Aesthetic dentistry
A beautiful smile not only brings us closer to our fellow human beings, but also opens the door to professional success. With modern methods of aesthetic dentistry such as tooth whitening (bleaching), veneers, aligners/Invisaglin or digital smile design, we give your smile the finishing touch. This also includes invisible tooth fillings, optimal red-white aesthetics and the discreet correction of misaligned teeth using transparent aligners.
Table of contents
- Replacing amalgam fillings
- Bleaching / teeth whitening
- Veneers – ceramic shells for the perfect smile
- Aligner / Invisalign – the almost invisible braces
- Metal-free dentures – living allergen-free
Replacement for amalgam fillings
Do you want to get rid of your dark amalgam fillings or do you have problems with conventional dentures? We can offer you allergen-free dentures – without amalgam and without metal – in all of our Lifedent practices in Lucerne, Volketswil, Bülach, Winterthur or Neukirch. Our range of services also includes substance-preserving tooth preservation and dental hygiene to maintain your dental health and beauty. We remove amalgam fillings using a rubber dam. This special cloth completely separates the tooth from the oral cavity and prevents you from swallowing parts of the amalgam filling. After the amalgam has been removed, you can choose from both composite fillings and particularly allergen-free ceramic inlays.
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings consist of a plastic-ceramic mixture and are filled directly into the tooth hole. These fillings are tooth-colored and can therefore be optically matched to your natural teeth. Composite fillings are particularly suitable for small to medium-sized tooth defects and are a popular alternative to amalgam because they are gentle on the substance and do not trigger allergic reactions.
Advantages of composite fillings:
- Tooth-colored optics for a natural look
- Direct insertion into the tooth hole, without waiting time
- Gentle on the tooth substance, as less healthy tooth substance needs to be removed
- Allergen-free and well tolerated
What are ceramic inlay fillings?
Ceramic inlays are fillings made of particularly break-resistant ceramic that are made in a dental laboratory and then inserted into the prepared tooth hole. These fillings are almost invisible because they can be perfectly matched to the color of the tooth. Ceramic inlays are stable and are therefore suitable for larger tooth defects or areas subject to heavy stress.
Advantages of ceramic inlays:
- High stability and durability
- Natural aesthetics through perfect adaptation to the tooth colour
- Particularly suitable for larger tooth defects
- Allergen-free and well tolerated
How does the treatment for composite fillings work?
Treatment with composite fillings is relatively simple and quick.
First, the tooth hole is cleaned and prepared. Then the
composite material is filled into the hole and hardened with a special light. The entire procedure usually only takes one session and the
tooth can be loaded immediately afterwards.
How does the treatment for composite fillings work?
Preparation:
Inserting ceramic inlays requires a little more preparation and is done in several steps. First, the tooth hole is cleaned and an impression is taken to determine the exact dimensions for the inlay.
Production of the ceramic inlay:
The ceramic inlay is then made in the dental laboratory, which can take a few days. In the meantime, you will receive a temporary filling.
Insert:
At the second appointment, the finished inlay is inserted and secured with a special adhesive. The treatment usually requires two sessions.
Bleaching / teeth whitening
Over the course of a lifetime, the tooth surface comes into contact with various substances that lead to color deposits in the tooth enamel. Light superficial discoloration can be removed as part of dental hygiene.
Therefore, every bleaching should be preceded by a professional teeth cleaning in order to remove the superficial discoloration before the actual bleaching. During bleaching, a special bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide, is applied to the teeth. This agent penetrates the tooth enamel and breaks down the color particles, making the teeth appear brighter.
Therefore, every bleaching should be preceded by a professional teeth cleaning in order to remove the superficial discoloration before the actual bleaching. During bleaching, a special bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide, is applied to the teeth. This agent penetrates the tooth enamel and breaks down the color particles, making the teeth appear brighter.
Tooth whitening process
1.
