Smile Makeover Options in Cleveland, Akron, and Toledo – Veneers, Teeth Whitening, and More

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding, or dental or tooth bonding, improves the teeth's appearance by covering minor imperfections with a plastic or resin composite bonding material. The dentist bonds the composite material to the tooth to hide small chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration on the tooth's surface. Composite bonding allows dentists to quickly give patients a more aesthetically pleasing, vibrant smile with little to no removal of the original tooth.

The Advantages of Dental Bonding

Composite bonding has many advantages. The bonding process usually takes less than one hour, and requires little to no removal of the original tooth, unlike porcelain veneers or crowns. Composite bonding is also relatively inexpensive. Bonding material comes in a variety of shades to match the existing teeth for a natural-looking restoration.

Dental Bonding Process

Dental bonding is performed in one office visit and usually requires no anesthesia. To prepare the tooth for bonding, the dentist cleans the tooth and applies a mild solution that helps the bonding material adhere to the tooth. Next, he applies several layers of bonding material, hardening each layer with a laser before applying the next. Then the dentist gently sculpts the bonded tooth to the desired shape and texture for natural-looking and long lasting restoration.

After your Dental Bonds are Placed

To help dental bonding restorations last as long as possible, patients should maintain proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, especially patients who consume large amounts of coffee, tea, tobacco, or other tooth-staining agents. Even with proper upkeep, bonds do not last as long as porcelain veneers or crowns, so they typically need to be replaced or touched up every five to ten years.

For more information on composite bonding in the Cleveland area, contact Dr. Bill Costaras.

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Dentures

Teeth deteriorate naturally as part of the aging process. As a cosmetic reconstructive dentist, Dr. Bill Costaras prefers restorative techniques to rebuild and save your natural teeth. But when multiple teeth with substantial deterioration need to be extracted, dentures may be an appropriate replacement device. At his practice serving Cleveland, Akron, Toledo and surrounding areas, Dr. Bill Costaras can create dentures that look natural and fit comfortably to enhance patients' smiles and self-confidence.

Full and Partial Dentures

Our Westlake practice provides both full and partial dentures for patients throughout Cleveland, Akron, Toledo and surrounding areas. Full dentures can replace multiple missing teeth when few original teeth remain. To fit full dentures, the dentist removes the remaining teeth, makes a mold of the gums, and sends the mold to a laboratory, where the dentures are custom-made. Patients wear temporary dentures until their permanent dentures are ready. Partial dentures are prepared in a similar manner, but without the removal of remaining teeth, for patients with enough teeth remaining to support partial dentures.

Over Dentures

Over dentures fit on top of remaining teeth, making them an option for people whose remaining teeth and gums are strong enough to support the dentures. To prepare the teeth for over dentures, the dentist reshapes the teeth and covers them with a metal cap to prevent decay. He then places the over dentures. Over dentures cause fewer bite problems and less gum and jawbone recession than full and partial dentures, since they rest on natural teeth.

Once Your Dentures Have Been Placed

Most patients experience minor swelling for about two to three days after having dentures placed. The dentures may feel loose, uncomfortable, or awkward until the gums and mouth tissues adjust, especially while eating and speaking. For several days after placement, patients should wear the dentures continually and eat soft foods to reduce swelling and discomfort. Reading aloud helps many patients adjust to speaking with dentures. In several months, the gums and jawbone will completely adjust to the dentures, at which point the dentist can remove the dentures to create a permanent lining to cushion the gums.

The Life of your Dentures

Proper dental hygiene and care of dentures can prolong the life of your dentures. For optimal upkeep, brush the dentures daily with denture toothpaste. Once your gums have healed after placement, you can remove the dentures before bed each night to allow your gums to breathe. Place them in a glass of water overnight to keep the dentures from warping. Due to the wear and tear of daily use and changes to the oral tissues, dentures will eventually distort and need to be replaced, even with optimal upkeep, so visit your dentist when you notice changes in your dentures' fit.

If you live near Cleveland or Akron and would like more information on over dentures, contact our cosmetic dentistry practice in Westlake.

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Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are used to cover and protect damaged teeth and whiten, reshape, and realign their appearance for a healthy, vibrant smile. Dental crowns fit over cracked, damaged, decayed, or chipped teeth to restore their appearance and function. Dental crowns can be made of composite resin or plastic, gold or other metals, or porcelain. Porcelain crowns achieve the most realistic appearance, although porcelain is less durable than composite or metal materials.

