Magic Valley Family Dentistry - Neal Johnson

Thanks to advancements in modern cosmetic dental care, you can have a beautiful smile easier than ever before. It has been noted by many social studies that the first thing we notice about people is their eyes. The second thing we notice is their smile. Often, we are judged professionally and socially based on our appearance.

Powerful computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, called CAD/CAM, allows us to custom fabricate tooth-colored restorations, crowns, onlays, and veneers right here in our office, and all in a single appointment. As the first step in the CAD/CAM technique, we prepare and shape the tooth for the restoration.

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 misshapen 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. It takes two or more appointments to restore teeth with veneers. During the first appointment, we shape and roughen the teeth.

A tooth-colored bridge may be made of both porcelain and metal, or, thanks to newly available technology, it may be made entirely of porcelain. In the past, porcelain bridges were always built upon a metal core. That was the only way they could have enough strength to withstand the tremendous biting forces that are exerted on all of your teeth.