Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dental Care by Franke Family Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry grows more popular by the day, giving more and more patients the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a bright, healthy smile. Dr. Walt and Dr. Jana have embraced the many possibilities of this new trend as they seek to give their patients the best that modern dentistry can offer. They have expertise in procedures that can address virtually any aesthetic problem of the teeth, including chips, discoloration, and misalignment.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are among the most exciting advances in cosmetic dental care. These porcelain devices are used to improve the appearance of teeth towards the front of the mouth. The teeth are filed down slightly to allow room for the placement of the veneers, which are very thin but also very strong. The veneers provide a new visible surface for the teeth, and can be designed to eliminate discoloration, repair chips, and eliminate gaps between teeth. They can even cover up small misalignments that previously would have taken lengthy braces treatment to correct.

Other features working in favor of porcelain veneers are comfort and durability. Veneers are very easy to place, requiring one visit to prepare the teeth and another a few days later after the veneers have been custom crafted. Discomfort is minimal, and most patients can return to normal activities immediately. They can then expect to enjoy the benefits of the new look for about 10 to 15 years, making veneers a long-lasting as well as an easy investment. It’s even easier to see why more and more people are choosing this path toward enhanced dental beauty all the time.

Porcelain Crowns

Since the advent of porcelain crowns, broken and severely damaged teeth may be replaced more effectively than ever. A crown takes the place of the visible portion of the tooth and thus serves both a cosmetic and a functional purpose. Historically, crowns have been made of metals such as gold; while this practice continues for teeth towards the back of the mouth that cannot be seen very easily, porcelain is now the material of choice further forward because of its ability to match the appearance of the teeth around it. Like veneers, porcelain crowns look almost completely natural and can be colored to fit in amongst other teeth inconspicuously. Since the crown, which is held in place by either the original tooth’s root or an artificial implant, constitutes the entire outer surface of the repaired tooth, it must also stand up to the rigors of chewing. Fortunately, porcelain is very strong, allowing crowns to last for decades after they have been place. As a result, most people with crowns can go about their lives without any change in habits whatsoever. If you would like to experience the benefits of durable and natural-looking porcelain crowns for yourself, please contact Franke Family Dentistry to set up a free consultation today.

ZOOM!® Teeth Whitening

Yet another relatively simple means of making your smile shine like never before is to use teeth whitening treatments. Franke Family Dentistry uses the advanced ZOOM!® whitening system to whiten our patients’ teeth by several shades in just one brief visit. The ZOOM!® system involves putting a hydrogen peroxide-based gel on the teeth, then stimulating the bleaching action with a UV light for about 45 minutes. The light is specially constructed to avoid heating the patient’s teeth, making the treatment process virtually painless. Results from these in-office treatments are instant and dramatic; better yet, they typically last much longer than those produced by at-home solutions. Whatever your goals are for the color of your teeth, we can devise a whitening plan that will do the job quickly and comfortably.

Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays represent yet another means of restoring the appearance and health of a tooth without inducing significant discomfort. They are used to repair decay and chips in teeth towards the back of the mouth. Though they go by different names, inlays and onlays serve largely the same purpose. Onlays restore the shape of a decayed cusp (the raised portion of the chewing surface of a tooth), while inlays cover up decay in the inner region of the chewing surface. These inlays and onlays are custom-made porcelain and provide durable, well-shaped, natural-looking replacements for lost tooth material. Both inlays and onlays can also be made from composite resins and gold or other metals, depending on patient needs. Discuss your oral health needs and how best to address them by getting in touch with someone from our office today.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dentists have been creating fillings to repair cavity damage and prevent further tooth erosion for hundreds of years, but better means of accomplishing this task are still being developed all the time. The mercury amalgam metal fillings used for so long have several undesirable characteristics, including an unsightly appearance and lingering concerns about their effect on overall health. Thus, tooth-colored fillings have become more and more popular, and are the Frankes’ preferred method of dealing with cavities. These fillings use composite resin solutions (combinations of plastic and tiny ceramic or glass particles) to fill the space left by decay, preventing bacteria from getting into the crevice and causing further damage. No matter where the tooth is in your mouth, the filling will be virtually unnoticeable.

Dental Implants and Bridges

Missing teeth are not only a cosmetic problem, but also a health-related one. Having a gap between teeth makes it harder to chew and induces the loss of bone where the tooth used to be. As a result, the remaining teeth begin to shift around, creating an uncomfortable bite alignment. A dental implant can remedy all of these problems. A metal post takes the place of the tooth’s root, and a porcelain crown forms the visible portion. Once it has bonded to the bone of the jaw, the post gives the artificial tooth a foundation as firm as any natural one has; likewise, the crown chews and contributes to a pleasing smile just if the patient were born with it. For patients who have lost multiple teeth that were once next to each other, a dental bridge may provide the same kind of relief. Like implants, bridges are anchored by artificial posts; one is placed at each end of the row of missing teeth, and all the tooth replacements are attached to each other and secured to the posts.

Complete Smile Makeover

As you can see, modern cosmetic dentistry possesses extensive power to transform. Dr. Walt and Dr. Jana of Franke Family Dentistry relish the chance to use them, in whatever combination is best for the patient, to completely make over a smile so that it gleams like never before. Between them, they have years of experience in turning patients’ goals and desires into vibrant realities. Whether you seek a small change to correct a minor problem or extensive reconstructive work, they can do it. Take the first step in maximizing your smile’s potential by contacting Franke Family dentistry today. We welcome the opportunity to listen to your ideas and concerns as we design a treatment program for you.

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Franke Family Dentistry
Walter Franke D.D.S.
Jana Franke D.D.S.

2266 Frankfort Highway
Frankfort, MI 49635
Phone (231) 352-9221
Fax: (231) 352-9241

frankefamilydentistry@charterinternet.com