Cosmetic Dentistry

Northwest Chicago Dental Associates

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

cosmetic-dentistry

Many are concerned with the shape, placement, size or color of their teeth, shying away from smiling or speaking because of their anxieties. Through one or more of the procedures below, you can start to show off that smile, rather than hide it away.

Many people don’t realize this, but the upper teeth most often show only when smiling, while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show.

Cosmetic Dentistry is anything done to correct imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to give a stunning look to the mouth. We offer a wide variety of cosmetic options, all detailed below:



cosmetic-procedures-whiteningWHITENING – INCLUDING ZOOM!

Looking for a whiter, more attractive smile? Our office uses several methods: Zoom!, passive tray whitening, and professional strength white strips.

“Zoom!”

“Zoom!” is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It’s safe, effective and fast — very fast! In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter.

The convenience of “Zoom!”, in comparison to days of using strips or wearing trays, makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual. The Zoom! Whitening procedure is simple:

We start with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums.

  • The clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! whitening gel, and activates this with a specially designed light.
  • A fluoride treatment completes the procedure.

You’ll be amazed with the results. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more.

In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure. Trays with gel are recommended afterward for maximum whitening and maintenance.



cosmetic-procedures-veneersVENEERS

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

Often referred to as “bonding”, the direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using a bonding material.

The indirect technique typically requires two appointments, allowing the veneers to be fabricated at a dental laboratory. Laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.

Procedure:

  • At the first appointment, the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering.
  • In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.



cosmetic-procedures-invisalignINVISALIGN

Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible custom-molded aligners. These straighten your teeth, with results you’ll notice sooner than you think.

The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position step by step to reach a more beautiful smile. Unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual.

Have a question? Wish to schedule an appointment? We’d love to hear from you!