Frequently Asked Dental Questions

Bonding is done by placing tooth-like material onto the tooth to build it up and/or to alter its shape. Over time the bonded portion of a tooth will change color as compared to the natural, un-bonded portion of the tooth. The advantage of bonding is that it is an ultra-conservative way to restore a tooth and is completed in one visit. The disadvantage is that it will discolor over time and is more prone to breakage than a veneer.

Cosmetic dental work is probably not as expensive as you think. The cost of cosmetic dentistry depends on how much you want or need. Like any cosmetic process, costs will vary with the amount of product or services you desire. A skilled cosmetic dentist can explain various fees and the best procedure for you. Also, some cosmetic dental options are covered by insurance if "need" can be established. People often take advantage of a monthly payment plan provided through our affordable financing options. www.capitalonehealthcarefinance.com and www.carecredit.com. .

Sometimes people have too much gum tissue or there is an asymmetry of the tissue across the smile. The solution is simple. A specialized soft-tissue laser can remove the excessive gum tissue. There is always a margin of tissue that can safely be removed to further enhance a smile. This non-surgical and pain-free procedure is completed in a matter of minutes.

Cosmetic dentistry is dental treatment that improves the beauty and health of one's smile.. Nearly every dental procedure has 2 elements: Aesthetics and function. Quality cosmetic dentistry takes both of these elements into consideration; so that one may rest assured they will not only look great, but enjoy hassle free long-term results.
What are some examples of cosmetic dentistry procedures?
Cosmetic dentistry covers a multitude of procedures from smile teeth whitening to repairing, straightening, replacing or enhancing the appearance of one's teeth and smile. Most common is the use of Cosmetic Veneers or Laminates. These thin, but durable restorations are much more conservative to the natural tooth than traditional crowns, and have become a very popular way to enhance a smile. In certain procedures dental bonding can be a way to shape teeth as well. .
Why would someone need or be interested in cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry provides more than just a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), cosmetic dentistry has also been shown to improve a person's overall health and emotional well-being. An improved smile can boost a person's self-image, making them more confident in their daily lives. Cosmetic dentistry is for anyone who desires to improve the quality of their smile, their oral health and their quality of life. The very essence of cosmetic dentistry almost always improves one's bite, health and function.
How has technology improved in cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dental techniques have advanced dramatically over the last decade. The qualities of materials such as porcelain and composite resins have improved, giving a more lifelike appearance. And, where gum-tissue surgery and contouring was once performed with scalpels, lasers now provide fast, non-surgical results.
Braces or veneers?
If you are happy with the shape and color of your teeth, then orthodontic teeth straightening may be a good option for you. If you want to whiten and enhance the shape of your teeth as well as straighten them, then cosmetic dentistry will give you the results you are looking for while saving you time and money. Clear teeth aligners provide a great alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is the latest generation of "invisible" teeth aligners. Though not always necessary, some people will choose to undergo some teeth straightening prior to being fitted with cosmetic veneers.

When "seated" correctly, veneers are strong and can last for many years, even a lifetime with good oral care.

Yes. Aesthetic dentistry is the ultimate blend of art and science. If quality and service are important to you, look for experience and proven results. There are many different materials used in veneers and crowns. The Castleberry Center for Aesthetic Dentistry creates all restorations from the finest materials available and employs the best Design Studios dedicated exclusively to Dr. Darrick Castleberry and his highly trained team.

Modern metal-free dentistry has evolved to a point where we can be much more conservative with tooth preparation. A veneer is essentially a conservative crown. Rather than encompassing the entire tooth, a cosmetic veneer, essentially covers the visible part of a tooth preserving a large amount of the natural tooth structure. Veneers can straighten, lengthen and whiten teeth to provide the desired smile and bite. Each veneered tooth must be shaped. This means that an outer layer of the natural tooth structure is removed to allow space for veneer placement.

Many restorations are designed with a metal lining covered with porcelain (porcelain fused to metal or PFM). They appear "flat" because the metal does not let light pass through like a natural tooth does. There is often a dark line next to the gum line that is undesirable (often the metal irritates the adjacent gum tissue in the form of an allergic reaction). Always inquire! Dentists will say that it is porcelain. And it is...on the outside. Dr. Castleberry provides 100% all-porcelain restorations. When properly seated, they are as strong as or stronger than their metal predecessors. And the appearance is strikingly similar to a natural tooth, allowing light to pass through (referred to as translucency).

