When a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired with a filling, a dental crown can help restore its strength, function, and appearance. Unlike a filling, which repairs a portion of the tooth, a crown covers the entire visible surface, creating a strong new outer layer that protects the tooth underneath.
At The Dental Spa, Dr. Ryan may recommend a crown to:
Dental crowns can be made from several materials. Porcelain is commonly used because it can be carefully matched to the color and appearance of your natural teeth. Dr. Ryan will recommend the type of crown best suited to the location of the tooth, your bite, and your individual dental needs.
Over time, teeth can become discolored or stained due to aging, certain foods and beverages, and other factors. As the outer enamel becomes thinner, the naturally yellow color of the dentin underneath can also become more visible.
Professional teeth whitening can safely brighten your smile and reduce the appearance of stains and discoloration. At The Dental Spa, we offer in-office whitening that can produce a noticeable change in the color of your teeth in a single visit.
During treatment, our team carefully protects your gums and surrounding tissues before applying a professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth. The result is a brighter, refreshed smile with treatment performed in the comfort and safety of our office.
A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth, helping restore the appearance and function of your smile. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may gradually shift into the open space, potentially affecting your bite and making it more difficult to chew comfortably.
At The Dental Spa, Dr. Ryan may recommend a dental bridge to fill the space left by a missing tooth. A traditional bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors for an artificial replacement tooth, called a pontic. Crowns are placed over the supporting teeth, with the replacement tooth secured between them to create a natural-looking, functional restoration.
Several types of dental bridges may be used depending on your individual needs:
Dr. Ryan will evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine which tooth replacement option is best suited to your needs.
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. At The Dental Spa, Dr. Ryan may recommend veneers to enhance the color, shape, size, or overall appearance of one or more teeth while creating a natural-looking result.
Two common types of veneers are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are durable, highly resistant to staining, and designed to closely resemble natural tooth enamel. Composite veneers are applied directly to the teeth rather than being created in a dental laboratory. They are typically more affordable than porcelain veneers, although they may not last as long.
You may consider dental veneers if:
Dr. Ryan will evaluate your teeth, oral health, and cosmetic goals to determine whether veneers are an appropriate option and which type will provide the best result for your smile.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses tooth-colored composite resin to make small improvements to the shape, color, or appearance of a tooth. At The Dental Spa, Dr. Ryan may recommend bonding as a simple and conservative way to enhance your smile.
Bonding can be used to repair small chips or cracks, close minor spaces between teeth, improve the shape of a tooth, or address areas of discoloration. Because the composite resin is applied and shaped directly on the tooth, treatment can typically be completed in a single visit without the need for a dental laboratory.
Bonding generally requires less removal of natural tooth structure than veneers or crowns and is often a more affordable option. However, composite resin is not as durable or stain-resistant as porcelain, so bonding is typically best suited for smaller cosmetic improvements rather than more extensive restorations.
Dr. Ryan can help you determine whether dental bonding, veneers, or another treatment is the best choice based on your teeth and the changes you’d like to make to your smile.
Dental inlays and onlays offer a more conservative approach to restoring a damaged tooth than a full dental crown. At The Dental Spa, Dr. Ryan may recommend an inlay or onlay to repair a back tooth with mild to moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a filling but does not require a crown.
Inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain, composite resin, or other dental materials. An inlay fits within the center of the tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more of the tooth’s cusps to restore a larger area.
Benefits of dental inlays and onlays include:
Dr. Ryan will evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend the most appropriate restoration to protect your tooth while preserving as much of its natural structure as possible.
