Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Ned Shimizu

Experience Our Dental Rejuvenation Services Discover a variety of dental restorations aimed at improving both the appearance and structural integrity of your teeth. You can explore numerous possibilities, such as modifying your teeth' size, length, and shape. We dedicated ourselves to helping you achieve the radiant smile you've always wanted while prioritizing your dental health. Our team of experts, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, offers advanced restorative dental treatments that can swiftly align and brighten teeth, or harmonize a single tooth with its adjacent ones, significantly enhancing both the functionality and appearance of your teeth. We seamlessly combine art and science in dental restorations, including veneer restorations for worn incisor teeth. Have your teeth endured wear, damage, or decay over time? worn down incisors restoration with veneers Repaired short and worn incisors with veneers Restorative dentistry, a blend of art and science, is designed to preserve natural teeth and create a healthy, seamless smile. It involves a meticulous approach to diagnosis, strategic planning, and precise implementation to rejuvenate teeth. The process starts with a comprehensive examination, where we take the time to understand your unique dental characteristics. This is followed by a detailed plan and careful selection of restorative materials. Through our personalized approach, we ensure that we meet your individual needs, making you feel valued and understood. Specific restorative dental treatments apply to the degree of severity of your teeth. Minor dental aesthetic issues, such as chipped or cracked teeth, can often be addressed in a single visit, while more severe cases may require multiple appointments. For example, a smile makeover using the Quick Straight Teeth method changes crooked teeth to straight teeth in three trips, but if you have a gum issue or need a firm root, the treatment length extends. The crucial preparation phase is the foundation for a successful restoration. Our team handles this stage with finesse, ensuring the perfect preparation of restorative materials. Skillful hands and a keen eye for detail guarantee the final implementation integrates with your existing teeth, delivering an incredibly natural-looking result. In some cases, restoring each tooth in the mouth for optimal results may require multiple cosmetic procedures. Going through procedures might sound complex, but fear not. Restorative dentistry embraces a comprehensive approach to prioritizing oral health and enhancing self-assurance. We always aim to preserve your natural teeth. Some may require implants, while others may not. We avoid replacing existing teeth with new implant crowns unless necessary. Therefore, dental restoration costs vary depending on teeth condition and oral health. If you want to improve your smile, you've come to the right place. Contact us today to start your journey towards better oral health and increased confidence. We will support you every step of the way, using the latest advances in restorative dentistry to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.

Transform Your Smile with Personalized Dental Care Full mouth rehabilitation is a tailored approach to improving your oral health. It involves reconstructing your upper and lower teeth to provide a functional and visually appealing outcome. Whether you have various dental issues, full mouth rehabilitation is the ideal way to achieve optimal oral health. We aim to provide personalized care and a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your unique needs, resulting in a healthy and beautiful smile. If you're experiencing extensive tooth loss or damage, or if you have misalignment of the jaw that's causing you pain, you may find that biting and chewing is difficult due to dental problems. If this is the case, a full-mouth dental restoration may be a viable solution to help rejuvenate the appearance of your smile. At our dental practice, our full-mouth rehabilitation process involves a range of treatments, such as crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, and dentures. These treatments can help improve your ability to chew and provide a complete smile makeover that will boost your confidence and enhance your oral health. With full-mouth dental restoration, you can say goodbye to teeth impacted by wear, breakage, or decay and say hello to a healthy, gorgeous smile. Our skilled dental team is here to support you throughout the process, and we're committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve. To get started, schedule a stress-free consultation with us today and take the first step toward your journey to full-mouth dental restoration. Full mouth dental restoration can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it may involve a variety of different procedures, such as: Dental crowns to cover and protect damaged teeth Dental bridges to replace missing teeth Dental implants to replace missing teeth with artificial roots Orthodontic treatment to correct misalignment of the teeth Periodontal therapy to address gum disease Oral surgery to remove teeth or repair jaw damage Get Your Confidence Back with Personalized Full-Mouth Dental Restorations Do you need more confidence in your smile? Our dental office specializes in personalized full-mouth dental restorations to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Our expert team will collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan targeting your needs. Our treatments may include procedures such as crowns, bridges, implants, orthodontics, periodontal care, and oral surgery. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition from the American Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry. Don't let dental issues hold you back from smiling with confidence. Let us assist you in transforming your smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you attain the smile you've always wanted. For patients facing complex dental challenges, full mouth rehabilitation can restore not only their teeth and bite, but also their confidence. With the help of a skilled and experienced dentist, a natural-looking and healthy smile can be achieved. Trust us to provide you with the best possible results. Call our office at (281)531-0710 today to discover how we can help you.

