding to have your smile makeover done?’ The response was resounding – being able to see themselves with a new smile before it was ever done. In addition, the digital imaging can be used as a communication tool to the surgeon, with the use of a visual aid.

Evaluating a patient’s smile to determine discrepancies in length to width ratios, buccal corridor deficiencies, gingival height and balance all affect the realism of a computer-generated image but also the end clinical result. Computer digital imaging is an integral part of a successful cosmetic dental practice. It is the most visually important method of communication to our patients in establishing the aesthetic possibilities for them.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile.  Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Choosing the Perfect Smile | Indianapolis Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, general dentistry, General Health, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Smile Makeover, Veneers, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s a new year and a new you. That’s what they tell you anyway. When you think about being that new person, what improvements are you making? Are they physical ones? Do you ever stop to consider improving your smile? Many of us know someone with a great smile, but most of us have imperfections that need improvements. Veneers may be the ideal solution to repair your dental imperfections. They are thin, semi-translucent laminate that are bonded to change the shape and color of your teeth. Yes, you and your dental professional will design your smile to look as natural as possible. No one will notice a thing.

There are two types of veneers – composite resin and porcelain. Surprised? It’s true. But which do you choose? Let’s break down the two options. This way, when you go to your dentist for a consultation, you will have a general understanding of what you’re getting into and can have some questions for your appointment.

Composite:

  • Last about 4-8 years with proper maintenance
  • Made of high-quality reinforced plastic. Given today’s high-end technology these veneers look and feel very good, but under pressure they can damage quite easily.
  • Have a porous surface, which can affect their look after years of use
  • Stain more easily. Often needing whitening treatments to maintain their appearance.
  • Chip easily

Porcelain:

  • Porcelain veneers on the other hand last up to 25 years and do not require as much maintenance
  • Made of high-quality porcelain, natural in color and more resistant
  • Maintain strength and appearance over several decades
  • Do not stain because of the non-porous material

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to maintain a healthy smile.  Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

Just the Facts: Porcelain Veneers Edition | Indianapolis Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, general dentistry, Oral Health, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Teeth, Teeth Whitening, Veneers, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dental work has been known to be rather dicey in the past, but today’s technology has given the option to have it done without anyone noticing with natural-looking materials. Porcelain veneers are considered among the most beautiful and natural-looking means of improving one’s smile. Many people know how aesthetically beneficial these veneers are, but there’s more than meets the eye. Below are a few must know facts about porcelain veneers:

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, but the decision will be based on a number of factors, including the patient’s smile goals, a patient’s smile, how they speak and their budget.

Cosmetic dentists will have to remove around 0.5 mm of the tooth’s original enamel, making them 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.

While porcelain is a very strong and durable material, but you’ll be making a few necessary changes to one’s lifestyle and diet to prevent damaging the veneer. The use of mouth guards when playing contact sports is also highly recommended.

Porcelain veneers can last for as long as twenty years, but gum line shrinkage may require for the veneer to be removed or replaced.

Porcelain veneers can withstand stains, but the surrounding teeth cannot, so periodic teeth whitening treatments and good oral hygiene at home make sure that the veneers stay natural-looking.

Visit Dr. Kirtley today and schedule an appointment to find out what kind of treatment your teeth needs to be healthier and to look better.  Call 317-841-1111 or www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Dr. George Kirtley proudly serves Indianapolis and all surrounding areas.

The Five Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry, , ,

cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is what’s often used to refer to mostly elective dental work done to improve the appearance of one’s smile. However, even though cosmetic dental procedures primarily focus on aesthetics, the treatment can also provide certain functional and restorative benefits.

The different types of cosmetic dental procedures can range from simple, single-visit treatments to more complex and involved treatments.

