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 more visible areas of the mouth.

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:

• Chipped teeth.
• Closing space between two teeth.
• Cracked or broken teeth.
• Decayed teeth.
• Worn teeth.

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment.  While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as needed.  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.

Unwanted cosmetic imperfections in your smile can take a toll on your confidence and make you want to hide your smile. At Blessed Smile Dentistry our team of skilled dentists is dedicated to helping you experience a radiant smile with dental veneers. Whether you’re seeking to address a single flaw or want to transform the appearance of your whole smile, we personalize our services to fit your specific needs.

With convenient locations in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Diamond Bar, and Yorba Linda, our practice offers accessible care that makes getting the aesthetic improvements you want easy. In addition to our porcelain veneers, we also offer composite veneers for those seeking a cosmetic solution that requires minimal preparation. Contact our team today to schedule your appointment for beautiful composite or porcelain veneers and discover how simple it can be to improve your smile aesthetic.

What Are Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, masking imperfections and enhancing your smile’s appearance. These durable restorations are crafted to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, delivering seamless and natural-looking results. Chairside composite veneers are made from a malleable material our dentist shapes over your teeth, then hardens with a special light. Both composite and porcelain veneers are a wonderful solution for correcting a variety of dental issues, including but not limited to:

• Deep stains and discolorations
• Minor misalignments
• Chipped teeth
• Uneven wearing of teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Small gaps between teeth

Our Veneer Placement Options

Every smile is unique, and we keep that in mind when providing our composite and porcelain veneer options. Our services are flexible, and we’ll work with you to determine which option is best for your situation. What we target for treatment with our different placement approaches can vary slightly. Our focus centers on:

• Single Tooth Placement: This approach is ideal for addressing individual teeth that detract from your smile. Single tooth veneer placement can target specific areas of concern like color matching a stained tooth with the rest of your smile or reshaping a tooth that has a minor chip.
• Multiple Veneer Placements: For more comprehensive smile transformations, multiple veneer placements can transform your entire smile, creating a uniform and aesthetically pleasing result across all your treated teeth.

How We Place Porcelain Veneers

Our aim is to make the process of getting dental veneers as streamlined and simple as possible. The process begins with a comprehensive oral examination to assess the condition of your teeth and discuss your cosmetic goals. After determining veneers are right for you, our dentist  will prepare your teeth for placement. This may involve gently reshaping the enamel of your teeth to create an excellent fit. We’ll also take detailed impressions of your bite and send them to a trusted dental laboratory where your new veneers will be crafted.

Once your permanent veneers are ready, you’ll return for your final appointment. Our skilled dentists will ensure they securely bond to your teeth, providing you with a durable and long-lasting result. We’ll also check for discomfort or bite alignment issues to ensure your bite is comfortable and secure. One of the most appealing aspects of dental veneers is that once we’ve placed them, you’ll enjoy immediate results that last for many years.

Are Veneers Right for Me?

Composite and porcelain veneers are sought after because they are an excellent option for just about anyone interested in improving the appearance of their smiles. If your oral health is in suitable condition, you’re likely an excellent candidate for dental veneers. You can rest assured that our team will never push any services that don’t directly address your cosmetic goals, and veneers are no exception.

How Do I Care for My New Veneers?

With proper and diligent care, veneers can last for more than a decade. Fortunately, caring for veneers is simple and doesn’t require special equipment. Flossing and brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush are essential to keeping bacteria from building around the margin of veneers. It’s also important to avoid eating overly hard foods and to maintain your biannual dental visits. While veneers are stain-resistant, it’s a good idea to minimize the consumption of staining foods and beverages. We also recommend you don’t smoke or use tobacco products.

Your Destination for Beautiful Dental Veneers

Our team at Blessed Smile Dentistry dedicates ourselves to helping our patients achieve beautiful, confident smiles. With flexible placement and veneer options, we stand ready to help you achieve a set of teeth you’ll love to show off to the world. We value our lasting relationships with our patients and look forward to forming a meaningful partnership with you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for dental veneers at our Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Diamond Bar, or Yorba Linda offices!

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a home teeth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Teeth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for teeth whitening:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
• Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
• Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does teeth whitening involve?

This type of teeth whitening usually requires two visits.  At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear, plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary.  The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.