Cosmetic Dentistry

At Anderson Dental, we offer a number of cosmetic solutions depending on your situation. The best course of action is to simply tell our Doctors of Anderson Dental what you’d like your smile to be like, and he’ll advise you of the best treatment to achieve those goals.

Here’s a little of what we do:

Composite and Porcelain Tooth Veneers

Overview of Tooth Veneers

Often an alternative to crowns, veneers are very thin pieces of specially-shaped porcelain or plastic that are glued over the front of your teeth with little or no anesthesia needed. They are the cure for teeth that are severely discolored, chipped, have small holes or pits, misshapen or crooked, or for the correction of unwanted or uneven spaces. Unlike crowns, veneers won’t require Anderson Dental to remove much of the tooth itself in most cases. It is important to ask your Doctors of Anderson Dental how much tooth will be removed. In some cases more tooth will need to be removed, which may increase the risk of trauma to the tooth. Veneers are created from an impression taken in Anderson Dental’s office. Your custom veneer is then glued directly onto your tooth. Typically costing less than crowns, veneers won’t stain, making veneers a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last from ten to fifteen years, and come in colors that will brighten dark teeth without the worry of them changing color.

How are Tooth Veneers Attached to your Tooth?

In your first appointment, it is important to initially discuss with our Doctors of Anderson Dental that you will want to “try in” your veneers with temporary cement that is the same color cement as will be used for the permanent attachment. During this “try-in” phase, be sure to look at your veneers in natural light in addition to the office light. Teeth are prepared for veneers by lightly buffing to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Veneers are thin like contact lenses, and will usually only need tooth reduction of 0.5mm to 1.0mm. If a drastic change is being made for the result you want, reduction may be 1.0mm to 2.0mm. A mold is taken of the teeth, from which the veneers are modeled after. Temporary veneers will be placed and worn until your permanent veneers are ready. While wearing the temporary veneers, advise our Doctors of Anderson Dental of any adjustments or changes you would like made, such as in shape or size. These changes will be translated into your permanent veneers, so good communication between you and our Doctors of Anderson Dental is important in achieving your new smile.

Anderson Dental places the veneers with water or glycerin on the teeth to verify their perfect fit and the shade or color. The color cannot be changed after the veneers are adhered to your teeth. The tooth is then cleansed with chemicals to achieve a durable bond. Once the glue is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden the glue/cement.

The procedure for Lumineers is different than the above traditional porcelain veneers. Still two visits, but there is little to no preparation of the tooth and no need for temporary veneers.

Dental Bonding

What is tooth bonding?

Bonding is a composite resin filling placed in the back teeth as well as the front teeth. Composites are the solution for restoring decayed teeth, making cosmetic improvements and even changing the color of your teeth or the reshaping of teeth. Bonding will lighten any stains you may have, close up minor gaps and can be used to correct crooked teeth. Basically, bonding will cover any natural flaws applying a thin coating of a plastic material on the front surface of your teeth. After this, our Doctors of Anderson Dental will apply a bonding material and sculpt, color and shape it to provide a pleasing result. A high-intensity light then hardens the plastic, and the surface is finely polished.

How long does tooth bonding last?

While the traditional silver fillings last about seven years, these composites should last about seven to eleven years.

Tooth Contouring and Reshaping

What is tooth contouring and reshaping?

Tooth reshaping, or contouring, is one of few instant treatments now available in cosmetic dentistry. Dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in just one session.

The dental contouring procedure can even be a substitute for braces under certain circumstances. It is also a procedure of subtle changes. A few millimeters of reduction and a few millimeters of tooth-colored laminate can create a beautiful smile when performed by our Doctors of Anderson Dental, with no discomfort to you. Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth.

Overview of tooth contouring and reshaping

Dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in just one session. This procedure is even a substitute for braces under certain circumstances. This is also a procedure of subtle changes. A few millimeters of reduction and a few millimeters of tooth-colored can create a beautiful smile when performed by our Doctors of Anderson Dental, with no discomfort to you. Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth.

How is tooth contouring and reshaping accomplished?

Preparation for dental contouring and reshaping is a team effort with Dour Doctors of Anderson Dental. Some dentists in cosmetic dentistry even use computer imaging to show you how you will look after the procedure.