Preparing the Tooth and Crown

During the first visit, the dentist numbs the tooth to be crowned and removes decay in or around it. The tooth is then restructured to provide an easy fit for the dental crown. This is a virtually painless process that is performed in the dentist's chair.
Next, the dentist takes an impression of your teeth and mouth to send to a dental lab. There, the permanent crown will be custom-made in about two weeks at a dental laboratory. Most patients wear temporary acrylic resin crowns until their permanent crowns are ready.

Applying the Dental Crown

Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist replaces the temporary crown with the permanent one. After making sure the crown looks and fits properly, he cements the crown securely in place.

Maintaining Your New Dental Crown

To prevent periodontal disease and keep the dental crown, teeth, and gums healthy and bacteria-free, patients should brush and floss daily and avoid chewing on hard foods (such as ice and hard candy) that can wear down or crack the crown. With proper care and dental hygiene, dental crowns can last for many years.

For more information on dental crowns in Cleveland, Akron, Toledo and surrounding areas, contact our Westlake practice.

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Dental Bridges

For patients who are missing teeth, replacing those teeth is important because, over time, surrounding teeth will shift if the gap is not filled, often causing crowding of the teeth, jaw and bite problems, and periodontal disease. For many patients with gaps where a tooth has been removed or fallen out, a dental bridge is an effective solution. The dental bridge structure consists of a filler tooth (pontic) attached to the center of the bridge. By adhering to surrounding crowns (abutments) or natural teeth, the bridge holds the filler tooth in place, maintaining the integrity of existing teeth for a healthy, vibrant smile.

Placing Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are typically placed in two office visits. In the first visit, the dentist numbs the patient's mouth with a local anesthetic before cleaning the teeth to remove plaque and decay. Next, he shaves away a small portion of the tooth to be capped so that the crown will fit. Then he takes a mold of the mouth from which the bridge and crowns will be custom-made in a dental laboratory. Until the laboratory finishes crafting the bridge and crowns, usually about one to two weeks, patients wear a temporary acrylic resin bridge. When the permanent bridge is ready, the patient returns to the dentist for the second appointment, in which the dentist removes the temporary bridge and replaces it with the permanent one. He adjusts it to fit the bite and bonds it to the surrounding teeth for a long-lasting, functional, attractive result.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges. The most popular is a fixed bridge, which holds a filler tooth (a "pontic") between two crowns that are placed on existing teeth.

Another bridge often used to replace front teeth is known as a "Maryland" bridge. This bridge uses metal bands to attach the pontic to the surrounding abutment teeth. The metal bands are then camouflaged with tooth-colored composite resin.

When there are teeth on only one side of a gap in the teeth, a cantilever bridge is often an effective solution. A typical cantilever bridge consists of three parts: two abutment crowns that sit side by side and attach to the pontic, which extends into the missing space.
If the missing tooth space has no surrounding teeth, the dentist may decide that dental implants are the most appropriate choice. Our Cleveland-area practice also provides partial dentures for patients missing a series of teeth in order to maintain the structure of the jawbone and teeth.

Proper Maintenance of Dental Bridges

Since the pontic and crowns are a single piece, special care should be taken to maintain the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. To ensure that the bridge and gumline remain clean and bacteria-free, patients should brush and floss daily; special floss is often necessary to reach the gums. With proper oral hygiene and care, dental bridges can last up to ten years.

For more information on dental bridges or dental implants in the Cleveland, Akron, Toledo and Westlake areas, contact Dr. Bill Costaras.

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Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are used more and more in modern dentistry as an alternative to silver and mercury amalgam fillings. While metallic fillings pose certain health risks and can necessitate removal of large amounts of the original tooth, composite fillings are strong and safe. The soft white plastic substance used in composite fillings is natural-looking and durable.

Pros and Cons of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings have many benefits. They come in a range of colors that closely match the natural tooth's color, and the composite material is strong enough to be used on the back teeth. While composite fillings cost 1½ to 2 times more than traditional restorations, dental insurance usually covers their cost up to the price of traditional metal fillings.

The Dental Filling Procedure

Composite fillings are placed in one or two office visits. In the first visit, the dentist numbs the tooth and removes decay. He then inserts the composite material, often in several layers, hardening each layer with a special light before adding the next layer.The composite material bonds to the tooth.