Misaligned and Twisted Front Teeth Do you have misaligned or gapped front teeth that make you hesitant to smile? You've come to the right place if you're looking for a swift and dramatic transformation to achieve a dazzling smile. We proudly offer a cosmetic solution tailored for those with misaligned or gapped teeth, promising rapid and stunning results. We'll begin by assessing your oral health to determine your eligibility for this treatment. Our priority is to ensure you're an ideal candidate, eliminating the need for conventional orthodontic interventions. Once deemed a suitable candidate, you can look forward to beautifully aligned, radiant teeth and a wide, confident smile in as little as 3-4 weeks. Fix twisted front teeth without braces Mike is a patient who had severely misaligned and twisted front teeth with gaps, and the front teeth were different sizes. He had some smaller teeth and some rotated teeth. It was always difficult for Mike to smile wide in front of people. The anterior teeth were bent and twisted. His lateral teeth were smaller than the average size. The existing internal stains on his teeth were impossible to remove with bleaching. He did not want braces and wanted a quicker result due to his busy schedule. Fortunately, the nerves in his teeth were so small that we did not have to worry about root canal treatment. His original gum line was ideal. We had to do a mock-up on his model, and then we prepped his teeth about 0.5 to 0.7 mm from the mock-up (Final shape) that was transferred to his teeth, so some areas were no-prep or minimal-prep veneers. Misaligned front teeth treatment There is a genetic component to crooked teeth, and factors such as jaw size, jaw shape, number of teeth, and size of individual teeth can influence misalignment. In addition, poorly developed teeth and palate may also contribute to this condition. Therefore, each patient's case is different and their individual needs are different. Sometimes, veneers and crowns offer a solution, while others may benefit from a combination of crowns and bonding. In specific cases, comprehensive orthodontic treatment becomes necessary, and veneers may be recommended post-treatment. We'll discuss the details of your situation and available options after an initial assessment, ensuring a tailored approach to meet your unique needs. Age-Related worsening of teeth misalignment As the years pass, the natural reduction in jawbone density and increased tooth wear, even between teeth, becomes apparent. The wear and tear these factors cause prompt all teeth to gradually shift forward as a compensatory measure. For individuals with teeth that are already well-aligned, the resulting shift naturally closes any gaps, enhancing the overall harmony of the dental arch. Conversely, for those with misaligned teeth, the forward movement can exacerbate issues such as overlapping and rotation. The decline in bone density accelerates the shift, sometimes veering teeth in unintended directions, potentially resulting in the expansion or overlapping of dental structures. Correcting rotated or twisted Teeth: Treatment options and solutions No-prep veneers, traditional veneers, and dental bonding represent versatile options for dentists to address uneven or crooked teeth by skillfully applying porcelain or composite resin to the anterior surface of the affected tooth. The presence of gaps between teeth often accompanies smaller-than-average teeth. When you have diminutive teeth, your choices typically include no-prep veneers or minimal-prep veneers, depending upon your specific needs. It's important to note that altering your teeth' size or shape is impossible through orthodontic means such as braces. Your Path to a Confident Smile: Choosing Quick Straight Teeth When it comes to achieving a beautifully aligned smile, the key distinction lies in the duration of treatment. Traditional metal braces demand a commitment of up to 2 years, while Invisalign-type tray orthodontics typically span over a year. If you're in search of a fast solution to enhance your smile just in time for a special event or to capture the essence of your senior year in graduation photos, look no further. Quick Straight Teeth offers a new solution for correcting misaligned teeth, promising a stunning smile transformation in just three visits. However, it's crucial to understand that the right choice depends on your individual needs. Some cases may call for traditional braces, while others could end up causing unnecessary delays and expenses. Reach out to us without hesitation for a complimentary consultation today and take the first step toward your dream smile.