Our Doctors of Anderson Dental will take x-rays to evaluate the size and location of the pulp of each tooth to ensure that there’s enough bone between the teeth to support them.

Our Doctors of Anderson Dental will mark your teeth with a pencil prior to performing the procedure. This helps the cosmetic dentist in their sculpting process. As your cosmetic dentist sculpts the tooth, imperfections are artfully eliminating or minimized. A sanding drill or laser may be used to remove small amounts of surface enamel gradually. Abrasive strips are then moved back and forth between your teeth to shape the actual sides of your teeth. Then the teeth are smoothed and polished. Usually anesthetic is not needed. Teeth contouring and reshaping usually takes one to three visits.

Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with bite. It is common for bonding to be combined with tooth reshaping to achieve a beautiful smile.

Same-Day Crowns

A tooth that has been structurally damaged by decay or trauma sometimes needs to be crowned or “capped” so that it can look good and function properly again. A crown is a durable covering that is custom-made to fit over the entire tooth from the gum line up. Crown fabrication traditionally takes place in a dental laboratory. But these days, there’s a much more convenient alternative: same-day crowns made right here in the dental office.

Advanced dental technology known as Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing, or CAD/CAM, allows us to fabricate laboratory-grade crowns and other dental restorations in minutes. It’s an amazing innovation when you consider that traditionally, crowns take two or three visits and just as many weeks of waiting. Now you can have a restored tooth without the wait.

Best of all, studies have shown that CAD/CAM tooth restorations are just as successful as crowns made with traditional materials and techniques. And the amazingly lifelike appearance of a same-day crown means that no one will know your tooth has been restored.

How It Works

The process of crowning a tooth starts out the same way, whether it’s a same-day crown or traditional crown: with “preparation” of the tooth. This involves removing any decay that’s present, and shaping the tooth with a dental drill so that it will fit perfectly inside the crown. But the similarities end there.

If you were getting a traditional crown, the next step would be to take an impression (mold) of your teeth with a putty-like material to construct a model on which to create the crown. With a same-day crown, we will simply give your teeth a light dusting of reflective powder and then use a small scanning wand attached to a computer to take digital pictures inside your mouth. In seconds, the computer will generate a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth. But it gets even better.

With the help of the CAD/CAM software, we will design your crown while you wait. We can even use the software to create a mirror-image twin of the same tooth on the other side of your mouth, for the most natural-looking result possible. We then choose a block of dental ceramic material in the shade that most closely matches your own teeth. The computer’s digital design is transmitted to a milling machine that carves the crown from the ceramic block in about five minutes.

Once we have verified the fit and made any aesthetic enhancements we deem necessary to the crown’s surface (staining and glazing, for example), we will bond the crown to your tooth. With a traditional crown, you would have to wear a temporary restoration for several weeks while the permanent crown was being fabricated at the lab. With a same-day crown, you walk out with the real thing.

Teeth Whitening

No matter if it’s for a wedding, a job interview, or just to improve your appearance: if you want whiter teeth and a beautiful smile, Rembrandt is your professional teeth whitening solution. What is a “brite smile”? It’s a bright, white smile that can be yours in just one hour. Our revolutionary tooth whitening technology is the latest in cosmetic dentistry. Bleaching your teeth has never been faster or easier.

What is Rembrandt Tooth Whitening?

Whiter teeth, in about one hour. It’s that simple! Years of yellowing as well as harsh staining from coffee, cigarettes, and red wine are almost magically erased in the time it takes to get a haircut, a manicure or lunch. In fact, there are clinical studies which prove that the Rembrandt whitening treatment resulted in an average improvement of 8+ shades whiter! Looking Great Has Never Been This Easy!

First you’ll have a complimentary consultation to answer all your questions and if you are interested in moving forward with the treatment, a dentist will then examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they’re healthy for whitening at that time. Then, while you relax, watch TV, or even nap, our proprietary gel and blue light treatment work to whiten teeth to their optimal brightness.

What does the whole procedure look like?

1. Your gums and mouth are protected with isolation materials and a “Before” picture is taken.
2. The Rembrandt whitening gel is professionally applied and activated by the light source.
3. After three 20-minute applications over a one-hour period, your whitening is completed and your “After” picture is taken.
4. You rinse. You smile. Wow!

