Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. They consist of a compilation of several thin ceramic layers which replace original tooth enamel. It is usually the ideal material of choice to dramatically alter the shape, size and color of natural teeth.

Dental porcelain can be sculpted to closely replicate the look of natural tooth enamel, while providing desirable strength and resilience. Porcelain crowns are an excellent choice when recreating the form and function of a damaged tooth.  A crown basically replaces the entire external portion of the tooth down to the gum level. Crowns can be designed to enhance the natural appearance of a tooth.

Cosmetic tooth bonding is a popular treatment option because it is relatively non-invasive, less expensive than porcelain restorations, and easy to perform.  It generally looks similar, or better than the original tooth and functions like it as well.

Composite bonding can be used to replace decayed or missing tooth structure or cosmetically enhance the size and shape of natural teeth.

A composite filling is a tooth-colored, plastic and glass mixture, used to restore decayed teeth, or repair damaged or disfigured teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.  Composite resins, or tooth colored fillings, provide durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size filling that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth.

Inlays and onlays are custom fitted dental restorations that can be used to replace missing or broken tooth structure. Inlays are placed within the grooves between the cusps (points) of a tooth, whereas onlays are placed within the grooves and over the cusp tips. Inlays and onlays are generally stronger and more durable than basic fillings and can strengthen the structure of a tooth.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to decay, infection, periodontal disease, or an injury.

Dental implants feel and function like natural teeth and are usually a better and more comfortable solution for missing teeth than dentures or bridges.

A dental implant usually has the following components:

The implant is the screw that replaces the root of the missing tooth. It is surgically placed into the jaw and integrates into the bone. The abutment is the connector that supports and connects the implant and the crown. The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible and is used to function by speaking and chewing.

Dental implants can be used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch of teeth.

A smile makeover is the process of enhancing the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and dental implants.

Dr. Behm is has a lot of experience in performing comprehensive smile makeovers. The components that are taken into consideration include facial appearance, such as shape and symmetry, skin tone, hair color, teeth (color, width, length, shape and tooth display), gum tissue and lips. Dr. Behm works very closely with a porcelain ceramist and each smile makeover that is performed is completely unique and customized for the individual patient.