New York Office

30 Central Park South, Suite 6B, New York, NY

(212) 371-3488

 

Oklahoma Office

2401 N. Commerce

Ardmore, OK 73401

(580) 226-0410

A Definition of Common Dental Terms and Practices

  • WHITENING - Dr. Bulard can whiten teeth dramatically using various forms of hydrogen peroxide. A gel can be placed into a special tray that is custom-fitted to your teeth. The tray is worn in the mouth for one to four hours per treatment. The gel treatment can be applied at home under periodic supervision from your dentist. Dentist-Assisted Bleaching utilizes a highly concentrated gel that is brushed directly onto the teeth. The high concentrations of peroxide can cause irritation and should only be applied by a professional. Power Bleaching utilizes a heat or light source to activate or accelerate the whitening process. This treatment creates the most dramatic results and is used for people with severe discoloration. Treatments can last seven to ten years, depending on your habits.
  • BRIDGES - Bridges are prosthetic teeth restorations, generally made of porcelain or a composite material and are used to replace missing teeth. Dr. Bulard places fixed bridges on the neighboring teeth so they span the site of the missing tooth. The bridge is fitted with ceramic teeth to replicate the missing teeth, restoring function and aesthetics. Multiple visits are required for adjustments to the bite and fit of the appliance. Fixed bridges require meticulous cleaning.
  • INLAYS and ONLAYS - Inlays and onlays are used to replace your silver fillings. These restorations are usually made from composite resin material, porcelain or gold. Once placed, they are virtually undetectable in the mouth and they conserve much of your natural tooth structure. Treatment involves isolation of the tooth and removal of the old fillings under local anesthesia. Once Dr. Bulard makes an impression, the inlay/onlay is created from porcelain, gold or composite resin material. The inlay/onlay is then cemented securely into place. Inlays and onlays usually take 2 to 3 appointments to complete. Inlays work best for smaller surface restorations, while onlays are the best alternative for covering larger surface restorations. An inlay/onlay looks exactly like the rest of the tooth and is so durable that it doesn't need to be replaced for years.
  • BONDING - Composite bonding is the most versatile and effective way to aesthetically restore your smile. Composite materials are used to replace old unattractive fillings, change the color of your teeth or reshape and recontour a less than ideal smile. Bonding is an easy process and often completed in one visit. With bonding, Dr. Bulard applies an enamel-like material to the surface of a tooth and then sculpts, hardens and polishes it to create a perfect smile. While tooth bonding costs less than veneers, the results may not last as long. Dr. Bulard may recommend bonding to restore broken, chipped or discolored teeth. It can also be used to eliminate gaps between teeth.
  • VENEERS - Porcelain veneers are the treatment of choice for a variety of common problems, such as misaligned teeth, stained teeth and broken or chipped teeth. Veneers can also be used to fill in gaps between teeth. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored porcelain designed to cover the front side of teeth. Dr. Bulard creates a model of your teeth and then sends the model to a dental lab where the veneers are created. Veneers have exceptional color stability and are designed to last for years.
  • CROWNS - A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed over a tooth that has been badly decayed or damaged. A crown can cover and support a tooth when the damage or decay is so extensive that filling materials cannot make the tooth strong enough. It can be used to attach a bridge, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that's already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. Dr. Bulard also uses crowns to cover single dental implants.
  • TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) DISEASE/DISORDER - Common symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even headaches and neck aches. The TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, these joints work together and can make many different movements, including a combination of rotating and translocational (gliding) action, used when chewing and speaking. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Treatments for this pain may include stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding. They've been successful for many and your dentist can recommend which is best for you. Some TM problems result from arthritis, dislocation and injury. All of these conditions can cause pain and dysfunction. Muscles that move the joints are also subject to injury and disease. Most implant patients also have problems with the TM joint system.