Remove Amalgam Fillings Discover the natural-looking and tooth-conserving alternative to silver amalgam fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are safer, more robust, attractive, and more enduring than amalgam or silver fillings. These new tooth-colored fillings bond directly to the tooth, providing strength, and can even be custom-colored to match your teeth to help give you the most natural-looking smile possible. Amalgam is a material that has been used frequently until recent years. Therefore, the metal used on your molars may be amalgam. It has silver color immediately after treatment, but mercury elutes and turns blackish or dark-shaded brown over time. The amalgam that comprises dental fillings is about 50 percent liquid mercury(amalgamated) to silver, nickel, and copper. Although mercury is safe at room temperature, it is highly poisonous in vapor form. Who developed amalgam for dental treatment? French dentist Auguste Taveau developed a dental amalgam by mixing mercury and powdered silver to make a paste and used it as a filler for cavities on patients starting in 1826 -The year that former US Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died. Amalgam fillings may expand and contract when exposed to temperature changes. Weakening the tooth wall leads to the possibility of fractures, which also allows bacteria to enter and cause decay. Those who are allergic to metal need to avoid amalgam fillings because the fillings contain nickel. Experts have divided opinions on safe mercury levels for dental treatment. Demark, Norway, Sweden, and Germany restricted the use of amalgam. Still, the American Dental Association's (ADA) 's official view is that amalgam's mercury is "safe." The US Environmental Protection Agency prohibits dentists from disposing of amalgam as garbage. Dentists must dispose of it at a designated "hazardous waste disposal site." Would you like to use it if there is a concern about using it? The use of amalgam is a divided opinion among dentists and researchers. If you have amalgam in your mouth, we will explain the potential concern of mercury and its appearance. What is the best filling material, then? Composite material is the best choice if you want the most natural finish possible and for your filling to be unnoticeable. White composite fillings just look more natural than silver fillings and also these tooth-colored fillings provide the strength needed for a longer-lasting and more aesthetically pleasing alternative for our patients; call our office today for more information on composite fillings.

The Ultimate Guide to Oral Hygiene Preventative care is an integral part of our practice. Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth enable you to look and feel good; they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques are fundamental to maintaining optimum oral health. Using fluoride toothpaste and brushing twice is crucial to avoiding cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Cavity-causing bacteria can build up on teeth during sleep and after eating sugary or starchy foods. Use a toothbrush with a small head to reach back teeth for best results. Flossing once a day helps prevent gum disease by removing food particles and plaque at and below the gum line and between teeth. Flossing allows areas your toothbrush cannot reach and stimulates your gums, decreasing your chances of developing gum disease and tooth decay. Do I need an electric toothbrush? Electric toothbrushes are easy to use and come in various shapes and sizes to choose the comfy one for you. They're also more gentle than ordinary toothbrushes unless you intend to press hard against the tooth surface and gum. Electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes are more expensive They're effective at removing more plaque More gentle on the mouth, reducing plaque and removing food particles from the teeth Manual toothbrush: Manual toothbrushes are less expensive They're easier to travel with than electric toothbrushes You can clean all the surfaces of your teeth with a manual toothbrush Both electric and manual toothbrushes are equally effective at removing plaque from your teeth. A standard manual toothbrush can do the job just fine for most people. However, in some circumstances may be beneficial to use an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes also come in various shapes and sizes to meet different needs. Some options include small heads for children or people with smaller mouths, larger heads for braces, and angled heads for people who want to reach back teeth. Or electric toothbrushes are added to manual toothbrushes for extra cleaning power.

Match the shade of your natural teeth Tooth color restoration uses tooth-colored composite material to replace silver amalgam fillings and restore a beautiful and healthy smile. With metal-free restoration materials such as porcelain or composites, it is finally possible to beautifully repair and match the color of your teeth. Dental Inlays and Onlays make it possible to replace unsightly silver fillings and restore teeth that are cracked or fractured with beautiful and healthy tooth-colored restorations. Inlays are a particular type of filling that can address cavities and other damage; they fill in holes and hollows in a tooth in the cusps. Onlays fill like a cap or cover that extends onto more of the teeth' chewing surface; they work similarly to crowns but do not cover the tooth's entire mass. Inlays and Onlays are the optimal choices for metal-free repairs providing long-lasting strength and durability over conventional fillings and allowing for more of the natural tooth to be conserved over dental crowns and bridges. Artistic talent and expertise in cosmetic dentistry ensure they will be designed to match your teeth, reviving your natural strength, wear, and function, providing beautiful, seamless restorations. Contact our office to discover more about these metal-free restorations that are virtually impossible to distinguish from your natural teeth!

