Procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry

At Jeannie Irvine, DDS , we provide custom cosmetic solutions that range from veneers and take-home tooth whitening kits to tooth-colored restorations. Each treatment plan is designed to improve the aesthetics of your smile without compromising on function. 

Dr. Irvine welcomes new patients who are looking to improve their smile, correct damaged teeth, or are seeking a new dentist in Sunnyvale. 

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What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Procedures that improve the beauty of your teeth make up cosmetic dentistry. The American Dental Association identifies procedures such as veneers, braces, crowns, bridges, and bonding to be cosmetic procedures. A general dentist will consider these as part of your treatment plan to improve aesthetics and function. You can have an isolated cosmetic improvement such as teeth whitening or have it as part of a smile makeover which may consist of two or more solutions.

Cosmetic dentistry has really taken off in recent years, growing dramatically in popularity as more and more people have realized what it can do for them.  Your treatment plan can help:

  • Replace missing teeth
  • Repair any broken, chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth
  • Modify the shape or alignment of existing teeth
  • Replace old dental treatments with the best of modern dentistry
  • Enhance teeth by brightening them
  • Correct overbites or underbites
  • Fill unwanted gaps between teeth

Cosmetic dentists can provide solutions for everyone that are surprisingly affordable, quick, and gentle. You never get a second chance at a first impression, so why not improve your smile today? 



Why Choose Take-Home Whitening? 

Your smile makes up a major part of the first impression you make. Because of this, teeth whitening can give you the ability to improve that first impression quickly and gently. 

Professional take-home kits can help you to make a difference in your smile with stronger, safer gel than over-the-counter solutions. Under the care of Dr. Irvine, you can achieve professional whitening results in the convenience of your own home. 

How Do I Keep My Teeth White?

Once you’ve successfully whitened your teeth with one of our convenient take-home kits, you will probably want to ensure your smile stays white for as long as possible. Avoiding staining drinks like tea, coffee, and wine can make a major difference. If drinking iced tea, you could try using a straw to minimize the staining effect on your teeth. Smoking is another habit which can stain your teeth, as will chewing tobacco. 

Overall, brushing twice a day or after every meal, as well as flossing and maintaining good overall oral hygiene can also impact how long your teeth stay their best. Keep in mind that you will be able to apply a new tooth whitening treatment in the future, should your teeth ever start to lose their brilliant white sheen.

  

When to Choose Composite Fillings

Composite fillings provide an excellent aesthetic solution to repair a damaged tooth. Because the composite resin is color-matched to blend in with your natural teeth, they offer cosmetic benefits to damaged teeth, especially those in the smile zone. 

Why Would You Choose White Composite Fillings?  

There are several good reasons to choose composite fillings, depending on the situation you are trying to address, such as:

  • A crack has formed in one of your teeth
  • A tooth has become excessively worn
  • Tooth decay caused a cavity

Composite fillings are cosmetic solutions because they match your surrounding teeth, so you don’t appear to have fillings. They provide a lasting solution to solve your dental issues.

Keep in mind that dental fillings don’t last forever and may need to be replaced eventually. It is important to practice good dental habits and maintain regular dental visits to maximize the longevity of your fillings.

 

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-made porcelain shells created just for you in a professional dental laboratory. Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth to reshape your smile as desired. They can serve as a cosmetic alternative to crowned teeth in the smile zone.

Why Would You Need A Porcelain Veneer?

The following are a few reasons:

  • You have crooked teeth.
  • You have misshapen teeth.
  • You have worn or chipped teeth.
  • You have teeth that have grown in too small or too large.
  • You have awkward gaps in between your teeth.
  • You have very discolored or stained teeth.

What Is the Process of Getting A Porcelain Veneer?

Typically porcelain veneers require you to make two trips to the dentist. During your first appointment, your teeth will be prepared using a gentle buffing process that reshapes the surface to enable the veneer to fit on the tooth. An impression mold is taken of the teeth, and a color shade sample is determined to match your natural tooth color. Temporary veneers are placed to enhance your smile until your custom set is complete.

During your next visit, your teeth will be cleaned with a special solution which allows the veneer to bond properly. Bonding cement is then applied to the surface of the tooth, and the porcelain veneer is set into place. A special light is used to set the bond and harden it.

We will provide detailed instructions during your visit, so you know exactly how to care for your veneers and what to expect. 



Porcelain Crowns Solve many Dental Problems

Porcelain crowns are used to restore both function and beauty to teeth in a variety of situations.

5 Reasons to Choose Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are exceptionally strong and beautiful. They are used to:

  1. Cosmetically improve the teeth
  2. Restore broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
  3. Anchor a dental bridge in position
  4. Conceal a badly discolored or misshapen tooth
  5. Protect a tooth after root canal therapy

What to Expect When Getting a Crown

During the first appointment, we remove the damaged portion of your tooth and shape it to best fit your final crown. Impressions are taken, so the lab creates a tooth authentic to your bite. We also create a temporary crown to protect the tooth until your next visit.

About two weeks later, you will come back to the office for final placement. Once the new crown is cemented firmly in place, we may adjust the shape of the crown, so it fits your bite naturally.

How Long Do Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can last from 10 to 15 years or more if properly cared for. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene as well as to avoid chewing on ice, biting your fingernails or other hard objects, and using your teeth to open any packaging to maximize the life of the crown.

Dr. Irvine will monitor your crown’s durability during routine exams.



Why Choose Invisalign® Clear Aligners?

Invisalign is a cosmetic orthodontic option to correct misaligned teeth. If you have been considering braces but have some misgivings about them, Invisalign could be the solution you’ve been looking for!

How Does Invisalign Differ from Braces?

  • The clear aligners are nearly invisible
  • The trays are removed for eating, meaning, no dietary limitations
  • Improved comfort
  • Shortened treatment time for many dental situations
  • Less time in the dental chair

Dr. Irvine will have custom trays developed which will conform to your teeth to gently reposition them over time. The aligners are typically changed every two weeks or so for new ones as your smile continues to straighten. The consecutive trays control both the timing and force of the application.

With checkups scheduled every six weeks, you can apply three different sets of trays yourself without seeing your dentist. During your visit, Dr. Irvine inspects treatment progression and sends you home with the next few sets of aligners in the series. Once treatment is complete, a retainer is often required to ensure the teeth remain in their desired locations.



Achieve the Smile of Your Dreams

Combining attention to detail with an artistic flair, Dr. Irvine works with you to create a healthy smile that feels natural and flattering. If you live or work in the Sunnyvale area, schedule an appointment to discuss your smile goals.

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