Ormond Beach Dentist
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Porcelain Veneers
Cosmetic Bonding Procedures
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Cosmetic Dentistry
Smile Gallery
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People choose cosmetic dental procedures for various reasons - to repair a defect such as a malformed bite or crooked teeth, treat an injury, or just improve their overall appearance. For these and many other reasons, cosmetic dentistry has become a vital and important part of the dental profession and one of the fastest growing areas of dentistry. For example, tooth-whitening procedures have tripled over the past five years.

Common cosmetic dental procedures can be performed to correct misshaped, discolored, chipped or missing teeth. It also can be used to change the overall shape of teeth - from teeth that are too long or short, have gaps, or simply need to be reshaped.

Click below to learn more about some of the Cosmetic Dentistry procedures we offer.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Porcelain Veneers
In just two or three dental visits, a veneer can reverse years of stains caused by foods, caffeine and tobacco use. Special thin laminates, called veneers, can often be used to correct discolored, worn down, cracked and chipped teeth. Veneers can also be used to close unsightly gaps between teeth. Stronger types of veneers made of porcelain, also called composite veneers, typically last longer because they are bonded to the tooth. An impression of the tooth must be made and a veneer molded by a lab technician. Because veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed, they are permanent and non-reversible. The process involves buffing the tooth, removing an extremely thin layer of the tooth to allow for the thickness of the veneer, an impression of the tooth, and final bonding of the veneer to the tooth with special cement. A special light is used to complete the process.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Cosmetic Bonding Procedures
An alternative to veneers is a process called bonding, in which a tooth-colored material that looks like the enamel of your teeth is molded and shaped, and then hardened and polished. Bonding can be used to improve the color of a tooth, or close unsightly gaps. Bonding is generally not as permanent a process as veneers, and can be vulnerable to the same kind of staining your natural teeth are prone to. Bonding can also be more prone to chips and cracks than veneers. Caps are generally preferred to bonding when such a procedure isn't deemed to be effective in the long run.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Cosmetic Contouring
Teeth can become crooked, chipped, cracked, and even overlap as a result of many factors, including traumatic injury, bruxism (grinding) or even heredity. Cosmetic contouring and reshaping procedures can remedy, and in many cases, greatly improve these conditions. For example, an uneven or crooked tooth can be gently reshaped by removing a small amount of enamel, to correct the alignment.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Zoom! Whitening

Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.
How long does Zoom! Chairside Whitening take?
The complete procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed as little as by 45 minutes of bleaching. (A cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! whitening session.)
How does the Zoom! In-off ice system work?
The Zoom! light activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of up to eight shades.
What will I experience during the Zoom! In-Office Procedure?
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.
How long do the results last?
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! Weekender or Nite White gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Crowns and Bridges
• Crowns
Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance. A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is made of the existing tooth and then sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place.
• Bridges
Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by the wearer; others need to be removed by a dentist. Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances. Appliances called implant bridges are attached to an area below the gum tissue, or the bone.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Cosmetic Dentures
Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth, and are worn by millions of Americans. Technological advancements have resulted in dentures that are lightweight and mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Most dentures are made from a combination of metals and synthetic material such as acrylic resin. Dentures are generally classified as partial or full. Partial dentures are designed to replace a small section of teeth, and help prevent existing healthy natural teeth from shifting position; full dentures generally replace an entire set of teeth such as upper and lower dentures. Many candidates for conventional dentures (also called "immediate" dentures) are able to wear the appliances immediately following removal of affected natural teeth. Before immediate dentures are worn, a mold of the patient's mouth - specifically the jaws - must be made in order for the dentures to be customized for the individual. Partial dentures, also sometimes called "overdentures," are designed to fit over a small section of implants or natural teeth. Partial dentures are characteristic by their pinkish gum-like plastic bases, on to which replacement teeth are attached. Small clasps are used to attach the denture to existing teeth. Some clasps, which can be more expensive, are made of natural-looking material that is hard-to-detect. In some cases, a crown will be installed on an existing healthy tooth to facilitate a better hold for the clasp. Denture candidates can expect to have their appliances fitted after about five visits. The process takes about a month.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Excessive or Uneven Gums
Many people inherit the problem of excessive or uneven gums. A cosmetic surgical procedure called a gum lift can be used to correct this problem. Some abnormalities, as well as advanced gum disease that cannot be treated periodontically or non-surgically, may require application of soft tissue grafts. Such procedures can be used to cover an exposed root or correct uneven gum lines. Ridge augmentation is a procedure that can shore up dents and other abnormalities in your gum line. People who lose a tooth, for example, may eventually develop a small indentation where the original tooth was located; this sometimes creates an uneven or unsightly gum line. Even if the tooth is replaced, the preceding shrinkage of the gum may cause the replacement tooth to look longer than the others.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Invisalign®
Invisalign's® invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners will give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted. And best of all, no one can tell you're wearing them. Invisalign is great for adults and teenagers.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.

Invisalign® has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide.
How does Invisalign® work?
You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the their final position

You'll visit us about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9 - 15 months and the average number of aligners during treatment is between 18 - 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Cosmetic Dentistry - Testimonials
"Doctors Drake and Costello did a wonderful job on my teeth. I can't thank them enough. Now I have to learn how to smile again. After years of walking around with my mouth closed, not wanting anyone to see my teeth because they were crooked and yellow, they are now straight and white. Thank you again everyone is so nice."
Rick K., Ormond Beach, FL

"Dr. Costello and Melinda: You two took such great care of my employee! She looks wonderful and also is so happy she went to your office!"
Karrie H., Daytona Beach, FL

"I am highly impressed with the level of professionalism and knowledge of both Dr. Costello and his staff. I absolutely love my new smile! When I came in to see Dr. Costello, I did not know how he could better my smile. Well, now I know! With attention to detail, Dr. Costello gave me the perfect smile. I cannot wait to flash my pearly whites for the world at Miss USA 2010. Thank you Dr. Costello and staff!!"
Megan Clementi - Miss Florida USA 2010, Orlando, FL

"Dr. Costello filled a cavity for me almost 2 years ago and saved me from having to get a root canal. When I was away and visited another dentist last year the doctor insisted on knowing the name of the dentist who filled that particular cavity because he was so impressed with Dr. Costello's work."
Monica M., Ormond Beach, FL

"Dr. Costello is a great person. He made me a beautiful set of dentures (really a work of art). I get hosts of compliments from fellow church members, friends, family, etc. I have highly recommended his services to several people. He is a warm, caring person. Has a great personality. I was apprehensive the 1st day I came into his office as the last dentist I had a bad experience. He was reassuring that every thing would be ok. May God richly bless him and his family."
Millie D., Daytona Beach, FL