Preparation:
During professional teeth whitening in one of our
Lifedent practices in Lucerne, Volketswil, Bülach, Winterthur or
Neukirch, the bleaching begins with us covering your gums and mouth to ensure that the bleaching agent only comes into contact with your teeth.
2.
Whitening teeth-bleaching:
After that, a strong whitening gel containing carbamide peroxide is applied to your teeth. The whitening gel penetrates the tooth enamel and triggers a chemical reaction that breaks down the color pigments. This process is enhanced by the application of special light or a laser, making the whitening more effective. The entire treatment takes about 30 to
60 minutes.
3.
Results immediately visible:
After the treatment is completed,
the remaining gel is carefully removed. The result is immediately visible and in most cases a single application is enough to achieve a bright white smile.
Benefits of teeth whitening:
- Effective whitening of teeth by several shades
- Radiant smile and boosted self-confidence
- Safe and gentle when carried out professionally
- Fast results in one, in rare cases two sessions
Veneers
Veneers are wafer-thin ceramic shells that are mainly used in the front of the upper jaw. They are used to correct misaligned teeth and to change the shape and color. There are two types of veneers: non-prep veneers and classic veneers.
Non-prep veneers
Non-prep veneers are extremely thin ceramic shells that are about 0.3-0.5 mm thick. The big advantage of these veneers is that they can be applied without grinding down the teeth beforehand. This means that your natural tooth substance is completely preserved and the treatment is usually painless. This method is particularly suitable for minor aesthetic corrections. However, non-prep veneers can reach their limits in the case of severe discoloration or major tooth misalignments and may not be the optimal solution.
Classic veneers
Classic veneers are about 1 mm thick and require a slight grinding of the teeth to make room for the ceramic shell and to ensure a better hold. Grinding takes place in the upper layer of the tooth and is carried out under local anesthesia. The veneers are then individually adapted in the laboratory to the shape and color of your natural teeth. This method offers a beautiful aesthetic result and durability of up to 15 years. Classic veneers are ideal for larger aesthetic corrections, such as closing gaps between teeth, enlarging or reducing teeth and concealing severe discoloration.
Veneer treatment procedure
1.
Consulting and planning:
First, you will discuss the desired changes with one of our specialists and together we will create a treatment plan. Impressions and photos of your teeth will be taken in order to precisely adjust the veneers.
2.
Preparing the teeth:
- Classic veneers: Lightly sanding the teeth to make room for the veneers.
- Non-prep veneers: This step is omitted because no sanding is necessary.
3.
Impression taking:
An accurate impression of your prepared teeth is taken, which serves as a template for the production of the individual veneers.
4.
Production of veneers:
The veneers are made in a dental laboratory from high-quality ceramic and adapted to your natural tooth color.
5.
Fitting and adjustment:
At a follow-up appointment, the finished veneers will be placed on your teeth to check the fit and color. Adjustments will be made if necessary.
6.
Fastening:
Once everything fits perfectly, the veneers are permanently fixed to your teeth with a special adhesive.
Advantages of veneers
Natural aesthetics: Veneers offer a very natural look because the
ceramic is translucent and imitates natural tooth enamel.
Durability: With good care, veneers can last up to 15 years.
Protection of tooth substance: Especially with non-prep veneers, the natural tooth substance is completely preserved.
Versatile application: Veneers can correct numerous aesthetic problems, such as tooth discoloration, small misalignments, gaps between teeth and irregular tooth shapes.
Fast results: Veneers offer rapid aesthetic improvements.
Durability: With good care, veneers can last up to 15 years.
Protection of tooth substance: Especially with non-prep veneers, the natural tooth substance is completely preserved.
Versatile application: Veneers can correct numerous aesthetic problems, such as tooth discoloration, small misalignments, gaps between teeth and irregular tooth shapes.
Fast results: Veneers offer rapid aesthetic improvements.