Get Brighter and Straighter Teeth in Six Months When it comes to achieving rapid, life-changing cosmetic enhancements for brighter and straighter teeth, Six Month Smiles stands out as the ideal treatment for adults aged 16 and above. Whether you seek expedited results or solutions for complex cosmetic concerns, Six Month Smiles offers a discreet alternative to traditional braces, featuring clear brackets and white wires, ensuring accelerated and effective results. Six Month Smiles is optimal for adults aged 16 and above seeking swift, cost-effective cosmetic enhancements for their smiles. Whether you require expeditious outcomes or seek resolution for more intricate cosmetic concerns, a Six Month Smiles treatment offers a discreet alternative to traditional braces. This innovative approach incorporates clear brackets and white wires, ensuring accelerated results. Additionally, this treatment is well-suited for aligning misaligned or asymmetrical front teeth when expeditious realignment is your priority. Opting for the six-month treatment is ideal to avoid prolonged wear of traditional metal braces. Furthermore, if necessary, we can precisely reposition each tooth, preparing it for potential dental veneer applications. The difference between Six Month Smiles Braces and traditional metal braces Traditional braces, the conventional method for correcting misaligned teeth, typically require over two years of treatment before braces removal. After this, patients usually seek the expertise of a cosmetic dentist to perform the finishing touches. The final cosmetic treatment involves the application of dental veneers. Individuals willing and patient to follow this comprehensive process will likely achieve the most optimal results. Aligning and straightening teeth with braces before applying custom-made veneers ensures the best possible outcome. Unlike traditional braces, the Six Month Smiles treatment features exclusive clear brackets and tooth-colored wires that are nearly invisible. One of the primary advantages of Six Month Smiles treatment is its efficiency in terms of both time and cost. It is typically a more cost-effective and less cumbersome alternative to conventional braces, allowing you to achieve a confident and attractive smile in a reasonable timeframe. Who Qualifies for Six-Month Smiles? Six-Month Smiles treatment suits individuals whose visible teeth exhibit crookedness, crowding, or misalignment when they smile. However, it's important to note that more optimal candidates for this therapy exist than those with a crossbite or a severe underbite (prognathism). If you have one or two crooked or misaligned teeth and want a faster, aesthetically-focused dental solution without resorting to traditional braces, we offer alternative treatments such as Quick Straight Teeth or Instant Smile. Procedure The treatment protocol begins with a thorough assessment. Using advanced imaging technology, We will develop a customized treatment plan that fits your dental structure and meets your desired goals. The key to its efficiency is using specially designed clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. These discreet elements are less noticeable than traditional braces, making the treatment less intrusive in appearance while maintaining the precision necessary for effective tooth movement. By focusing solely on the teeth that show when smiling (typically the front teeth), the treatment reduces the time required for comprehensive bite correction. Throughout the treatment period, patients attend periodic check-ups (every 2-4 weeks) to ensure progress aligns with the projected timeline. Adjustments are made as necessary to maintain momentum and achieve the desired alignment within the designated six-month window. Upon completion, you must wear a retainer to maintain the newly aligned teeth in their corrected position. This step is crucial to prevent regression and preserve the aesthetic improvements achieved during treatment.