Want whiter, brighter teeth? A great option for you might be a professionally administered tooth whitening system. Patients with natural teeth that are discolored due to age, smoking or other extrinsic staining factors are excellent candidates for tooth whitening. Bleaching does not work as well on teeth that have intrinsic staining, stain from within the tooth. These stains are embedded deep into the dentin (the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel). Intrinsic stained teeth such as those that were injured or as a result of medication ingested while the teeth were forming such as tetracycline or fluoride will generally not give great results as a result of tooth whitening as those teeth that are not affected by medications, but – the teeth may appear to be brighter – these results will vary from patient to patient. Patients with these deep intrinsic stains can have other cosmetic options such as veneers and crowns to help achieve the desired results. The best results are with patients whose teeth are yellow, orange, or light musky brown in coloration. Dramatic results are sometimes seen in some patients in less than 1 hour in a dental office and will depend on the type of material used and the technique that the individual dental office uses.

How white is white?

In clinical studies, Rembrandt has been able to achieve 9+ shades whiter on average. Your results of course will vary as your starting point maybe different and everyone’s teeth respond a little differently, but in virtually all cases, the results are dramatic. Ultimately, the goal will be to achieve your optimum, natural whiteness. During your first consultation for tooth whitening, your dentist will go over what you personally can expect for your individual situation.

Severe discoloration can be treated and yield good results in many instances. However, the more difficult cases can sometimes require a more lengthy treatment than the standard one-hour treatment. Some enhanced results may also be achieved when whitening materials are additionally used at home over a week or so. An important note – The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth, the brand of material that is used, the duration of time that the system is used and on the way that the material or system is administered by your dentist.

How long do the results last?

Rembrandt:The long-term results depend primarily on the individual. Certain habits, such as the use of tobacco products, drinking a lot of coffee, tea, dark soft drinks, and infrequent visits to the dentist for regular cleanings, etc., can work against the results. Regular professional care will help maintain the Rembrandt up to 2 years. Some people may prefer to do the Rembrandt whitening treatment more frequently. We are proud to offer top quality products and services that offers our patients safe and effective way to dramatically whiter teeth – from our professional one hour teeth whitening treatment to several other premium teeth whitening and whitening maintenance products. We trust that, with Rembrandt, you will enjoy a whiter, healthier looking smile for years and maintain your overall dental health.Take-home Whitening Kits:Your teeth will be lighter than they were and you may need to re-whiten your teeth for one or two nights every four to six months. This will vary from individual to individual.

How’s it done?

Rembrandt: Your dentist will first examine your teeth and gums for good oral health. Next as you relax in the chair, a proprietary whitening gel is applied to your teeth and the revolutionary, proprietary Rembrandt light will be positioned over your teeth to activate the gel. As you watch TV, listen to music or nap, your teeth will lighten to their optimum, natural whiteness in about an hour. At home whitening: An impression is taken of your upper and lower dental arches and custom fitted clear trays are fabricated. These trays will closely conform to your teeth and allow a minimum amount of material to come in contact with your teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist will provide an overview of the quick and easy procedure and you’re on your way to brightening your Smile! In office procedures will generally yield results within 30 minutes with most patients. Using a take home kit will generally improve the results and again these results will vary from patient to patient. Follow-up visits beginning the day after first usage and continuing onto the first and second week and third weeks may be suggested and comparisons and evaluations of your tooth shade will be done at that time.

Will it be uncomfortable?

The majority of our patients experience no pain or sensitivity after the Rembrandt Professional Teeth Whitening treatment. A very small percentage of patients may experience a minor dull “ache” following the procedure. Taking an over-the-counter analgesic like Tylenol™ or aspirin almost always resolves the feeling. In moderate cases, a clear dentist dispensed fluoride rinse my help as well. It is best to avoid very hot or very cold drinks for the first 24 hours if there is any tooth sensitivity.

Is it Safe?

Rembrandt: Yes.The Rembrandt procedure will not soften enamel or existing fillings. The primary ingredient in the Rembrandt’s gel is hydrogen peroxide, which has been safely used in teeth whitening for over 100 years and is recognized as an effective whitening ingredient by the dental community. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide used in Rembrandt’s proprietary gel is only 15%, much lower than other whitening gels that often contain 35%-50% hydrogen peroxide. Unlike the “do-it-yourself” at-home whitening options, the dental team will perform every aspect of the Rembrandt process. Before moving forward with the procedure, your dentist examines your mouth and gums to ensure they are healthy. If any potential problems are detected, a recommendation is made to correct the problems before proceeding with Rembrandt.

