Cosmetic dentistry in Brandon, FL

Problems veneers can fix

• Discolored or stained teeth
• Chipped, cracked or broken teeth
• Worn, uneven or misshapen teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Teeth that look crooked

What to expect

Veneers usually take two visits. At the first visit we examine your teeth, prepare them, and take impressions that go to a specialized dental lab. You wear comfortable temporary veneers while your custom set is made. At the second visit, we bond your new veneers in place.

Does experience matter?

Yes. Most dentists can place a veneer, but shaping, sizing and shading them so they look natural — especially across several teeth — takes practice. We are glad to talk through our approach with you before any work begins.

Reasons a crown may be the right choice

• To restore a broken or worn tooth
• To protect a weakened tooth from further damage
• To hold a cracked tooth together
• To cover and support a tooth with significant decay, or one that is mostly filling
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cover a severely discolored or misshapen tooth

What to expect

Crowns take two visits. At the first, we examine the tooth (a few x-rays may be needed), prepare it, and take an impression for the dental lab. You leave with a temporary crown that protects the tooth. At the second visit, we check the fit and your bite, then cement the permanent crown in place.

How it works

We prepare the tooth surface, apply a soft putty-like resin matched to your tooth color, and shape it — much like a sculptor working with clay. A special light hardens the material, and we polish it to blend in with the rest of the tooth.

What bonding can fix

• A chipped or broken tooth
• A small gap between teeth
• Discolored spots
• Slightly uneven or crooked-looking teeth
• Small areas of decay

Bonding or porcelain?

Bonding is a good, affordable fix for minor repairs. For larger problem areas, teeth that take heavy biting force, or repairs that need very exact shape and shade, porcelain restorations last longer and hold up better. We will tell you honestly which one fits your situation.

Why patients prefer them

• They blend in — no dark spots when you smile or laugh
• They bond to the tooth, so less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed
• Modern composites are durable and can help strengthen the tooth
• Unlike metal fillings, they do not expand and contract with hot and cold foods, which over time can stress a tooth

What about old metal fillings?

Metal (amalgam) fillings can be replaced with tooth-colored ones, and some people choose to do this over time. It is not the right move for everyone — ask us whether replacing your old metal fillings makes sense for you, and we will look at each one and give you an honest recommendation.

For a tooth with more significant decay and less structure left, a porcelain inlay, onlay or crown may be a better long-term solution than a filling.

In-office whitening

A professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel is applied carefully to each tooth to lift difficult stains. Including preparation, the visit takes a little over an hour — a good fit if you want a brighter smile quickly.

Take-home whitening kits

The kit includes whitening gel and trays custom-made to fit your mouth. You wear the trays about 30 minutes each day, at home, with clear written instructions. Call us anytime with questions, and we are happy to schedule a follow-up visit to check your progress.

Good to know

Some stains sit too deep in the tooth for whitening alone to fix. If that is the case for you, we will say so up front and talk through other options, such as bonding or veneers.

An attractive gum line is balanced with your upper lip and shows a modest amount of gum tissue. Before dental lasers, improving a gum line was difficult. Today the laser lets us reduce and reshape gum tissue precisely and comfortably, in our office.

If you have wondered about this for years, it is worth a conversation — call (813) 820-0071 and we will take a look at your next visit.