Dr. Ben Williams Esthetic Dentistry

Procedures Offered

Veneers
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. To learn more about porcelain veneers, contact our State College office today

Dental Implants
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. The procedure to insert dental implants typically involves three steps: the implant insertion stage, osseointegration (the period of healing for the jawbone), and the attachment of the restoration or new tooth. Learn more about dental implants by contacting us today

Bridges
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. Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile. Contact us today for more information about dental bridges

Composite Bonding
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. Unlike veneers or crowns, composite bonding removes little if any of the original tooth. To learn more about composite bonding at our office outside Altoona in State College, contact us today.

Composite Fillings
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. Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic substance that includes a hardening agent. For information about tooth colored composite fillings, contact us today

Crowns
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 and other metals, acrylic resin, or an amalgam (a mix) of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance, although they tend to be less durable than other materials. Crowns can whiten, reshape, and realign existing teeth, adding to a bright, healthy smile. For more information about dental crowns contact our office in State College today

Nitrous Oxide Sedation
For anxious patients, dentistry can be a nightmare 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. For more information about sedation with nitrous oxide, please contact our State College office today.

Services

Cosmetic Imaging

Cosmetic imaging allows you to view images of yourself that show potential changes to your dental appearance through cosmetic dentistry procedures like tooth whitening and invisalign®. At our State College dental practice, computer-assisted cosmetic imaging allows us to evaluate, adjust, and instantly preview any desired esthetic changes to your smile.

Cosmetic Imaging - Before & After PhotoThe process begins with a digital picture of your "before" smile. In consultation, your cosmetic concerns and desired outcome guide the smile makeover in virtual reality. We can move teeth, replace missing teeth, change unsightly fillings, whiten teeth, and optimize esthetics to transform your smile.

Once you have identified the desired changes and preview the expected outcome, you can then decide to proceed with treatment, confident that your esthetic expectations will be met.

Zoom!™ Tooth Whitening

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. A tooth whitening treatment at our State College office can be performed either as an at-home process, a dentist-supervised process, or in the dentist's chair. While neither of these tooth whitening methods stops future discoloration, these treatments bring about whiter teeth and help create a brighter smile. To learn more about tooth whitening at Dr. William’s office in State College, contact us today. You can also view more information by going to the Zoom!™ Site.

Learn more about the invisalign® teeth straightening system:

What is invisalign®

• Aesthetic treatment modality developed for adults and teens who can benefit from straight teeth
• A series of custom made, clear aligners are created to effectively move teeth into their desired position
• Proven orthodontic science incorporating 3-D computer graphics to project tooth movement
• Patients wear each set of aligners in two-week intervals
• Aligners are worn 24 hours a day and removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing

Why will you love invisalign®?

• Virtually invisible
• Comfortable
• Removable
• You brush and floss normally
• There is generally less pain than traditional orthodontics
• You can visualize your end result with ClinCheck

 

What are the benefits of invisalign®, as performed at Dr. William’s State College office?

• Reduced risk of decalcification, white spots and streaks remaining on teeth
• Decreased occlusal (chewing surface) abrasion from parafunctional habits during treatment
• Ideal for positioning teeth for proper placement of restorations
• Minimal additional instrumentation required
• Visualization of planned tooth movement with ClinCheck®
• Sensitivity is greatly reduced since the movement is tooth specific
• ClinCheck® is a movie that shows the patient the actual step-by-step results over the anticipated course of treatment

 

Will invisalign® work for me?

• Many patients’ conditions do lend themselves to treatment with invisalign® at our State College office; however, some situations do not. A complete evaluation is needed to determine if you qualify.
• invisalign®, as performed at our State College, Altoona area office, can treat a significant number of adults and teens with fully erupted teeth who would otherwise require braces.
• What do you want to accomplish? The answer to this question may determine the suitability of invisalign® for you.

 

What are the possibilities for invisalign® correction

• generalized spacing and crowding
• Orthodontic relapse (didn't wear retainer}
• Improvement of a deep bite
• Dental expansion of narrow arches (cross bite)
• Can be used in conjunction with implants as anchors
• Diastemas (wide spaces between the teeth)
• Overlap of some front teeth

 

Is invisalign® faster than braces

• Many situations that can be treated by invisalign® may be completed in as little as 12 months.
• generally, invisalign® treatment will take about the same amount of time that traditional braces would take.

 

What is required to begin invisalign® treatment

• Recent X-Rays
• Photos
• Dental Molds
• No dental decay or periodontal disease

 

Learn more about invisalign® by contacting our cosmetic dentistry practice in State College.

CEREC 3

CEREC 3 offers the latest in cosmetic dentistry advancements. As performed at our State College area office, the results are unparalleled. Entire processes can be completed in only a single visit to our office. To learn more, email or call us today at our cosmetic dentistry office location outside of Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Education is the key in the prevention of dental disease and we are committed to making you an informed consumer. As a result, our cosmetic dentist team sees patients from all over Pennsylvania, from Altoona and beyond. It is also important to us that when you sit down with our cosmetic dentist, your individual comfort needs are attended to during the course of treatment with us. We are committed to making your dental visits as friendly as possible. If you are in need of a general or cosmetic dentist in the State College or Altoona areas, call (814) 237-1777 today for service and care you can trust.

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