COSMETIC DENTISTRY PROCEDURES - Neil F. Riley DDS, Columbia, Missouri
Dr. Neil Riley uses the latest techniques in cosmetic
dentistry to create sparkling smiles for every patient
he treats. Here are some of the procedures Dr. Riley
offers:
Veneers
Veneers can enhance your smile by hiding chips,
fractures, gaps, and stains. They are bonded directly
to your teeth to give you a bright smile you will be
proud to show off. Veneers are made of a thin, durable
material that is customized to slide easily and comfortably
over your teeth. They are highly resistant to permanent
staining, so you can keep your dazzling white smile
for years to come while still enjoying coffee, tea,
and soda. Veneers are a terrific alternative to crowns
because not as much of the tooth has to be removed,
reducing the risk of injury. Contact Dr. Riley today
to see if veneers are right for you.
Crowns
Crowns are used to repair broken, decayed, or
damaged teeth. They act as a cover that fits snugly
over your tooth, bringing it back to its natural size
and form. To apply the crown, the original tooth has
to be filed down, and a mold is taken of the new shape.
Once the crown is ready, it is cemented into place.
The result is a natural, functional tooth that blends
perfectly with the rest of your mouth. Not only does
it improve the look of your smile, it also provides
support for the damaged tooth, making it less vulnerable
to future injury. Contact Dr. Riley today to find out
if crowns are right for you.
Bridges
Bridges are artificial teeth that literally bridge
the gaps left by missing teeth. The teeth on each side
of the gap act as anchors for the bridge. First, the
surrounding teeth are ground down and fitted for crowns.
The bridge is then bonded to the crowns, and the entire
piece is cemented into your mouth. The final product
is a striking smile with no gaps. Having missing teeth
does not only affect the look of your smile, it can
also cause more serious health problems. When you have
gaps, surrounding teeth can drift, causing a changed
bite that can result in gum disease or tooth decay.
It is important to get gaps filled as soon as possible.
Contact Dr. Riley today.
Lasers
for Soft Tissue Crown Lengthening
Soft tissue crown lengthening is used on patients who
need restoration, but don’t have enough tooth
surface to place a crown or bridge. During the procedure,
a laser removes gum tissue from around the tooth, making
it strong enough to anchor the restoration. Once the
gums are contoured, a crown or bridge is fixed to the
tooth. Crown lengthening is also a good cosmetic solution
for patients who are unhappy with their “gummy” smile. Excessive gums can make teeth appear smaller
and squarer than they really are. By using the laser
to remove extra gum tissue, patients are given the healthy,
symmetrical smiles they desire. Contact Dr. Riley today
to find out what he can do for you.
Porcelain
Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain inlays and onlays are used to restore
teeth that have different levels of decay. Inlays are
used on teeth that have a small amount of decay, and
cover only one or two surfaces. Onlays are used on the
chewing surfaces of teeth that have more extensive decay,
and cover one or more cusps. The porcelain inlay or
onlay is cemented onto the tooth, giving you a healthy
looking smile. They are durable and strong, protecting
the tooth from cracking or breaking. They also prevent
further decay by reducing the size of the seam between
the restoration and the tooth. Contact Dr. Riley today
to see if porcelain inlays or onlays are right for you.
Bleaching
Having a dazzling white smile can make anyone
feel more attractive and self-confident. But years of
drinking coffee, tea, or soda can take its toll on teeth,
leaving them discolored and dull. To give your smile
a magnificent shimmer, we offer a take-home whitening
kit. We fit you with custom trays so you can whiten
your teeth in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Dr. Riley checks your progress periodically, and in
about two weeks you will have the smile you dreamed
about. If your teeth are in need of a whitening makeover,
contact Dr. Riley today to see what he can do for you.
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TECHNOLOGY
Dr. Riley is constantly updated
on the latest technology in cosmetic dentistry. Here
is some of the technology he utilizes:
Lasers
for Soft Tissue Reduction
Dr. Riley uses lasers for crown lengthening and
bridges. Lasers contour, lift, and reshape gums. There
are several benefits of using a laser. There is minimal
or no bleeding after the procedure, and healing time
is faster. In most cases, lasers eliminate pain, so
little or no anesthesia is needed, and there is less
post-operative discomfort. In addition, lasers offer
precise, gentle removal of tissue, so there is less
risk of infection. Finally, and perhaps most importantly,
there is no drone of a drill and less time is spent
in the dentist’s chair. Contact Dr. Riley today
to see if laser treatment is right for you.
Air
Abrasion
Air abrasion is
a solution for patients who do not like drills. With
this method, a stream of fine aluminum oxide particles
is blown onto the tooth to remove decay. Its most common
use is preparing teeth for fillings, but it can also
be used to repair cracks and prepare teeth for bonding.
The air abrasion technique has many advantages, including
shorter treatment time. There is no discomfort during
the procedure, so no anesthesia is required. In addition,
less tooth and soft tissue have to be removed, leaving
more tooth structure behind. To find out if air abrasion
is right for you, contact Dr. Riley today.
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