Sierra Studio - Bonding

At Sierra, using the technique called bonding can help us close spaces between teeth, lengthen small or misshapen teeth, or whiten stained or dark teeth. The term "bonding" is a misnomer.  It applies to a process, and not the product. 

We can shape and color a single tooth or improve an entire smile. When teeth are chipped or are beginning to wear, bonding can protect them from damage and restore (or enhance) their original looks.

For What Conditions Is Dental Bonding Considered?

Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:

• To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
• To repair chipped or cracked teeth
• To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
• To close spaces between teeth
• To make teeth look longer
• To change the shape of teeth
• As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
• To protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede

The Procedure

Bonding your teeth with a material called resin normally requires just one appointment! First, we roughen and prepare the teeth and apply a conditioning gel. Then we place the resin, sculpt it to the desired shape, and harden it with a harmless, high intensity light.

Once in place, bonded restorations are very strong. Bonding can drastically improve your smile and the final result is beautiful and natural looking teeth.

How long does tooth bonding last?

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

Who is a candidate for tooth bonding?

If you have close, small gaps between your front teeth, or if you have chipped or cracked teeth, you may be a candidate for bonding. Bonding is also used for patients who have discolored teeth, uneven teeth, gum recession or tooth decay. Bonding material is porous, so smokers will find that their bonding will yellow. If you think you are a candidate for bonding, discuss it with your Sierra cosmetic dentist.

Sierra Studio - Laser Whitening

Did you know that teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic treatment performed today? It’s no wonder, because all of us experience natural discoloration of our teeth as we age. By time we reach our 30s, lifestyle, smoking, heredity, some foods and drinks and gum disease may all begin to take a toll on our previously pearly whites.

Teeth appearance is an important part of your smile and the way you look in general, that's why many people turn to teeth whitening to improve the look of their teeth. Laser teeth whitening has become one of the most popular options for tooth bleaching, because it's very effective and produces immediate results.

Benefits of Laser Whitening Over Other Whitening Treatments;

• Dramatically whiter teeth in just one hour
• See immediate results after just one treatment
• No solutions to mix, No trays to wear over your teeth
• No waiting for results
• Long Lasting Results
• Whitest tints are possible
• Reduced sensitivity after treatments
• Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter
• No risk of harm to your teeth or gums when performed by a trained professional

How does laser teeth whitening work?

Laser teeth whitening is usually done in a single visit to our dental office. The laser whitening starts with a clean up of the patient's teeth, followed by applying special teeth whitening gel to the teeth. This whitening gel contains stronger bleaching agent compared to the gel used in over-the-counter tooth bleaching products, which ensures better results. After the whitening gel has been applied, your dentist uses special laser light, which facilitates better gel penetration through the teeth enamel. The teeth whitening procedure usually last about an hour and the results can be seen immediately after.

How effective is laser teeth whitening?

Laser teeth whitening is very effective, and produces better and faster results compared to other teeth whitening methods. Depending on the patient's teeth shade and condition, laser teeth whitening can whiten teeth up to 6 to 10 shades

Who doesn’t want to restore their teeth to youthful brightness?
Today, there’s no reason why you can’t have a celebrity smile in under an hour
at the Sierra Studio for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Sierra Studio - Veneers

In the past, the only way to correct dental imperfections was to cover the tooth with a crown. Today, in most cases there are several alternatives: crown, composite resin bonding or porcelain veneer or even cosmetic contouring or orthodontics.

What is a veneer?

A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or plastic that is bonded to a tooth to improve its color and shape. A veneer generally covers only the front and top of a tooth. Veneers can be used to close spaces between teeth, lengthen small or mishapen teeth, or whiten stained or dark teeth.

When teeth are chipped or beginning to wear, veneers can protect them from damage and restore their original appearance.

What are veneers used for?

• Teeth that are slightly crooked or stained
• Chipped teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Teeth that are different lengths

The ultimate smile makeover treatment

Having a dazzling, balanced smile is possible, thanks to porcelain veneers. Since veneers fit over the front of teeth, they transform the smile by completely concealing imperfections.

The solution for numerous aesthetic flaws

Porcelain veneers camouflage numerous cosmetic problems, making them an option for a wide range of patients. Chips, cracks, discoloration, and misalignment are among the flaws veneers can cover.

An alternative to orthodontic treatment

Many people are dissatisfied with their smile’s alignment, but they avoid seeking treatment because they don’t want traditional braces. Porcelain dental veneers can even be specially fitted to reshape crooked teeth that may otherwise require orthodontics.

