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 A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original
shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types
of restorations. Although there are several types
of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are
highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.
Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile. Reasons for crowns: What does getting a crown involve? A
crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate
molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary
crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory. While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing
any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown
will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly. At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the
tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate. You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental
visits to check your new crown.
 Porcelain
Fixed Bridges A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent
way to replace missing teeth. There are several
types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional
bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are
most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring
teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however
they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear. Reasons for a fixed bridge: Fill space of missing teeth. Maintain
facial shape. Prevent remaining teeth
from drifting out of position. Restore
chewing and speaking ability. Restore
your smile. Upgrade from a removable
partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
What does getting a fixed bridge involve? Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are
prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which
will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made
and worn for several weeks until your next appointment. At
the second visit, you permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally
your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge.
The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time. You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing and regular
dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.
 Porcelain Veneers Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape
and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive
smile. Veneers
can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating
many dental conditions. As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very
durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile. Reasons for porcelain veneers: Cosmetically, to create
a uniform, white, beautiful smile. Crooked
teeth. Misshapen teeth. Severely discolored or stained teeth. Teeth that are too small or large. Unwanted or uneven spaces. Worn or chipped teeth.
 What does getting porcelain veneers involve? Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process,
with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the
surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will
then be chosen by you and the dentist. On the second
visit the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between
the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond. You will receive care instructions for veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental
visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.
A
denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely
resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures.
Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting. A
Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional
type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this
time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth
are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues
shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made. Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired,
or readjusted due to normal wear. Reasons for dentures: Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch. Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch. Enhancing smile and facial tissues. Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.
What does getting dentures involve? The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually
over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture.
Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment,
your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit. It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and
possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures. You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper
cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.
 Zoom Teeth WhiteningDr. Airey
is pleased to offer Zoom!®, the world's leader in Chairside Teeth Whitening Systems!! Zoom! raises the bar to a new level of performance while delivering an average of eight shades,
and sometimes as many as twelve, in less than an hour.
The Zoom! system is:
Faster - Achieve
superior results in three 15-minute sessions. The new system reduces chair-time by 33% with no compromise in results. More Effective - The proprietary light activated Zoom! gel incorporates
patented Amorphous Calcium Phosphate1 (ACP) technology to provide superior whitening results. Easier - The new Precision Light Guide System ensures quick and consistent patient
set-up for optimal whitening results, while the new locking casters and ergonomically designed structure make moving and positioning
Zoom! a snap. Lower Sensitivity - Reduced
contact time, ACP chemistry, combined with the new Balancing Agent and Satin Finish, to ensure the lowest possible discomfort
for patients. The simple procedure begins with preparation to cover
your lips and gums. The proprietary light activated Zoom!® gel is applied before the special Zoom light is applied. You
rest comfortably for about an hour. The results are that quick!
Why have your teeth bleaching
at Dr. Airey's office rather than a chain that does just teeth whitening? Prior to teeth bleaching, a patient receives a professional comprehensive exam with x-rays, to confirm the absence
of disease and making sure they are a good candidate for the whitening process. A patient will also
receive dental cleaning prior to bleaching, maximizing results. Otherwise the patient will have bleached tarter, calculus
and plaque over what should be their brightened teeth. All chairside
Zoom! bleaching patients leave with more than just a bright smile. They go home with custom fitting bleaching trays and one-year
supply of bleach so there is no need for return visits to touch-up.
  Composite Fillings A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is
affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled
with a composite filling. There are many types of
filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the
best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used
today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and
are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth. As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be
replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting,
beautiful smile. Reasons for composite fillings: How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay
as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If
the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling
will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first
placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling. You
will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular
dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.  Dental Emergencies
If you think
you have dental emergency, please do not hesitate to call. We will make every attempt to respond to your emergency as quickly
as possible. If an emergency arises while the office is open, please
call us early in the day so that we can schedule sufficient time to treat you. If an emergency arises while the office is
closed, call the office number and leave a message along with your phone number on the answering machine. We monitor all calls
and will return your call promptly.
Orthodontics
Creating a Well-Aligned Smile
 Years ago, orthodontic treatments were used only for pre-teens and teens having problems with their bite (malocclusion).
Today, orthodontic treatments like dental braces are not only for pre-teens and teens, but for adults as well.Close to 30 percent of all orthodontic patients in
the United States are adults. Despite this growing trend towards adult orthodontics, it pays to start orthodontic treatment
early for maximum effectiveness. The American Dental Association recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation
by age seven. The Restorative and Esthetic Nature of OrthodonticsSince malocclusion may interfere with eating and speaking, it is usually considered a restorative
issue. Although, because a malocclusion may prevent the development of a beautiful, well-aligned smile or facial jaw lines,
it may also be classified as an esthetic issue and categorized as cosmetic dentistry. No matter what your age, orthodontics can protect your bite (occlusion), maximize your teeth's effectiveness
in performing their functions and create a well-aligned smile. Today's orthodontics involves repositioning of the teeth
and underlying roots, providing better support for the crown of the tooth. Orthodontic treatment is now associated with the
benefits of greater esthetic appeal, increased comfort and reduced treatment time. Orthodontic
treatment can also rejuvenate your facial appearance by reshaping the jaw, neck and lips, especially when combined with maxillofacial
surgical procedures. In addition, well-aligned teeth make oral hygiene easier to maintain. The Orthodontic EvaluationIf you are a candidate for orthodontics,
you will likely be referred by your general dentist to an orthodontist for evaluation of your bite. During your first orthodontic
visit, our orthodontist may use several methods to develop an individualized treatment plan, including: - Oral, facial and functional evaluation (examination).
- Intraoral and facial photographs.
- Panoramic and cephalometric
X-rays.
- Impressions for models of the teeth and bite.
Our orthodontist reviews your dental records, performs a clinical assessment, takes X-rays
of your mouth and head and makes models of the teeth by creating an accurate impression of them. The results of this evaluation
are studied in order to formulate the best orthodontic treatment plan. Typically
during the second visit, our orthodontist reviews the treatment plan and estimates the number of months for the active phase
of treatment. The standard treatment phase is two years. Following treatment, you may be required to wear a retainer for a
period of time. The duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on your age, the
extensiveness of the procedure (some people require more work than others) and how closely you follow your treatment plan.
For example, younger patients may respond more quickly to treatment than older patients because the bones supporting young
teeth are more pliable than those supporting older teeth. However, adults tend to follow treatment instructions more consistently
than pre-teens.
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