COSMETIC DENTISTRY

At SMILE STUDIO 87, we provide a full array of cosmetic dentistry procedures that are described in detail below.  Please feel free to contact us for your free consultation regarding these and other cosmetic procedures.

 

COSMETIC DENTISTRY
This includes any procedure undertaken to correct imperfections in the appearance of the mouth. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it fixed. The upper teeth show, usually, only when smiling, while the lower teeth remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to give a stunning look to the mouth.


We offer a wide variety of cosmetic options. Some of these options are whitening, smile design, recontouring of the shape of the teeth, veneers (and lumineers), bonding, and all ceramic/porcelain crowns.

WHITENING
This is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. Our office uses several methods: In-office whitening (also known as Zoom) and take-home whitening system (also known as passive tray whitening).  Ask about enrolling in our 'Lifetime Whitening' club based on the take-home whitening system.

In-office whitening system (commonly known as Zoom) is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It's safe effective and fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. The convenience of in-office whitening in comparison to using strips or wearing trays makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual. The in-office whitening procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. The clinician then applies the whitening gel that is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become several shades whiter. A fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You'll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get whiter within the first few days after the procedure. Trays with gel are recommended afterward for maximum whitening and maintenance.

Take-home whitening system (commonly known as the tray method) involves having impressions taken from which laboratory fabricated custom vinyl trays are made. A carbamide peroxide gel is placed in these trays and the trays with gel are worn for about 3 to 30 minutes (depending on the gel strength utilized). The entire process takes 10 to 14 days of daily use. The tray method is recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining, and it may take several months of use to see significant color improvement. For maintenance of whitened teeth, the trays should be used every several months.

The end results whether using trays at home or doing in-office whitening is the same. The cost of the tray method is about half compared to in-office system.

VENEERS (and LUMINEERS)
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very esthetic.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.

Lumineers are a type of Veneer but are less invasive and involve a lesser extent of tooth removal.   

Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible custom-molded aligners. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with results you'll notice sooner than you think. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position step by step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual.



2019 87th St
Suite 300
Woodridge, IL 60517
630.427.2019