Porcelain veneers are non-porous and will not stain or discolor.

This is a surgical procedure designed to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is placed in the bone and replaces what was once the root of the tooth. A crown is attached to the implant to simulate an individual tooth.
How is a dental implant different from a dental bridge?
A dental implant literally replaces a missing tooth. A dental implant simulates the root of a tooth to which the cosmetic dentist attaches a cosmetic tooth. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is non-surgical and uses the adjacent teeth to support a new cosmetic tooth. A dental implant is not invasive to surrounding teeth (especially desirable if they are healthy and in good condition). By simulating the root, it engages the bone and keeps it healthy. Because a dental implant is an individual tooth it is also easier to floss. A dental bridge can be a good choice if the adjacent teeth are in need of restoration. However, there are other subtle factors such as age, timing and bone health that you should discuss with Dr. Castleberry when deciding which options may be best for you.
How long does the Dental Implant process take?
Once a person is deemed a good candidate for dental implants, then there is one visit to surgically place the implant. Some applications are ready for immediate restoration, others may be required to wait anywhere from 3 to 6 months for bone growth to solidify around the implant to anchor it. At this point the implant can be restored to completion.

Fact

When dental insurance first came on the scene in the 1960's there was an average yearly maximum coverage of $1,000 per year. Now 40 years later —— the average yearly maximum is still $1,000. Using the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) for just the past 27 years – the yearly maximum should be over $7,000!

Fact

In spite of what you're told, we've found most plans cover about 40% to 50% of an average fee. Some plans pay more —— some less. The amount your plan pays is determined by how much your employer paid for the plan. The less he paid for the insurance, the less you'll receive.

Fact

Many routine dental services are NOT covered by carriers.

Fact
The new alternative insurance plans such as:
Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO)
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
and others like them are simply DISCOUNT PLANS. All these type plans require participating dentists to discount their fees on average between 35% and 45%.

Another word concerning alternative insurance plans –

Although this is a "different" type of dental insurance, some basics NEVER change. In any insurance plan there are four parties involved - the PATIENT, EMPLOYER, INSURANCE COMPANY and DENTIST.

In discount plans –
a. The PATIENT enjoys the lower costs for the "same" care.
b. The EMPLOYER enjoys the fact that they can still stand in front of their employees and tell them they have dental insurance (at less cost to them)!
c. The INSURANCE COMPANY still make their same profit
d. The DENTIST absorbs the loss.

But, Don't think it is in the doctor salary! Practically all loss is made up in quality of care.
* Less expensive materials are used.
* Less time is allowed per patient per procedure.
* Etc, etc.

It is a very simple decision in regards to these type plans. Do I wish to discount my fees so that more new patients are "guaranteed"?? No, I (and other dentists like myself), would rather do the absolute best we can, and not hurry a large number of people through the office. I have personally seen what can result from quick treatment in some of these plans.

Please do not be hesitant in asking us any questions about our office policies. We want you to be comfortable in dealing with these matters and we urge you to consult us if you have any questions regarding our services and/or fees. We will do all we can to assure you of maximum benefits.

Fact

Dental insurance is meant to be an aid.

Fact

It has been the experience of many dentists that some insurance companies tell their customers that "fees are above the usual and customary fees" rather than saying to them that "our benefits are low". Remember – you get back only what your employer puts in less the profits of the insurance company.

X rays are necessary to detect decay between teeth and areas not visible to the naked eye. Since gum and bone problems happen slowly over time, they are often not felt or detected from the surface. X rays are also necessary for detecting bone loss and infections at root surfaces. Many people are understandably concerned about excessive radiation. The Castleberry Center for Aesthetic Dentistry takes digital radiographs, which use 80% less radiation than conventional techniques.

New advances in tooth-colored porcelain and composite materials not only allow fillings to go unnoticed, but in many cases are stronger and more wear-resistant than amalgam (silver fillings).

You should be able to stay on regular dental cleaning visits. Cosmetic restorations do not stain and they are unlikely to have any buildup over time. But the natural tooth adjacent to the restoration and the area under the gum needs the regular attention of a skilled hygienist. With good personal and professional care, cosmetic restorations can last a lifetime.

Once a guest in our practice receives the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, they may return for follow-up care because of our attention to detail and our expertise with leading-edge materials and cosmetic dental techniques. We would be happy to provide you with information regarding the care of your cosmetic dentistry should you choose to return to your general dental office.