Another type of composite filling used primarily on back teeth is called an inlay. Inlays are custom-crafted in a laboratory to fit the size and shape of the cavity and cap the top of the tooth. Placing inlays takes two office visits; in the first, the cavity is measured, and in the second, the cavity is drilled and the inlay bonded into place.

After the Fillings Have Been Placed

For several weeks after having composite fillings placed, patients may experience increased sensitivity. Patients should be aware that, since composite fillings are porous, they may become stained by coffee, tea, tobacco, wine, and other agents that commonly stain natural teeth. To prevent staining, some dentists coat the filling with a clear plastic covering. Composite fillings can last from three to twelve years, depending on the location of the restoration, the patient's bite and oral health, and other factors.

For further information on composite fillings at our Westlake practice, contact Dr. Bill Costaras.

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General Dental Procedures

For patients pursuing cosmetic reconstruction and smile makeovers, general dental procedures are often a component of the complete treatment plan.  Dr. Bill Costaras has twenty years of general dentistry experience and treats gum disease, performs root canals, uses dental x-rays to diagnose dental problems and extracts wisdom teeth – all as part of a comprehensive approach to your dental treatment. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a real and potentially dangerous condition affecting many Americans. The disease is particularly dangerous since its progression is often painless and hard to detect and since it can lead to pregnancy complications, stroke, heart attack, and other serious health risks. Periodontal disease is most directly caused by improper dental hygiene, although genetic predisposition can play a role in the disease's development.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque that eventually calcifies into tartar on and around the teeth. The tartar releases bacteria, which gradually erodes the gums and underlying bone structure. In the disease's initial stage, known as gingivitis, the gums bleed and become inflamed. If left untreated, the disease progresses to full-blown periodontitis, in which the gums recede from the teeth and form spaces (periodontal pockets) around the teeth. By this point the jawbone has become infected and begins to dissolve.

Gum Disease Treatment

The degree of erosion of the teeth and gums determines the treatment approach for alleviating the effects of gum disease. To start, the dentist removes diseased tissue and scrapes tartar and plaque from the teeth and gumline. To allow the gums to heal most efficiently, the root of the tooth may need to be smoothed and planed. The dentist can rebuild lost bone tissue if necessary. If deep pockets have formed around the tooth, the dentist can fill them with an antibiotic to eliminate infection. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. After the gums have healed sufficiently, the dentist can suture them to complete periodontal treatment.

Gum Disease Prevention

The best defenses against gum disease are prevention and early detection. Brushing and flossing daily helps eliminate bacteria-causing plaque and food particles between the teeth. Maintaining a balanced diet can also help minimize the production of bacteria. Finally, visiting the dentist for bi-annual checkups will keep you up-to-date on your oral health and curb the advance of gum disease as early as possible.

For more information on treating gum disease in the Cleveland area, contact Dr. Bill C. Costaras.

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Root Canal

Root canal procedures, or endodontic treatment, prevent serious pain and permanent damage often associated with decayed teeth. Rather than extract the tooth, your dentist can cleanse, disinfect, and refill the interior of the tooth with a root canal procedure, performed in the dentist's chair in several office visits.

Why It Happens

Bacteria can enter the core (pulp) of a tooth through deep cracks or cavities in the tooth, causing the tooth's nerve, tissue, and blood vessels in the tooth to decay. If left untreated, the decay can spread to the jawbone, or abscess. Patients with extreme tooth or jawbone decay often experience extreme sensitivity to heat and cold and throbbing. In some cases, the dentist can use a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue while salvaging the rest of the tooth, thus avoiding extraction.

The Root Canal Procedure

The root canal procedure is performed in three phases. In the surgical phase, the dentist first anesthetizes the tooth. He then makes a hole in the tooth's crown to access the infected pulp. If the root canal is twisted, he may have to access the pulp through the gums. Then, using tiny metal instruments, he removes the pulp and disinfects the root canal(s).

In the next phase, the dentist completely fills the root canal with a rubberized material that strengthens the root and prevents future infection. He may insert a metal pin into the root of the tooth to provide long-term structural support. The dentist places a temporary seal to protect the tooth while the artificial replacement tooth is being made in a dental laboratory.

The final step in a root canal procedure is placing the artificial tooth, usually a permanent crown or veneer. The dentist removes the temporary seal and fits the artificial tooth.

