Cosmetic Dentistry Cary, NC

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that restores brightness to teeth, producing potentially dramatic results in about four weeks.  Although both at-home and in-office treatments exist, Dr. Andrews generally prefers the at-home whitening method.  Proven to be as effective as in-office treatments, at-home whitening costs less and does not cause the sensitivity associated with in-office treatment.  Dr. Andrews provides custom-made trays and peroxide gel for at-home whitening.  The process, which gained popularity in the 1980’ s, was pioneered by Dr. Andrews’ former professor and dentist, Dr. Van Haywood.

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays are used when decay is too large for a filling, but not large enough to justify a crown.  Dr. Andrews removes the defective tooth structure and replaces it with a natural ceramic material, which he custom-designs for each tooth.  This material is bonded into place with composite cement, rendering it virtually invisible.  Dr. Andrews then restores the teeth to nearly their original strength with a material that is wear-resistant and far more beautiful than a direct, tooth-colored filling.

Porcelain Crowns & Bridges

Porcelain crowns are stationary tooth replacements that cover the entire observable tooth.   All porcelain crowns are bonded to the underlining tooth, which seals and strengthens the tooth.  They are generally indistinguishable from natural teeth, especially when accomplished by a highly-skilled dentist like Dr. Andrews.  They are durable and they reflect light in a very similar way to natural teeth.  Porcelain is also fused to metal crowns and bridges in procedures, generally limited to teeth in the back of the mouth.  These long-lasting restorations are designed so that the metal is not visible at the gum line, eliminating any “black lines” by covering the entire observable portion of the teeth.  These crowns and bridges are extremely strong and have a very low fracture rate.  Dr. Andrews and his ceramist routinely achieve beautiful, natural-looking teeth restorations during these procedures.

 
Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, creating natural-looking restorations that can be treated like regular teeth.  A titanium cylinder is placed in the jawbone, which provides support for an “abutment,” or artificial tooth.  A crown is then placed on top of the abutment.  Patients must meet very specific criteria for this procedure to be successful.
 

Composite Restorations

Composite restorations are tooth-colored fillings that can restore decayed teeth, close gaps between teeth, or replace fractured portions of teeth.  These restorations are natural-looking and can be quite durable when used in small or medium sized areas.

Visit Dr. Mark J. Andrews to get a  beautiful smile with porcelain veneers in Cary or a simple teeth whitening to get your smile the best it can be.  Dr. Andrews provides cosmetic dentistry services in Cary, NC to patients from all over the Raleigh-Durham area.