Aligner / Invisalign – the almost invisible braces
Aligner / Invisalign is a braces system for adult orthodontics. The loose braces inserts are almost invisible,
comfortable to wear and can be removed at any time. Hardly
anyone in adulthood wants to wear fixed braces (again). The conspicuous brackets on the teeth are often perceived as restrictive and annoying in private and professional environments. The discreet type of braces therapy with Invisalign / Aligners is in many cases an excellent alternative to fixed braces with so-called brackets.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® are transparent plastic braces that are individually made for your teeth. Using the latest technologies such as 3D scans and 3D modeling, each brace is made precisely and individually and contributes to gentle, effective tooth correction.
Invisalign® treatment process
1. Consultation and planning: A detailed consultation and 3D scans of your teeth.
2. Manufacturing of the aligners: Individual production of the aligners based on the scans.
3. Insertion of the aligners: Adjustment and regular replacement of the aligners every 1-2 weeks.
4. Regular check-ups: Progress check every 4-6 weeks.
5. Aftercare: Use of a retainer to maintain the position of the teeth.
2. Manufacturing of the aligners: Individual production of the aligners based on the scans.
3. Insertion of the aligners: Adjustment and regular replacement of the aligners every 1-2 weeks.
4. Regular check-ups: Progress check every 4-6 weeks.
5. Aftercare: Use of a retainer to maintain the position of the teeth.
Benefits of Invisalign®
● Discreet and comfortable: Almost invisible and without metal brackets.
● Removable: Easy to clean and remove during meals.
● Effective: Precise tooth correction using the latest technology.
● Removable: Easy to clean and remove during meals.
● Effective: Precise tooth correction using the latest technology.
Metal-free dentures – living allergen-free
More and more people suffer from allergies or react sensitively to certain materials. In our practice we offer you metal-free dentures that are not only suitable for allergy sufferers, but also offer aesthetic advantages. Our Lifedent practices in Lucerne, Volketswil, Bülach, Winterthur and Neukirch have specialized in metal-free dentures and work closely with environmental physicians and alternative practitioners. We test very carefully which materials we can use without concern and which materials may still need to be tested. This is extremely important because, depending on the severity of your intolerance, even the smallest particles can trigger an allergic reaction.
What is metal-free dentures?
Metal-free dentures, often referred to as biological dentures, primarily include crowns, bridges and implants made of all-ceramic as well as long-term provisionals. Modern materials are not only robust and durable, but also aesthetically pleasing because they reflect light, similar to natural teeth.
Advantages of metal-free dentures
Biocompatibility:
Ceramic materials are not perceived by the body as irritant or allergen, which makes them biocompatible.
Natural aesthetics:
Metal-free dentures look very natural and
are almost always indistinguishable from real teeth. They reflect light well and are slightly translucent.
High durability:
Ceramic implants are particularly durable
and can withstand high mechanical stress.
No foreign body sensation:
Metal-free dentures feel like
natural teeth and eliminate the typical foreign body sensation.
Treatment procedure
1. Consultation: In an initial consultation, we discuss your
needs and clarify which materials are suitable for you. If necessary, we test in advance whether you are allergic to certain substances.
2. Preparation: After selecting the appropriate material, your teeth are prepared and impressions are taken.
3. Production and adjustment: The crowns, bridges or implants are precisely manufactured in the dental laboratory and adapted to your natural tooth color.
4. Use: At the next appointment, we insert the metal-free dentures and adjust them if necessary to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Preparation: After selecting the appropriate material, your teeth are prepared and impressions are taken.
3. Production and adjustment: The crowns, bridges or implants are precisely manufactured in the dental laboratory and adapted to your natural tooth color.
4. Use: At the next appointment, we insert the metal-free dentures and adjust them if necessary to ensure a perfect fit.
Contact us – Make your appointment for aesthetic dentistry today!
A radiant smile boosts self-confidence and leaves a lasting impression. With our modern methods, such as teeth whitening/bleaching, veneers, invisible braces or metal-free dentures, we can help you achieve your most beautiful smile. Our specialists are on hand to offer you advice and support to improve and maintain your dental health.