Zirconia Crown and Bridge Replacement

Subtle changes can have powerful effects in cosmetic dentistry! Check out the crowns and bridge patient's before photos. The opaque shade and rounded features gave these teeth a definite "chiclet" appearance. Additionally, gum recession had left the teeth with dark lines surrounding their bases that contrasted with the white porcelain. By working with the Opus One Dental Laboratory, we were able to create new crowns with more lifelike shape and translucency. Even with similar color shades, the new crowns/bridge look infinitely more natural and beautiful in this patient's mouth. 

If you would like to know more about the amazing transformations we can achieve with crowns, bridges, implants and veneers, give our office a call. We specialize in providing the highest quality dentistry with a personal touch. Come see what Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry can do for you!

Case Presentation: Cosmetic Veneer Transformation!

Check out this awesome veneer transformation! This patient came to us with anterior teeth that were cosmetically compromised but structurally sound. The patient's left lateral incisor had an aging composite filling, the two central incisors were chipped and all the teeth had uneven staining and decalcification. In cases like this, we like to use zirconia veneers to enhance aesthetics while altering the original tooth as little as possible. 

Teeth are prepared for veneers by removing a small amount of enamel to compensate for the new dimension of zirconia. Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and sent to our lab. You will spend two weeks in temporary veneers while the technicians hone in the ideal dimensions and shade to match your other teeth. The result, as seen above, is a beautiful transformation that looks entirely natural. Modern veneers can make you look younger and create a more vibrant smile with minimal changes to your existing teeth. If you would like to know more about veneers, how we place them and why we use them, please give our office a call!

Case Presentation: Veneer Transoformation

This case is a great example of the amazing transformations that can be achieved using dental bridges! Today's patient came to us with significant decay on their upper anterior teeth and periodontal disease on their lowers. A thorough examination revealed that the teeth weren't savable and unfortunately needed to be extracted.

While the patient healed, our lab designed upper and lower bridges to replace the missing teeth. In this instance, bridges allowed us to provide permanently fixed and natural appearing restorations. There are no removable parts (as with dentures) and there was no need for surgery (as with implants). Overall, this solution created dramatic and life-changing improvement for this patient's smile!

Case Presentation: Anterior Veneer Replacement

Today's patient came to us with a set of porcelain veneers on their two front teeth, where one had become cracked along the gum line. Defects in this location are particularly problematic, as they create an easy place for bacteria to enter the tooth and are cosmetically unpleasing. After discussing options with the patient, we decided to replace both veneers with new Emax lithium disilicate units. Lithium disilicate is an engineered dental material that is about five or six times stronger than porcelain, along with having more "natural" cosmetic properties. By replacing both veneers, we were able to repair the defect, add length to the teeth (the original veneers were short of optimal) and create overall more natural contours. The result is a beautiful and more youthful smile. If you are interested in veneers or any other cosmetic dental procedures, please give our office a call!

Case Presentation: Esthetic Crown Lengthening for Veneers

Today's patient came to us with complaints about the shape of their anterior (front) teeth. The teeth appeared too small or "boxy," and a large proportion of the smile was occupied by gum tissue. To correct these concerns, our office decided to utilize cosmetic veneers in conjunction with esthetic crown lengthening. 

Crown lengthening is a procedure performed by a periodontist where the gum tissue is contoured to reveal more tooth structure. Dr. Wilgus at Camarillo Periodontics worked with us to treat this patient and delivered phenomenal results. Even before veneers, the teeth have better proportions and the smile has a less "gummy" appearance. The next step will be to prepare the teeth and design a set of natural and uniform cosmetic veneers. We cant wait to see the final product!