Through mouth surgery, prosthodontics builds healthy, beautiful smiles that last. Replace missing teeth. Restore broken teeth. Correct imperfections with better alignment, bonding, and veneers. Let us give you something to smile about!
Click to read the smile procedures glossary and learn more about each cosmetic dentistry procedure.
The smile procedures glossary provides an overview of the cosmetic dental services available at Barsky DDS with Prosthodontist, Dr. Todd Barsky.
All on 4 Implants. A non-removable implant retained denture which replaces all upper and/or lower teeth at one time, in one day.
After proper planning, including the use of cone beam 3-D CT imaging, a surgeon places a minimum of 4 implants per arch, where there is adequate jaw bone available to retain each implant.
On the same day the implants are placed, a temporary non-removable implant prosthesis is fabricated, allowing the patient to go home with teeth firmly attached to their bone. Each prosthesis is tailored aesthetically for each patient.
Over the course of 3-6 months, osseointegration occurs, which is the process when a patient’s bone biologically grows around the titanium screws of the implant, anchoring them securely.
The final stage of the All on 4 procedure is the fabrication of the final non-removable implant retained denture. This prosthesis can be fabricated from either acrylic, resin, or zirconia based porcelain.
Tooth Bonding. A resin-based compound is blended to match the translucency and color of an individual’s natural teeth. The tooth surface to be bonded is roughened and conditioned with a special liquid. The compound is then applied to the roughened surface, smoothed and cured (hardened) with a special light and then polished.
Cosmetic Dentistry. Oral dental care which enhances appearance as well as good oral health, including but not limited to the following procedures:
Dental Crowns and Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth to the gum line. They are handcrafted for natural form, function, and appearance. Indications for their use include:
Dental Exams. A thorough oral examination with x-rays includes evaluation for:
Dental Implants. These replace tooth roots with titanium screw-like posts, as a base for replacing damaged or missing teeth. They stop deterioration of the jaw bones. Dental implant surgery is usually done in stages:
Implants are considered for patients who have one or more missing teeth, sufficient bone to keep implants secure, good oral hygiene, and no conditions which could interfere with bone healing. Relative contraindications include patients receiving chemotherapy, active infection or disease at implant sites, medical problems that prevent safe surgery, uncontrolled type II diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, or has received radiation affecting oral health.
Dental Veneers are thin layers of porcelain bonded onto the visible surface of teeth. Their structure and appearance are the most natural looking of the materials and procedures for improving the appearance of teeth. Uses for veneers include:
Dentures. These are used to replace from several to all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Options include:
Full Mouth Reconstruction consists of a unique plan in accordance with a patient’s needs and goals, giving attention to every tooth. A full mouth reconstruction is usually a combination of procedures – porcelain crowns, veneers, and implant restorations.
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, removable, alignment trays for realignment of bite, rather than traditional orthodontic braces which are visible to others. They improve the dentition both aesthetically and functionally. They can be removed for eating and cleaning.
Lumineers. These are also called “no prep” or “minimal prep” veneers. Thin dental veneers are bonded directly to the natural teeth, without removing a thin layer of enamel, as compared to traditional porcelain dental veneers.
Prosthodontist. A uniquely qualified dentist with an additional three years of post dental school study training in a prosthodontic residency approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), for special knowledge and techniques used in the preservation and restoration of a healthy mouth.The special techniques utilized by the Prosthodontist include tooth replacement, correction of oral/facial birth defects and rehabilitation after trauma.
A dentist may be certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics after successfully completing a prosthodontic residency, followed by a rigorous examination regimen spaced out over two or more years. Only 1/3 of dentists completing a prosthodontic residency become board certified.
Restorative Dentistry. The focus here is on rejuvenating function of the patient’s bite, including fixing broken or missing teeth. It is often accompanied by cosmetic dental procedures. Indications for restorative dentistry include:
Teeth Cleaning is recommended every 3-6 months, with visual exams. An ultrasonic device with microscopic vibrations lifts scales, deposits of tartar, and stains, as irrigation and suction eliminate the debris.
Teeth Whitening. A barrier gel is applied to gums to prevent irritation during whitening. A prescription grade of concentrated gel containing carbamide peroxide is then applied to the teeth. The gel then releases oxygen, which helps to lift stains embedded deep in the pores of the enamel of the tooth.