Smile Repair Using Bonding and Emax Crown

Today's patient came to us with complaints of mismatched central incisors. The patient's right incisor had a large composite (tooth colored) filing that had become worn and stained over time. Their left incisor had a crown that was too light and opaque compared to the surrounding teeth. Both of these esthetic problems are very common, as teeth tend to age differently from the materials we use in dentistry. Composite fillings pick up stain and erode more quickly than enamel while crowns do not respond to color changes like surrounding teeth. The result is that restorations in the front of the mouth gradually become more obvious and less natural over time. 

Dr. Kari Ann Hong set out to repair this smile by placing a new filling on the left incisor and using an Emax Lithium Disilicate crown on the right. The new restorations add natural coloring, opacity and shape back to the patient's smile. In the before picture, the existing dental work is fairly obvious. The new crown and filling blend naturally and bring harmony back to this smile! If you would like to know more about crowns, fillings or other cosmetic procedures we perform at our office, please give us a call!

Case Presentation: Smile Improvement Using Crowns and Veneers

In dentistry, many small changes can add up to make a huge difference! Today's patient came to our office dissatisfied with the uneven appearance of their front teeth. Note how the left central incisor has a large chip while the two lateral incisors are very different shapes. Additionally, the teeth do not have a uniform color shade, causing the crown on the patient's right central incisor to stick out noticeably.

Dr. Kari Ann Hong used a combination of three new zirconia veneers and a full zirconia crown on the right central incisor to create a matching shape and color across all the anterior teeth. She also provided minimal recontouring to the gums around the right incisor to create a more symmetric gum line. The result is an undeniably more natural smile! If you would like to know about the services we offer and what Dr. Hong can do for your smile, please give our office a call!

Case Presentation: Anterior Crowns

Everyone wants beautiful and uniform teeth, but can you create a smile too "perfect?" In these before pictures, notice how this patient's teeth are smooth, consistently colored and similar in shape. While these qualities sound good on paper, they add up to a less than natural looking smile. We replaced the older porcelain and metal crowns with brand new Emax lithium disilicate restorations. The incisors were lengthened to fill out the smile line and gentle variations were added to the fronts of the teeth. Additionally, the translucent nature of Emax reacts to ambient light similarly to natural teeth. These small changes better mimic real dental enamel, and thus create a more life-like smile. 

If you would like to know more about our cosmetic dental services, please contact our office. We pride ourselves in creating beautiful smiles customized to the individual patient's wants and needs. Schedule an exam today!

Best Cosmetic Dentist in the Conejo Valley

Check out this new video testimonial from one of our very satisfied patients! Twenty years ago, Jennifer suffered from pain and headaches associated with stress on her temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In solving this, her previous dentist used dental crowns and veneers to improve the way her teeth came together and ease her TMJ pain. Although the procedure was successful, twenty years of wear combined with gum recession had affected the appearance and function of these restorations. 

An important component of the dentistry we provide is managing our patients' fears and expectations. Jennifer was understandably very nervous coming into her appointment to have her crowns and veneers replaced. On top of the typical stress of a dental visit, she was concerned if the new restorations would fit as well as the originals. Fortunately, Dr. Kari Ann Hong is an expert in providing dentistry with a compassionate touch. Jennifer put on our noise isolating headphones and relaxed while Dr. Kari finished the appointment in just two and a half hours! She even left our office in custom temporary crowns that mimicked the esthetics and mechanics of the permanent units to come. 

Having your smile rejuvenated can be a stressful and daunting process. However, we pride ourselves in creating a relaxing atmosphere that makes the experience enjoyable! If you would like to know more about dental crowns, veneers or implants, please contact our office at (805) 480-9820 or at staff@thousandoaksfamilydentistry.com.