Health Risks Associated with Root Canals

Although root canal procedures are performed routinely, complications such as bleeding, jaw soreness, and a reaction to the anesthesia can occur. Other risks include extraction of teeth damaged beyond repair or teeth that cannot be completely cleaned. Occasionally, the tiny metal instruments used to remove the pulp can break off in the tooth. In the rare case that the dentist is unable to retrieve them, they must be permanently sealed within the tooth, which incurs a small risk of infection. For any root canal procedure, patients can maximize their chance of success by closely following their dentist's pre- and postoperative instructions.

For more information on root canal procedures in Westlake, contact Bill C. Costaras D.D.S., FACE, FIADFE.

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Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays are an inexpensive and relatively safe way to detect dental problems early on and prevent the potentially serious complications. X-rays can identify problems hidden within and below the teeth and gumline, such as impacted teeth, cavities, signs of periodontal or bone disease, and trauma to the teeth and bones.

How Dental X-rays work

To take a dental X-ray, the dentist inserts a photographic filmcard into the area of the mouth to be X-rayed. When the X-ray is taken, the hard parts of the mouth - mainly the teeth and bones - absorb the majority of the rays. The photographic film depicts this absorption on a radiograph, which the dentist can then view to detect problems in the teeth and bones.

Types of Dental X-rays

There are three main types of dental X-rays: bitewing, periapical, and panoramic. Bitewing X-rays can detect decay between the teeth, while Periapical X-rays detect jaw structure, tooth roots, and abscesses. Panoramic X-rays provide a view of the entire mouth and overall tooth and bone structure, although they cannot accurately pinpoint minute problems in individual teeth. To remain abreast of one's dental development and catch problems in their early stages, is a good idea to obtain a full set of X-rays every three to five years.

Health Concerns

Some patients are concerned about exposure to the radioactive material in an X-ray. However, advanced radiography equipment, high-speed X-ray film, and the protective lead apron worn during the X-ray minimize the amount of radiation to which patients are exposed. It is actually safer to have periodic dental X-rays than to allow dental problems to go undetected.

Children should have more frequent X-rays, since their jaw structure and dentition changes quickly. However, despite the minimal radiation of modern dental X-rays, parents should monitor how often their children have X-rays taken.

For more information on dental X-rays at our Westlake practice, contact Bill C. Costaras D.D.S., FACE, FIADFE.

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Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, which erupt during adolescence, are unnecessary for modern humans because of our shorter jawbone and softer diet. In fact, wisdom teeth can actually be potentially hazardous to the surrounding teeth. To protect the teeth and mouth, the wisdom teeth can be extracted in a simple and straightforward surgery.

Growth of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, or "third molars", form in the back of the mouth behind the molars during adolescence. As the wisdom teeth develop, several complications can occur. They can become trapped (impacted) in the jawbone or gums or grow sideways, leading to inflammation, infection of the gums, and displacement of the other teeth. If a wisdom tooth partially erupts, a pocket can form under the gumline, eventually forming a cyst or tumor. Wisdom teeth presenting these problems need extraction to prevent permanent damage, including nerve damage, cavities, bone and gum infection, weakening of the jaw, and problems of the mouth and face. If you have not noticed your wisdom teeth coming in but are experiencing headaches or neck, ear, or jaw pain, you may be experiencing secondary symptoms of developing wisdom teeth.

Wisdom Tooth Surgery

When an oral surgeon determines that a patient's wisdom teeth are impacted or pose a risk to overall dental health, prompt extraction is necessary. Wisdom tooth extractions are performed in the dentist's office or on an outpatient basis, and they can usually be completed in less than an hour. The procedure is performed under a mild sedative or local or general anesthesia. Depending on the level of impaction or abnormal growth, partial bone removal, incision into the gums, and/or sectioning of the tooth before removal may be necessary.

After Surgery

Patient can expect to experience swelling, bleeding, and minor discomfort after wisdom tooth surgery. The degree of post-operative discomfort is not necessarily proportionate to the severity of the impacted teeth, so it is impossible to predict how much swelling will occur. Typically, swelling begins the day of surgery, peaks within two or three days, and subsides after about five to seven days. Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication to alleviate discomfort, and he may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. In about one to two weeks, most patients fully recover and are able to resume normal activities.
For further information on oral surgery in the Cleveland area contact Bill C. Costaras D.D.S., FACE, FIADFE.

Patients in Cleveland, Akron, and Beyond – Contact Us for Dentures and Other Treatments

If you live in or near the Cleveland, Akron, or Toledo, Ohio areas and want more information on dentures, tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, or any of the other dental procedures, contact our cosmetic dentistry practice in Westlake today!