Eliminating Teeth Stains Resistant to Bleaching If your attempts at teeth bleaching have yielded limited improvement in whiteness, you may be encountering intrinsic tooth discoloration specifically linked to tetracycline usage or elevated mineral consumption. Tetracycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic introduced in 1948, addresses diverse bacterial infections. While effective in treating conditions such as skin, bowel, and urinary tract issues, its use during the developmental stages of tooth formation can lead to intrinsic tooth discoloration. Tetracycline and its Impact on Teeth Discoloration Tetracycline is a medication that can combine with calcium ions and become incorporated into teeth, bones, and cartilage, leading to a brownish-gray discoloration of teeth or the appearance of horizontal stain bands. The discoloration can worsen when exposed to ultraviolet light, such as sunlight. Thankfully, the scientific community has identified the potential causes of tooth discoloration, and doctors are now careful about prescribing Tetracycline to pregnant women and children. Addressing Profound Teeth Discoloration or Tetracycline Stains Tetracycline stains appear gray or dark brown on teeth and require a potent bleaching agent to achieve a whiter appearance. Although in-office teeth whitening can lighten tetracycline-stained teeth, the final result will depend on the initial color. deep dental discoloration cannot be treated through teeth whitening Bleaching won't work on discolored Teeth In general, Bleaching may not be very effective in these cases. While the white areas of the teeth may become significantly lighter, the dark stained areas typically do not show significant improvement. If you have horizontal bands of gray stains, the gray colors will not discolor, the white areas of your teeth will lighten, and the horizontal bars will be more visible after bleaching. Because of these limitations, we do not recommend using bleach on teeth stained with tetracycline. Even if minor improvements are possible, the results are often short-lived and can quickly revert. Alternatives for Unsuccessful Whitening If you are not satisfied with the results of professional teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry provides options to improve the appearance of your teeth. Treatments like no prep (Lumineers) or porcelain veneers and crowns can be used to enhance the aesthetics of your teeth. These treatments are designed to give you a bright, healthy-looking smile to boost your confidence and self-esteem. No-prep and traditional(porcelain) veneer treatments can conceal dark discoloration and provide a brighter, more uniform appearance to your teeth without stain bands. Options for Improving Teeth Discoloration Other dental treatments can help if teeth bleaching falls short of giving you the desired results for a brighter smile. Treatments like crowns or veneers can conceal tetracycline stains' dark color by bonding opaque porcelain to your teeth. However, it's essential to note that this approach may result in a less flexible outcome, as the porcelain must be crafted in a white and opaque manner to block the dark color effectively. There are two types of veneers: no-prep (minimal) and traditional(porcelain) veneers. The traditional veneers are made of porcelain and require grinding down the tooth before attachment. No-prep, as the name suggests; there are no tooth-shaving preparations necessary. The no-prep is no-tooth shaving veneers. Attach veneers onto the surface of the existing teeth to cover the underlying darkness or stains. Applying no-prep veneers can sometimes create an artificial and temporary appearance for those with tetracycline-induced discoloration. In contrast, traditional veneers or crowns with some tooth reduction may be necessary to achieve a more natural, translucent look. Since the dark color of the tetracycline stain tends to get darker as it penetrates deeper into the tooth, a thicker porcelain layer is required to block the color and create a translucent effect. Choosing thicker veneers or crowns may result in a darker shade and an increased reduction of tooth structure, making it challenging to achieve a natural aesthetic. Therefore, collaborating with an experienced cosmetic dentist and skilled laboratory technician becomes essential to minimize the reduction of tooth structure while achieving a natural-looking smile. Opting for cosmetic dentistry involving crowns or veneers becomes a viable alternative when professional teeth bleaching results fall short of satisfaction. The success of this approach hinges on precise tooth preparation by the cosmetic dentist.

The shade of your teeth can affect your overall look with a smile. Also, tooth discoloration and dirt can result from age, smoking, drugs, and even the effects of certain foods and drinks. People with stained or discolored teeth may need a whitening treatment to regain their smile. Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten stained, discolored, or dull teeth. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Even a stubborn single tooth that is noticeably duller than the others can become brightened. We offer Zoom! In-Office Teeth Whitening System and our dramatically effective take-home whitening kits. (The in-depth description of the functioning and cost of teeth whitening procedures on our teeth breaching detail page.) Breaching your teeth is safe under a trained dentist's supervision. The active ingredient of Zoom! is hydrogen peroxide. The gel is applied to the teeth and activated with a specially designed light. A specially designed light activates the Zoom! Whitening Gel gently breaks down stains on your teeth to put the sparkle back in your smile. Teeth whitening lasts from a few months to up to 3 years - it varies from person to person. How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost Dental insurance does not cover teeth whitening, as it is deemed a cosmetic enhancement rather than a medically necessary treatment, similar to manicures. The average expense for in-office teeth whitening typically ranges from $300 to $400 per arch, referring to external whitening on the top or bottom teeth. Maintaining an excellent oral hygiene regimen post-whitening is essential to preserving the Zoom! In-Office system and our professional strength take-home kits. These safe and effective teeth whitening systems can give you the results you've been wanting. Don't hesitate to contact our office today for more information on how you can have the bright, dazzling smile of your dreams! Need Teeth Whitening when you are visiting or are in Tokyo?