  1. Inlays and Onlays – Also referred to as indirect fillings, these are made in a dental laboratory using composite resin material and are attached to the teeth by dentists using adhesive dental cement. These are used to treat and strengthen the structural integrity of teeth, restore their natural shape and avoid any further damage from mild to moderate decay, especially when a tooth can no longer support a filling. Inlays are placed directly onto the tooth’s surface if the tooth cusps are not damaged. However, when there’s too much damage to the tooth’s cusp or the tooth itself, onlays are instead used to cover its entire surface.
  1. Composite Bonding – Composite bonding refers to the cosmetic dental technique that utilizes dental material resembling the color of tooth enamel to restore the appearance of discolored teeth. Dentists can also use the same material to repair badly damaged or decayed teeth. Also referred to as bonding, the technique is capable of covering much of the damage to the tooth and make it look as good as new. Cheap and very effective, bonding is one of the best treatment methods available for those with decayed, chipped, cracked or worn-out teeth.
  1. Dental Veneers – Made from medical-grade ceramic, dental veneers are custom made dental appliances that perfectly resembles a patient’s natural teeth. It is very hard to tell dental veneers from the real thing and it can be used to treat various aesthetic issues, including crooked and cracked teeth, damaged enamel and even tooth gaps.
  1. Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that aims to restore the teeth to their natural appearance, or in some cases, make them look a shade lighter than they originally do. This is often only recommended for teeth that have been rid of plaque, tartar and other debris via other non-cosmetic and conventional dental procedures.
  1. Dental Implants – Used to replace teeth after tooth loss, dental implants are inserted into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth via a small titanium screw. Then, it is given time to heal and fuse with the bone to make sure that they’re permanently secured in place. Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures, dental implants are used mainly for their functional and health benefits.

Make an appointment today to get a beautiful smile by calling 317-841-1111. Or visit the website at www.smilesbygeorge.com.

When Your Smile Needs a Makeover | Indianapolis Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns, dental implants, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Smile Makeover, Veneers, , , , , , , , , , , ,

multiple-smilesIs your smile everything you want it to be? Do you have some teeth that could use a fix or two? If you have some flaws to your smile that make you feel self-conscious, it may be time for a smile makeover. These days, there are lots of ways to improve it with bonding and porcelain veneers.

Both bonding and porcelain veneers have similarities. They both are used to cover dental imperfections. However, the procedures are quite different and we will break them both down so you have a better idea of what you’d prefer. A consultation with your dental professional will be the best option in order to get a treatment program into place.

Dental bonding uses a smooth tooth-colored solution that is applied to the flawed teeth. Various uses, bonding your teeth can remedy anything from covering stains, to covering up small chips and gaps. After the dental bonding solution has been applied and shaped, it is hardened by using a specialized dental light. Once dried and cured, additional layers may be applied in order to create a more natural look, then polished. Bonding is used on patients who need one or two teeth corrected.

When it comes to veneers, they are created differently. Your new teeth will be fabricated from a solid piece of porcelain. While bonding is applied to your actual teeth, veneers fit over the front and underside of your tooth, covering it completely. They are used for multiple reasons, especially when it comes to lengthening or widening teeth to close gaps or fill in chips. While bonding is best for simple small fixes, porcelain veneers are generally used for patients who have several cosmetic problems or want their entire set of front facing teeth made over. Modern porcelain veneers tend to last many years, are easy to maintain afterwards, look incredibly natural, and offer a stronger alternative to other cosmetic options. While veneers and bonding are cosmetic procedures used to treat similar problems, veneers may be a better alternative in cases where the patient wants to adjust the size or shape of the tooth.

A crown is a functional covering that dentists put over a damaged or decayed tooth or teeth after the dentist has removed the defective area. A dental crown can be used to strengthen a tooth, improve appearance and can be placed on top of a dental implant. With advancements in dental technology like the CEREC system, you can get all of this done in one day. The obvious advantage of this is that it saves you lots of time. Another advantage of the CEREC technology is precision. The scanner the dentist uses takes excellent 3D images of your jawline and the computer the dentist uses takes excellent images of the area for the crown. With such good information, your dentist has less healthy tooth structure to remove when preparing the tooth or teeth for a crown than with the traditional method. Unlike a porcelain veneer, these one day crowns are made with an enamel-like material. No metal is used. For this reason, X-rays can see through these crowns in a day and detect cavities easily.

