Roderick A. Garcia DMD - Albuquerque Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry No single facial feature affects one's appearance more than their teeth. If you watch TV or go to the movies, you might get the idea that all those stars were blessed with perfect, straight, white, bright teeth. The reality is that most models and actors have had cosmetic dentistry. The exact type of cosmetic dentistry offered by Dr. Garcia. Those of us who live normal lives may have chipped one or two teeth when we were kids. We might have one tooth that is crooked. Maybe, we were even born with a gap between our front teeth. These and other dental defects can be corrected through art applied to dentistry. Your mouth is a part of your total health and total appearance. Your appearance, of course, has much to do with the kind of life you lead. Therefore, "Go Ahead and Smile" because Dr. Garcia's cosmetic dental services will evaluate your problem, make recommendations, and provide you with estimates of cost. Then you make the decision when you see what we can do for you. We are sure that decision will leave you smiling for many many years.
Bleaching
	Reasons for Bleaching:
		1.	Some teeth are naturally too pigmented or stained as they develop.
		2.	Exposure to tea, coffee, juices, colas or tobacco accounts for much of the darkening as we age.
		3.	Tooth discoloration sometimes happens from minerals, antibiotic (tetracycline), or an excess of fluoride taken internally during tooth development.
		4.	Old filling, tooth nerve damage, or trauma to teeth can account for darkening.
	Bleaching Defined:
		Bleaching provides a safe and effective tooth whitening when used as directed. Bleaching is the least invasive of the cosmetic options with research showing that 90-95% of patients treated experience some level of tooth whitening. Most patients need only to bleach for 1-3 weeks. In some cases, we may recommend bleaching during waking hours and possibly for shorter periods of time. Bleaching time may be overnight or 2-4 hours a day.
	Bleaching Procedures:
		We will examine your teeth and gums to assure good oral health. Old fillings may need to be replaced, and/or decayed areas treated and filled. An impression of your teeth will be taken to guarantee proper fit of the custom bleaching tray. The thin, soft plastic tray provides sufficient comfort to allow bleaching while you sleep. Once the tray is made, we will explain how to use the bleaching gel. Our office uses Opalescence and Day White, 10% to 20% carbamide peroxide that has been used as an oral antiseptic for many years. To maintain your whitened teeth, we may recommend a toothpaste to help minimize the formation of external stains on your teeth. Some patients experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold while using bleaching products. This will disappear in 1-3 days after completion of the treatment.
Bonding
	A. Reasons for Bonding:
		1.	You avoid smiling because you are uncomfortable with the way your teeth look.
		2.	You have a gap between your teeth or they are badly stained.
		3.	You have a chipped or fractured tooth.
Bonding Defined:
		Bonding is a way of correcting tooth defects through the use of tooth-colored materials known as composite resins and laminate veneers. It often provides a simple solution to problems that once would have required more extensive techniques such as crowning or "capping". Some forms of bonding also have value as a means of preventing tooth decay. In many cases, bonding can be used to treat teeth that are fractured, chipped malformed, stained, or too widely spaced. In addition to improving your appearance, bonding can help bolster your outlook and may increase your chances for better dental health.
	Bonding Procedures:
		Bonding is a general term that describes a variety of techniques. Each of these methods involves attaching, or bonding, a plastic or porcelain material to the tooth surface. During the first step in bonding, a weak acidic solution is applied to the enamel of the tooth or teeth being treated. This solution creates a roughened surface which helps the bonding material adhere. This is sometimes referred to as the acid-etch technique. A liquid bonding material (resin) is then applied to the tooth's roughened surface. The next step depends on the problem being treated. In some cases, we will apply a plastic material called a composite resin to the tooth. The composite resin is then shaped to rebuild or replace the missing part of the tooth. After being shaped, the resin is hardened through a brief exposure to a special curing light. Finally, the tooth is shaped and contoured and the surface is then polished and finished. It is important to know that bonding has limitations. Because bonding material is not as strong as natural tooth enamel, it can more easily chip. Bonded areas of the tooth are also prone to stain in some mouths, especially if you use tobacco, drink coffee or tea, or eat certain foods. For these reasons bonding requires careful home and professional maintenance. A bonded restoration may last for about 5 years. Therefore, the bonding procedure will need to be renewed periodically. Bonding is not recommended in poorly aligned teeth. They require orthodontic treatment. Severely damaged back teeth usually require crowns, which are more durable than bonding materials.
Veneers
	Reasons for a Veneer:
		1.	Stained or discolored teeth.
		2.	Poorly shaped or slightly out of alignment.
		3.	Small gaps between your front teeth.
	Veneers Defined:
		Veneering is an offshoot of tooth bonding. The materials used in veneering vary, ranging from composite resins to pre-shaped laminate and porcelain/ceramic shells. The result is natural and life-like. Each veneer or ceramic is individually crafted, and the materials are specially selected to match the color and translucency of natural teeth.

	Veneer Procedure:
		Like bonding, veneers are attached directly to existing tooth structure. The teeth are reshaped to allow for veneer placement. Veneers cover the front and a few millimeters of the tongue side of the tooth. During veneerings, your teeth will be etched with a mild acid-solution to slightly roughen the surface. Then a tooth colored liquid bonding material (resin) will be applied, which helps the veneer adhere. The veneer is then placed over and affixed to the tooth. With the current veneer technology, and in the right hands, natural, cosmetically pleasing smiles can be created as never before possible.