Compatible with other dental treatments

Although porcelain veneers are often all that is needed for a smile makeover, they are also compatible with other dental treatments. For example, they can be placed in combination with teeth whitening, a full-mouth reconstruction, TMJ treatment, or neuromuscular dentistry to completely repair and enhance a patient’s smile.

How do we restore teeth with veneers?

It can take two or more appointments to restore teeth with veneers. During the first appointment, we shape and roughen the teeth. We then take impressions of your teeth, which we use to make precise working models of your mouth. It's on these models that we artistically craft veneers to fit the prepared teeth.

During the second appointment, we clean and polish the prepared teeth. Then we use an adhesive to bond the veneers to the teeth. A harmless, high-intensity light hardens the adhesive. Once in place, veneers virtually become part of your teeth! You can use them like you would your own teeth because the bond is extremely strong. The final result is beautiful and natural-looking teeth.

Follow Up Care

It can take time for you to get used to the appearance and feel of your new teeth. You won't have to change the way you floss or brush, however. But you should not:

• Bite your nails
• Chew on pens, ice or other hard objects
• Put extreme pressure on your teeth

Doing any of these things can cause the veneers to come off, break or chip. Your Sierra dentist probably will ask you to come back in a few weeks. They will check the veneers for any problems.

Sierra Studio - Facelift

Cosmetic dentistry as we know it is all about improving the smile—by tooth whitening, tooth straightening, crowns, veneers, cosmetic dentures. However, the smile is not just about lips and teeth. When you look at it as part of the bigger picture i.e. the face, we have to consider other aspects:

• The eyes- do they smile too?
• The corners of the mouth - how much do they lift up when we smile?
• How much tooth and how much gum show when we smile?
• How do our teeth look when we are talking?
• How does age affect our smile?

These are the extra dimensions we look at when we are designing your smile at Sierra Studio for Cosmetic Dentistry. Improving the smile is not just about restoring the teeth but improving the muscle tone and the slackness of the face.

So what's dentistry got to do with facelifts?

With time the lower facial height (the area between the nose and chin) decreases due to the loss of teeth and/or the wearing down of teeth. This is one of the key factors in facial aging!

You have only to think an elderly person who has lost their teeth to see the difference this can make. Missing and ground down teeth result in the sucked in and collapsed appearance around the mouth which causes vertical lines on the upper and lowers lips and all around the mouth. The effects don't stop there. Because the tension on the skin of the face has been slackened the whole face is effected.

So in other words missing/worn teeth can make the whole face age?

Exactly. The lack of tension on the skin results in the jawline loosening, the chin falling, the cheeks flattening and wrinkles appearing around the eyes and forehead. Literally the skin loosens on the whole face.

How does a dental facelift work?

It works by re-building and replacing missing and worn teeth. This builds the muscles in the face back up and tightens the skin.

Why have a dental facelift as an alternative to cosmetic surgery?

Why? Because it is a real alternative to surgery. One that can achieve real results and make you look dramatically younger. Unlike surgery, as it is founded on existing dental techniques, there are no more risks than going to your dentist for a clean and polish.

Facial ageing is regarded as the gravity assisted downward migration of the soft tissues of the face. Nowadays we believe this is not the only reason. Bones of the face also change, which causes flattening of the cheek bones exacerbating this downward movement of the soft tissues.

Cosmetic surgeons think of the face in terms of a triangle. In youth the base of the triangle is at the cheeks and the point is at the chin. As we get older the triangle reverses. The formation of the jowls means that the base of the triangle is now at the chin and the tip goes upwards towards the nose.

Up until now surgery was the only answer to reverse the triangle. But after a short time the soft tissues would sag again. Now there is another answer – a dental facelift. This can reverse the triangle and because this procedure is truly anti aging the ageing process gets put into reverse gear.

Sierra Studio - Lumineers

You have a beautiful smile in you, let LUMINEERS bring it out.

Get a healthy, natural, permanently white smile in just two easy dentist visits. There’s simply no substitute for a LUMINEERS smile.

Unlike traditional veneers, with LUMINEERS, there are no shots, no drilling of sensitive tooth structure, and no pain. They’re even reversible, so you have nothing to lose…and a beautiful smile to gain. LUMINEERS – beautiful smile, beautiful you.

So what are LUMINEERS?

Ultra-thin LUMINEERS are custom designed to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of. Unlike traditional veneers, there are no shots, no drilling of sensitive tooth structure, and no pain. They’re even reversible, so you have nothing to lose and a beautiful smile to gain. Plus—LUMINEERS are proven to last for over 20 years, so your beautiful smile will be with you for years and years.

