Dental Implants Thornton Veneers Westminster

Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to call our office if you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.

What are dental implants?
What's involved in dental implantation?
What are veneers?
What are crowns used for?
What do bridges do? Are they the same as fixed partial dentures?
Are bridges always made of metal?
Can I take my bridge out and clean it?
What does Zoom!™ in-office whitening or bleaching involve?
Why should I consider in-office rather than take-home whitening kits?

	What are dental implants?
	Dental implants serve as the base for many tooth-replacement options, including bridges, dentures and individual artificial teeth. Implants are surgically implanted in the jaw to provide a comfortable, secure fit and a natural look.

	What's involved in dental implantation?
	In the first one or two appointments, the post or anchor is implanted in the jaw. The replacement tooth, bridge or denture is fitted and installed when the bone and gums have healed. Surgery may be performed in the office with local anesthesia.

	What are veneers?
	Veneers are very thin, tooth-colored porcelain shells that are custom-fit and bonded to the front sides of teeth to close gaps, cover stains and discolorations, and correct chipped or misshapen teeth to give you a bright, even, attractive smile.

	What are crowns used for?
	Crowns are used to strengthen and improve the shape, size or color of teeth. They can support broken or weak teeth or those with large fillings; provide a smooth, strong, attractively contoured surface for stained, misshapen or otherwise abnormal teeth.

	What do bridges do? Are they the same as fixed partial dentures?
	Bridges (also called fixed partial dentures) are natural-looking tooth replacements which help maintain facial structure, reduce stress on the jaw and fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth. They are permanently cemented.

	Are bridges always made of metal?
	Bridges may be made of porcelain, gold, alloys or a combination of these.

	Can I take my bridge out and clean it?
	Removable bridges can be taken out and cleaned at home, but fixed bridges are cemented and bonded to the teeth and cannot be removed.

Zoom!™ is safe, effective and fast. In just over one hour, teeth will be dramatically whiter. You may need a separate first appointment for cleaning your teeth. The gel is applied, then activated by a specially designed light. Teeth become 6 -10 shades lighter! A five minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. The gel is a ph balanced peroxide that gently penetrates the teeth to remove stains and discoloration. This is the same product that is featured on ABC's TV's "Extreme Makeover."

Advantages of in-office tooth whitening over take-home whitening include:

Professional supervision.
Fast.
Safe and simple.
No sensitivity.

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