a Cosmetic Dentist in Ashburn, VA

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a collection of procedures and practices that have the primary objective of changing the look of a patient's tooth or teeth based on the wishes of the patient.

Cosmetic Evaluation

Dr. Rizvi takes the time to listen to his patient's and understand the outcome they would like to achieve. Often, the cosmetic result is only a part of a course of treatment for a patient. For example, a patient may like to have silver amalgam fillings removed because he or she feels it is important for health reasons (common because of concerns about the mercury content of the alloy). Clearly the absense of silver-colored fillings in the mouth also has a cosmetic result. The same patient might want to go ahead with a teeth whitening, which is an inexpensive compliment to having color-matched composite fillings in the place amalgam fillings. The teeth whitening should also be done in advance of the replacement of fillings or crowns so that the color matching will be correct. This is a perfect example of how a treatment plan should be developed at the onset and followed through to the disired outcome, both cosmetically and from a standpoint of optimial health and well being, as well.

Cosmetic Procedures at our Ashburn Dental Treatment Center

Teeth whitening

First, a plaster casting is made from your teeth. The casting is sent to a lab that makes a set of plastic trays that fit snugly to the teeth but allow enough space for the teeth to bathe in peroxide, a natural whitening agent. The trays are worn only at night and over a period of several weeks teeth will be increasingly whitened until the desired result is achieved.

Veneers

Made from a thin layer of either composite or porcalain and bonded to the visible surface areas of the tooth that the patient would like to correct. Veneers are used to cover discolorations, fillings and natural surface imprefections in a tooth. They can also make the teeth appear to be straighter in alignment and more proportional in size. Veneers are custom made and matched to the patients teeth. First a casting is made of the surfaces that will be treated. The casting, with photos is sent to a dental lab which returns the finished product to Dr. Rizvi for application.

Crowns

Made from a precious metal base and built up with layers of porceilain or also can be milled from a solid block of compressed porcellain, finished and fired in a kiln. A crown fits over a prepared tooth. The tooth is first prepared by grinding away the outer surface areas of the tooth being crowned. The crown is then bonded over the prepared tooth.