Additionally, Rembrandt whitening gel has a very small amount of hydrogen peroxide gel which further ensures the safety of your teeth and gums. At-home or In-office tray systems: At home or in-office tray systems for whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide under the supervision of a dentist has been shown to safe for teeth and gums. Some patients have experienced increased tooth sensitivity and some temporary discomfort of their gums. These symptoms tend to disappear within 1-3 days after stopping the process. Usually after the sensitivity disappears the whitening process can be started again and usually the sensitivity does not return. In any case, any reaction should be reported immediately to your dentist or hygienist for their special instructions. Over-the-counter quick bleaching kits may cause problems that you may be unaware of such as irritation of the gums and surrounding soft tissue. Over zealous use of over-the-counter home bleaching can wear away tooth enamel, especially due to the fact that these solutions have a very high acid content. We can’t over emphasize that these types of procedures are best controlled at your dentist’s office. Your progress will be monitored carefully which will certainly reduce most secondary effects. Only a dentist can make your teeth their whitest.

Thinking about having it done?

Whitening should be done prior to the placement of composites, bonding, veneers, and crowns in order to achieve a close match of your new tooth color. If you have tooth-colored filling materials on your front teeth, the fillings will stay the same color – dental restorations do not change color when tooth whitener is applied. New cosmetic procedures such as bonding or crowns should be delayed a minimum of two weeks after the whitening procedure, so that the new tooth shade can stabilize itself.

Any Additional Precautions & Safety Information

Again, you may experience sensitivity form the use of carbamide peroxide-based tooth whitening systems (which are prevalent in home tray systems) and this should be reported to your dental office as soon as possible. As of this time, these products are not recommended for patients that are pregnant or lactating. Patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease, patients with marked gingival recession, and patients that have defective dental restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth whitening system. Patients that are allergic to hydrogen peroxide should refrain from this process. Heavy smokers should be aware that results would be limited unless they are willing to refrain from tobacco during the process. It is also important to remove any excess material from the gums when inserting the mouth trays to avoid any other reaction.

FAQs About Cosmetic Dentistry

What Kind of Dentistry is Cosmetic?

Cosmetic dentistry is a specific and professional focus on bettering the overall appearance of your mouth, which includes your teeth, gums, and smile. Cosmetic dentistry’s range of focus can be anything from minor fixes to major cosmetic surgeries such as teeth whitening, fillings, dental implants, and veneers, and more! So, if you want whiter teeth, dental veneers, or full a smile makeover, come see the expert cosmetic dentists at Anderson Dental who will not only improve your oral health, but will also give you the dramatic results you're looking to find!

Can Veneers Fix Rotten Teeth?

Depending on the severity of the tooth decay present, veneers can restore rotten or decaying teeth that are situated in the front of the mouth. Our professional staff at Anderson Dental in Lake Worth will assess the condition of your teeth via X-ray, and if the decay is too severe, the tooth may be ineligible for a veneer and require a root canal or even complete removal. If you're thinking about getting veneers, contact us to speak with one of our expert cosmetic dentists or if you're ready to get started, schedule an appointment online!

What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?

The major difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentisty is that a general dentist’s main responsibility is the prevention and treatment of dental disorders associated with discomfort as well as maintaining overall health of your teeth, whereas a cosmetic dentist is mostly concerned with the overall appearance of your teeth and smile. For example, a general dentist deals with oral issues like tooth sensitivity, and a cosmetic dentist deals with things like tooth color, dental implants, and whitening treatments.

Are Veneers Bad for Your Teeth?

No, porcelain veneers are not bad for your teeth as long as you see a qualified cosmetic dentist and get the proper treatment. At Anderson Dental in Royal Palm Beach, we have certified cosmetic dentists who will treat any decay and prep your natural teeth to make sure they are healthy before implanting veneers, ensuring they’re harmless to you and your teeth. If you want to know more about the process, read about what to expect when you get veneers!

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