Transforming your smile couldn’t be any easier; in fact, it takes just 2 easy visits

Whether you transform your smile with LUMINEERS or LUMINEERS with LUMINATE in new LUMITray Technology, it takes only 2 easy visits to Sierra to bring out your beautiful smile. During your first visit a precision mold will be taken. You and your dentist will also choose the right shade for your new, permanently white smile. On your second visit, your custom designed LUMINEERS are checked for fit and shade.  Then, they’re painlessly attached.

That’s it – a healthy, natural, permanently white smile you’ve always wanted in only 2 visits!

How are LUMINEERS different from traditional veneers?

LUMINEERS are unique in that they are ultra-thin (approximately 0.2 mm) and ultra translucent. While traditional veneers are much thicker, requiring the grinding down of your original tooth structure, LUMINEERS are so thin, little to no tooth reduction is necessary. At the same time, LUMINEERS resist microleakage and microcracking.

Are there any other LUMINEERS?

No. LUMINEERS can only be made from patented Cerinate porcelain and LUMINEERS with LUMINATE in new LUMITray Technology is the only porcelain veneer available with tray technology. These revolutionary processes are crafted through a proprietary process unavailable anywhere other than Den-Mat Holdings, LLC, one of the nation's largest manufacturers of professional dental materials.

Is the LUMINEERS procedure painful?

Unlike traditional veneers, LUMINEERS are a completely pain-free way to reshape and permanently whiten your teeth. Traditional veneers require the grinding down of healthy tooth structure to accommodate them, LUMINEERS are ultra-thin, so in most cases, you will get a perfect fit without shots, needles, or grinding down of the original tooth structure. Once the procedure is completed, there is no post placement discomfort or sensitivity, which means LUMINEERS will look natural and feel comfortable from the moment they are placed.

I think I need braces, but I really don't want to go through the inconvenient, unsightly, and time-intensive process. Can I get LUMINEERS instead?

In most cases, yes. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your teeth and decide whether orthodontics is necessary. If you do not have a severe problem, LUMINEERS will change the shape and alignment of teeth, making them look straighter and more uniform.

How long will LUMINEERS last?

Clinical testing has proven that a LUMINEERS procedure lasts and looks great for over 20 years. LUMINEERS also offer a warranty and are replaced at no charge. Certain restrictions do apply.

Can LUMINEERS be taken off if I want them removed?

Yes, LUMINEERS are completely reversible because there’s no grinding down of healthy tooth structure. Your natural teeth are still intact and strong.

With LUMINEERS, can I still chew gum and eat my favorite sticky foods?

There are no limitations to what you can eat or drink as LUMINEERS are placed over original teeth in the most durable way possible. However, you should continue to visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning to keep your LUMINEERS looking their best.

Sierra Studio - Gum Sculpting

Taking your smile from good to great!

A "gummy" or uneven smile is a common problem that can make your teeth seem almost secondary in appearance to your gums. Sometimes, too, an uneven gum line can make your teeth seem slanted or unusually sized or shaped.

The "Long in the Tooth" Smile - Cosmetic gum surgery, or periodontal plastic surgery, can correct almost any deformity or gingival problems preventing you from a beautiful smile. As we age, our gums may shrink and recede which makes our teeth look longer. While this is often age-related, it can also occur due to a bad bite. A cosmetic dentist or a periodontist can correct this to such an extent, that you'll have a very youthful appearing smile.

If you have a gummy or uneven smile, a great option to enhance your smile may be laser gum recontouring. It's a quick, easy, and painless way to recontour the shape of your gum line to enhance your smile.

Who is a candidate for cosmetic gum surgery?

You may be a candidate for cosmetic gum surgery if you have:

• A "Gummy Smile"
• Gum recession, also known as "long teeth"
• An uneven gum line created by "short teeth"
• Missing teeth that have led to gum loss or gums that appear to be collapsing
• Darkened areas between your bridges, implants, crowns
• Tooth sensitivity from receding gums.

High tech at work for you

We use a soft-tissue laser to gently sculpt and shape your gum line in order to adjust for the ideal smile line, which instantly creates a more visually appealing smile.

The Odyssey 2.4G Diode Laser enables our dental care practice to offer patients the most sophisticated, precise and minimally invasive technology available in dentistry. Its high affinity for soft tissue makes it an invaluable tool for esthetic sculpting of gums, accessibility, isolation and the healing of soft tissue. It differs from traditional methods in that it is more efficient and often faster. There is less post-operative discomfort for the patient and the bacteria levels in affected areas are reduced. There is virtually no collateral damage to healthy tissue.

Overall, our laser dental procedures are safer, and healing time is reduced. They are highly effective, safe and gentle.

In most cases, you can take your smile from good to great in just one visit!