There is more happening than just "cleaning your teeth" at an advanced dental office. The primary aspect of the visit is to remove tarter and calculus (hardened prolonged buildup) from around the teeth and under the gum where floss and a tooth brush do not reach. The hygienist will measure the depth of the "pocket," or space, between the tooth and gum. These measurements should be taken at least once a year. Up to three millimeters is considered healthy, as this is the barrier between the exposed part of your tooth and the inner workings of your body. Three millimeters is also the maximum depth that floss will reach. When people don't floss as often as necessary, dental cleaning visits are even more important. A visit every six months is recommended for people in good oral health who floss and take good care of their teeth and gums. For some people, more frequent visits may be necessary as recommended by the hygienist.

In some cases Porcelain veneers and Lumineers can be used to close the space (called a "diastema") between a person's teeth. In cases where teeth are slightly crooked to extremely crooked, porcelain veneers and Lumineers can be used to create instant orthodontics.

Old fillings and previous attempts at cosmetic bonding that have become discolored can be easily corrected with porcelain veneers or Lumineers.

Some teeth are just naturally discolored. This includes teeth that have tetracycline or fluorosis staining and those that have become darkened as a result of physical trauma or root canal treatment. In many cases these teeth are good candidates for porcelain veneers or Lumineers.

Teeth that have small chips or whose surface is worn or misshapen are often good candidates for porcelain veneers and Lumineers.

A significant advantage of placing porcelain veneers and Lumineers is in the nature of their material. Since porcelain is a ceramic, and therefore glass-like, the porcelain surface of veneers and Lumineers will be extremely stain resistant.

Is their a difference between Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers?
A traditional veneer or Porcelain Veneer is essentially a conservative crown. Rather than encompassing the entire tooth, a cosmetic veneer covers the visible part of a tooth preserving a large amount of the natural tooth structure. Veneers can straighten, lengthen and whiten teeth to provide a beautiful smile and even create a more comfortable bite position. For optimal results, each veneered tooth must be shaped. This means that a thin layer (approximately .5 mm) of the natural tooth structure is removed to allow space for veneer placement.
LUMINEERS® LUMINEERS are different than a traditional veneer in the way they are manufactured and placed.
LUMINEERS® is a brand of porcelain veneers. A LUMINEERS restoration is as thin as a contact lens and placed over existing teeth without having to remove tooth structure. Like traditional porcelain veneers, LUMINEERS restorations are an excellent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth.
An ideal candidate for Lumineers must have enough remaining tooth surface on which to bond the LUMINEERS to ensure long-term results. Since Lumineers do not require the removal of tooth structure, they can be removed if circumstances require it.

Unlike porcelain veneers, regular teeth are porous and susceptible to staining. Teeth stain at different rates depending on mouth chemistry, diet and lifestyle. This means that how easily teeth stain and how easily they whiten varies from person to person. There are numerous methods on the market today that range in price and ease of use. The premise behind most teeth whitening methods is essentially the same – a form of hydrogen peroxide finds its way into the pores of the teeth and bleaches stained particles. The variable is in the type of application and the corresponding strength of the whitening gel. What works well for one person may not work well for another. At The Castleberry Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, we recommend a complimentary consultation before making a choice so that your time and money are well spent.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Zoom Advance Power teeth whitening studies indicate that results can last two to three years. Longevity will obviously vary depending on each person and their lifestyle (foods and drinks they consume). Most people will choose to use one of the many simple methods our office provides to maintain their white teeth over time, once the initial whitening has occurred.
Will teeth whitening be harmful to my teeth?
No. Studies have shown that with normal or suggested use of teeth whitening products, there is no harmful effect on teeth. It is common for some people to have some sensitivity to the teeth whitening products.
Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?
There are two kinds of stain on teeth – superficial and inherent. Superficial stain comes from the things we eat, drink and expose to our teeth. This kind of stain is usually yellowish in nature and yields the best results with teeth whitening systems. Inherent stain comes from things we absorb into our bodies such as minerals, fluoride and various antibiotics such as tetracycline. Ingested especially at key developmental phases in life these substances can permanently discolor teeth to the point that no teeth whitening system will have a positive effect. People will often choose to whiten their teeth with veneers, which addresses the teeth color as well as length and shape.