A dental consultation is necessary to find out more about your smile makeover options and to coordinate a dental treatment plan. So ask about your options. Your smile will be gleaming very soon.

For more information on smile makeovers and/or 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.

Can a Smile Makeover Be the Answer? | Indianapolis Dentist

Bridges, Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns, dental implants, Dental Implants, implant dentistry, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, Restorative Dentistry, Smile Makeover, Veneers, , , , , , , ,

multiple-smilesYour smile is typically the first thing that people will notice about your appearance, whether good or not so good. The term smile makeover usually refers to the combination of certain dental procedures to give someone a flawless smile. Dr. Kirtley takes a unique approach to each patients smile goals and needs, recommending options that are in their best interest.   Whether your teeth are broken, chipped, missing, discolored, or otherwise damaged, Dr. Kirtley can restore your smile.

Smile makeovers can address a broad range of aesthetic flaws. These issues include:

  • Discoloration of the teeth
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Eroded, misshapen, or disproportionately sized teeth
  • “Gummy” smiles
  • An uneven gum line
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Slightly crooked teeth

Dental bonding uses a smooth tooth-colored solution that is applied to the flawed teeth. Various uses, bonding your teeth can remedy anything from covering stains, to covering up small chips and gaps. After the dental bonding solution has been applied and shaped, it is hardened by using a specialized dental light. Once dried and cured, additional layers may be applied in order to create a more natural look, then polished. Bonding is used on patients who need one or two teeth corrected.

When it comes to veneers, they are created differently. While bonding is applied to your actual teeth, veneers fit over the front and underside of your tooth, covering it completely. They are used for multiple reasons, especially when it comes to lengthening or widening teeth to close gaps or fill in chips. While bonding is best for simple small fixes, porcelain veneers are generally used for patients who have several cosmetic problems or want their entire set of front facing teeth made over. Modern porcelain veneers tend to last many years, are easy to maintain afterwards, look incredibly natural, and offer a stronger alternative to other cosmetic options.

A crown is a functional covering that dentists put over a damaged or decayed tooth or teeth after the dentist has removed the defective area. A dental crown can be used to strengthen a tooth, improve appearance and can be placed on top of a dental implant. With advancements in dental technology like the CEREC system, you can get all of this done in one day. The obvious advantage of this is that it saves you lots of time. Another advantage of the CEREC technology is precision. The scanner the dentist uses takes excellent 3D images of your jawline and the computer the dentist uses takes excellent images of the area for the crown. With such good information, your dentist has less healthy tooth structure to remove when preparing the tooth or teeth for a crown than with the traditional method. Unlike a porcelain veneer, these one day crowns are made with an enamel-like material. No metal is used. For this reason, X-rays can see through these crowns and detect cavities easily.

Smile makeover are designed to enhance or even transform your self-image by giving you a brighter and more youthful smile, making your teeth look and function better through cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. Keep in mind the primary focus of a smile makeover is to improve the appearance of your smile rather than the health of your mouth. Therefore, if you have underlying oral health issues, they will need to be addressed before your makeover can begin. Dr. Kirtley can of course help you reach all your dental goals.

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 Indianapolis, Spring Hill, Beech Grove, Wynndale, Speedway, Rocky Ripple, Warren Park and all surrounding areas.

Which Brand of Veneers Is Right for Me? | Indianapolis Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, porcelain veneers, Veneers, , , , , ,

177406608Have you ever met someone with a beautiful smile that didn’t want to show it off? Chances are you haven’t. And why would they? There’s just no reason to hide their beautiful smiles. But what if you don’t have that beautiful smile? Those of us who have to deal with chips, discoloration, misalignment and other complications, smiling can be a bittersweet experience. 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.

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. They are 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. Here is a brief description of all three versions:

  • 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”.

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.

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 proudly serves Indianapolis, Spring Hill, Beach Grove, Wynndale, Speedway, Rocky Ripple and Warren Park.

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

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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.