Cosmetic Dentistry | Dental Designs of Savannah

Invisalign®

Get the beautiful smile you have always wanted. Invisalign® is an invisible way to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners. And it has been proven effective in both clinical research and in practices nationwide. So whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart or have shifted since wearing braces, you'll have a new reason to smile.

Because there are no metal wires and brackets, Invisalign® is comfortable. And because it is removable, eating, brushing, and flossing are no problem. You can still enjoy your favorite foods and smile without holding back. With Invisalign®, there's nothing to hide. The latest technology makes it possible.

Upon an initial examination, Dr. Thomas decides if Invisalign® is right for you. Dr. Thomas will write a treatment plan and take an impression of your teeth, which are submitted to Invisalign®. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign® carefully creates a series of precisely customized aligners. You then wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, moving your teeth gradually - week by week, millimeter by millimeter - until you've achieved the intended result: straighter teeth.

Only dentists, like Dr. Thomas, who have been trained and certified can treat using Invisalign®.

Click here for the Invisalign Consumer Web Site

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells that are laid onto the teeth and bonded to the surface. Although they can be made of different materials, porcelain is frequently used because of its durability and realistic appearance. Veneers are a more conservative alternative to crowns since they require less removal of the tooth's original surface. With veneers in place, patients can expect straighter, whiter, and more even teeth.

Tooth Whitening

Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, it is inevitable that, over time, some yellowing or discoloration will occur. This gradual change can be caused by aging, substances that stain your teeth (such as coffee and tobacco), excessive fluoride, or the deterioration of a tooth's nerve. A tooth whitening treatment can be performed either as an at-home, dentist-supervised process or in the dentist's chair. While neither of these methods stops future discoloration, these treatments bring about whiter teeth and help create a brighter smile.

At-home Whitening
The most popular method of whitening teeth is the at-home, dentist-supervised option. During your visit to the dentist, he or she takes a mold of your teeth and creates a comfortable, customized mouthtray. The mouthtray holds a mild solution whose main ingredient is carbamide peroxide, a substance that reacts with water to release a non-toxic bleaching element (hydrogen peroxide). The mouthtray is placed inside the mouth, and sits only against the teeth, thereby avoiding contact with the gums. Patients can choose either to wear the mouthtray throughout the night or for stretches that last from two to four hours. When the mouthtray is worn throughout the night, the treatment lasts one to two weeks. Patients with more sensitive teeth may opt for the latter approach, which lasts three to five weeks.

Composite Fillings

Until recently, dentists filled and sealed cavities exclusively using a silver and mercury amalgam. Unfortunately, these fillings (or restorations) often weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that has to be removed. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative. Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic substance that includes a hardening agent.

Pros and Cons of Composite Fillings
The major advantage of these fillings is that they come in a range of shades that closely match the color of an individual's tooth. Due to the increased strength of modern composite material, they can now also be used in the back teeth. Unfortunately, composite fillings are 1 1/2 to 2 times more expensive than traditional restorations. Dental insurance typically covers the cost of composite fillings up to the price of the silver/mercury fillings.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a technique used to improve the appearance of your teeth. The term composite bonding refers to any composite material, either a plastic or resin, which is bonded to an existing tooth. Bonding is ideal for fixing chipped or cracked teeth, hiding discoloration on the tooth's surface, or reducing the gaps between teeth. Whatever the specific intent, composite bonding creates more aesthetically pleasing teeth and a brighter smile. Unlike veneers or crowns, composite bonding removes little if any of the original tooth.

The Advantages of Bonding
Composite bonding is a quick process, typically lasting less than an hour. Compared to veneers or crowns, it is a popular choice because it does not reduce the tooth's original structure. Composite bonding is also relatively inexpensive. And finally, composite resins are available in many different shades. The shade can be chosen to match the natural color of the original tooth.

Crowns

When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold and other metals, acrylic resin, or an amalgam (a mix) of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance, although they tend to be less durable than other materials. Crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a bright, healthy smile.

Bridges

A bridge is a device used to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. A typical bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding abutments (crowns). Once complete, this bridge structure is bonded into the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, lead to occlusion (biting) and/or jaw problems and spur periodontal disease. Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

The Process
Bridges usually require two trips to the dentist's office. During the initial visit, the surrounding teeth are numbed with a local anesthetic. The dentist prepares the surrounding teeth by cleaning any plaque or decay that remains and reducing them so that the crowns can be fitted. The dentist makes a mold of the teeth and sends it off to a dental lab where the customized impression is prepared. The customized mold takes one to two weeks to return to the office. In the interim, patients are fitted with a temporary bridge constructed of acrylic resin. When the patient returns to the dental office, the dentist removes the temporary bridge and replaces it with the permanent one. The dentist then adjusts the bridge for the proper bite and fit, and the bridge is permanently bonded into the mouth.

Dental Implants

For individuals who wish to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be an effective long-term solution. Implants provide greater structural support and last longer than either bridges or dentures. Implants serve as the artificial root to which new teeth are bonded. They are typically constructed of titanium, a strong and safe material that effectively attaches to bone. The procedure to insert dental implants typically involve three steps: the implant insertion stage, osseointegration (the period of healing for the jawbone), and the attachment of the restoration or new tooth.

Dentures

Over time, people's teeth tend to naturally deteriorate. When a tooth has deteriorated substantially, it often needs to be extracted. And when multiple teeth are extracted, dentures may be the most appropriate solution. Dentures can create a natural and healthy looking set of teeth. As well, a properly fitting set of dentures can greatly enhance your smile and sense of self-esteem.

Types of Dentures
Many types of dentures exist, including complete and partial dentures as well as over dentures. Complete dentures are used when few of the original teeth remain. The dentist begins by removing any remaining teeth so the dentures can be fitted. He or she then makes a mold of the gums and sends it to a dental lab where customized dentures are constructed. Patients are typically fitted with temporary dentures until the permanent set of dentures have returned from the laboratory. Partial dentures are prepared in much the same way as a complete set and are utilized when only a few teeth are missing. If the roots of a patient's remaining teeth (the tissue and gums) are strong, the dentist may suggest over dentures. Over dentures fit on top of the remainder of teeth in the mouth. With over dentures, the remaining teeth are resculpted and covered with metal caps to stop future decay. The advantage of over dentures is that they do not have to be relined as frequently as a complete set of dentures because the jawbone and gums recede less. In addition, over dentures create less occlusion (bite) problems than complete dentures.

Dental Designs of Savannah
Richard M. Thomas, Jr., D.M.D.
300 Bull Street
Savannah, GA 31401

Phone: (912) 234-1944
Fax: (912) 234-1945

click here for directions