Cosmetic dentistry, is comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function. Today's common cosmetic dental treatment options include bonding, contouring, dental bridges, enamel shaping, gum lift and veneers. In addition, many times cosmetic dentistry includes implant dentistry too.
Dr. Shanaman is one of the top cosmetic dentists in the US, pioneering many modern techinques used around the world. Below are actual cases of cosmetic dentistry performed by Dr. Shanaman, including after and before images, to help you understand the processes involved in restoring your beautiful smile!
Cosmetic Dentistry using Permanent Implants
This patient had not been to the dentist in many years because of his intense fear of them. As a result, his upper teeth were decayed beyond repair. He suffered from low self-esteem and
did not like to smile because of the condition of his teeth.
One day, he found www.DrShanaman.com and contacted us. After discussing all of his options with him, we decided to
replace his upper teeth with permanent implants.
On the day of his appointment, all of his work was done that same day.
He left our office with more confidence and higher self-esteem, and his natural personality could show through again. His natural smile returned.
Cosmetic Dentistry using Extract Implant & Provisional Crown
This patient had decay under the porcelain fused to metal
crown on the upper left front tooth. It was not possible to be saved and he wanted a Tooth Right Now ®
This patient had a defective restoration and gingival recession on the left central incisor which was not esthetically acceptable (photos on left side).
The tooth was replaced by an implant and a temporary crown was placed at the same appointment (photos on right side).
Cosmetic Dentistry using Immediate Implants & Temporary Bridge
This patient had a lower implant supported clip bar denture
and was unhappy with her traditional full upper denture.
She wanted Teeth Right Now ®. Implants were placed in
the upper jaw and she walked out with a temporary implant supported bridge. A few months later a permanent bridge
was placed.
Cosmetic Dentistry using Immediate Implants
This lady was very unhappy with the condition and appearance
of her upper teeth. She chose to have Teeth Right Now.
On that day, her upper teeth were extracted, and she left the office with an implant-supported upper bridge.
Cosmetic Dentistry using Incisor Implant & Veneer
The congenitally missing right lateral incisor was replaced with
an implant, and a crown was placed on it. The implant crown appears to emerge naturally from the gum. The space around
the left lateral incisor was closed with a veneer.
Sometimes as we go from our deciduous dentition (baby teeth)
to our permanent teeth, a tooth may not develop. Prior to implants, attempts were made to solve this problem by orthodontically moving the canine (eye tooth) forward. This fills the space in front of the mouth; but the tooth is often too large
to be esthetically pleasing.
In an approach to solve this problem without cutting down adjacent teeth for a fixed bridge, a Maryland bridge can be constructed. The major drawback of this attempt is that often
the bond to adjacent teeth breaks and the replacement tooth
is lost. Implants and our ability to regenerate new bone solve
this dilemma.
Cosmetic Dentistry with Regeneration & Implant
This patient had bilateral congenitally missing lateral incisors. Bone regeneration was required to establish normal contours
and sufficient bone for implant placement. Fortunately, it was possible to implant and regenerate at the same time.
In the "before" pictures, note the concavity because of the two missing teeth. Note that after regeneration, the normal contour of the bone has returned.
It is not uncommon when permanent teeth begin to erupt that one or more of them do not do so. This most commonly happens with the canines (eye teeth). The treatment is usually uncomplicated - just extract the deciduous tooth (baby tooth), and surgically expose the crown of the impacted tooth so an orthodontic chain can be bonded to it. The tooth can then be moved into proper position orthodontically.
In this case, the canine (eye tooth) was impacted, and then brought into position with orthodontics. Unfortunately, there was periodontal disease present, which was not recognized or treated. As a result, bone did not come down with the tooth as it was moved into position. This resulted in a severe bony defect (see X-ray).
The two involved teeth were extracted and a bone graft placed. After healing, the ridge appeared very irregular and required a soft tissue graft. Note the gum now appears smooth.
In the final photo, the implants are restored. Note the healthy pink color of the gums.
Cosmetic Dentistry using Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening surgery and veneers helped close the
spaces between this young man's teeth. He now readily smiles
as a result of improved self-esteem and confidence.
