Dr. Ben Williams Esthetic Dentistry

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are laid onto the teeth and bonded to the surface. Although they can be made of different materials, porcelain is frequently used because of its durability and realistic appearance. Veneers are a more conservative alternative to crowns since they require less removal of the tooth's original surface. With veneers in place, patients can expect straighter, whiter, and more even teeth.

Tooth whitening, performed at our State College office near Altoona, is a quick procedure producing dramatic results you can see immediately. Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, it is inevitable that, over time, some yellowing or discoloration will occur. This gradual change is caused by aging, staining substances (such as coffee and tobacco), excessive fluoride, or the deterioration of a tooth's nerve.

For individuals who wish to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be an effective long-term solution. Implants provide greater structural support and last longer than either bridges or dentures. Implants serve as the artificial root to which new teeth are bonded. They are typically constructed of titanium, a strong and safe material that effectively attaches to bone.

A bridge is a device used to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. A typical bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding abutments (crowns). Once complete, this bridge structure is bonded into the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, lead to occlusion (biting) and/or jaw problems and spur periodontal disease.

Composite bonding is a technique used to improve the appearance of your teeth. The term composite bonding refers to any composite material, either a plastic or resin, which is bonded to an existing tooth. Bonding is ideal for fixing chipped or cracked teeth, hiding discoloration on the tooth's surface, or reducing the gaps between teeth. Whatever the specific intent, composite bonding creates more aesthetically pleasing teeth and a brighter smile.

Until recently, dentists filled and sealed cavities exclusively using a silver and mercury amalgam. Unfortunately, these fillings (or restorations) often weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that has to be removed. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative.

When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold, acrylic resin, or an amalgam of these materials. Porcelain crowns have the most realistic appearance, though they tend to be less durable than other materials. Crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a bright, healthy smile.

For anxious patients, dentistry can be stressful no matter what precautions are taken. For these patients, we offer sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to reduce their anxiety. Nitrous oxide sedation is perfect for patients that suffer from a bad gag reflex, sensitive teeth, or are simply nervous. For dental procedures the patient can remain completely awake and responsive, but will not feel any discomfort.

Botox® Cosmetic is a nonsurgical treatment used to soften facial lines by relaxing the muscles that cause frown lines. The treatment itself consists of a series of small injections of a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum. The treatment takes only minutes.

Juvéderm® is an injectable dermal filler used to treat moderate to severe facial lines and folds. Juvéderm® is made of hyaluronic acid - an FDA approved substance occurring naturally in human skin that adds volume. Juvéderm® is particularly effective for smoothing away smile lines or “parentheses”.