Dental Bonding Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Go Back to School with a New Smile – Justin’s Unique Smile Transformation!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Back-to-school season is all about fresh starts, new classes, new routines, and adventures. For Justin this year, it also means a new reason to smile!

Meet Justin, one of Dr. Jeff Eggert’s young patients. In fact, he was only in middle school when he and Dr. Jeff met. Justin came into the practice as his family transitioned to our office. He was already undergoing orthodontic treatment with Dr. Brian DeVoe at the time. At Justin’s new patient exam, Dr. Jeff noticed a large defect on one of Justin’s teeth so he took an x-ray to investigate.

Unfortunately, Justin’s tooth was dissolving from the inside, a process called internal root resorption. With root resorption, the body’s own cells begin breaking down the inside of a tooth’s root. Dr. Jeff sent Justin to Dr. Jeff Ryan of Endodontics Associates Limited, an endodontist that Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth work with closely and who is conveniently located in our same building. Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Jeff Ryan, and Dr. Brian DeVoe worked together to develop a plan designed to preserve the tooth and its root for as long as possible while also preserving the surrounding bone for a future implant if one eventually became necessary. In Justin’s case, the goal was not simply to address the immediate problem. Dr. Jeff and the specialists needed to think about Justin’s his long-term dental health and what would be best for him as he continued to grow.

What was recommended?

For a young patient like Justin, who was only 13 at the time, planning for the future is especially important. An implant isn’t a good option when a patient is still growing because the facial bones will continue to change so much, it will make the implant, which is locked into place after placement, look out of place in the adult face. Therefore, implant placement is contraindicated for males until they are well into their 20’s.

It was decided to complete a root canal and buildup the missing tooth structure with a post and composite filling material, finish the orthodontic treatment to perfect the bite for Justin’s other teeth, and slowly move Justin’s “sick” tooth out of the bone, a process called orthodontic extrusion.

Orthodontic extrusion would help preserve the bone and it was able to expose more root structure so Dr. Jeff could better seal up the buildup material to the root because he was hoping to help Justin keep this tooth until he was much older.

What did he want?

As a young child, Justin’s biggest concern was to be pain free and to have a tooth for his smile. He wanted to maintain a natural-looking smile to help him feel confident as he continued growing. Luckily, Justin’s tooth lasted this way for over 4 years. But, then one day he was eating a granola bar and noticed something just didn’t feel right. He had loosened the composite buildup material and post of his weak tooth. He also noticed that it was a little painful and his gums were always so irritated around that tooth. When Dr. Jeff took another x-ray, he saw signs of infection and knew this tooth wasn’t going to be able to last any longer for Justin.

What was involved then?

After working to preserve the tooth for several years, everyone needed to accept a new plan because Justin was only 17 years old when his tooth finally had to be extracted. It is never healthy to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Unfortunately, Justin wasn’t old enough to have an implant placed. It was important to Justin that he still be able to smile with all teeth present as well as have something that would stay in his mouth. He didn’t like the idea of a retainer that could hold a tooth in place when in the mouth, but that would show a missing tooth when it was out of the mouth.

In trying to be as conservative as possible, Dr. Jeff, Justin, and his parents all agreed to design a bonded pontic (or “fake tooth”) that would bond on to another of Justin’s teeth, holding a replacement tooth where there now was one missing. Therefore, Justin could continue to have a natural-looking appearance, finish his growing, and move into adulthood.

After Justin had his tooth extracted, he did wear a retainer for about 8 weeks that also had a fake tooth. This was necessary to allow his gums and tooth extraction site to heal. The tissue healed up really well after his “sick” tooth was out his mouth. Once he was healed up, Dr. Jeff scanned his teeth and a dental lab designed his fake porcelain pontic tooth. Dr. Jeff bonded the tooth in place which made it easier for Justin to smile again!

What does he think?

When we asked Justin what he would tell someone considering a similar procedure, Justin didn’t hesitate: “Definitely do it. It fixes your smile and it’s worth it.” Justin’s journey is a wonderful example of how a team approach, careful planning, and patience can help young patients navigate complicated dental situations while keeping their LIFELONG smile in mind. There’s something special about starting a new school year feeling good about your smile. Everyone wants to feel confident, especially teenagers! Justin is heading back to school this year with a different “tooth” than the one he’s had for much of his life – and he couldn’t be happier about it! We’re proud to have been part of Justin’s journey and excited to see him start this school year with a confident new smile. Here’s to a great school year, Justin! Keep smiling! We truly hope that Justin and all of our young patients enjoy the 2026 back-to-school season!

Another New Beginning: An Update After Dental Trauma to an Even MORE Confident Smile – Sarah’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Sarah began her journey with Eggert Family Dentistry more than 10 years ago as a high school senior, searching for a solution for a front tooth that had been injured years earlier. The trauma she experienced in her early teens resulted in the need for root canal treatment, but despite those efforts, the tooth had a poor long-term prognosis.

The teenage years are filled with milestones, friendships, and countless reasons to smile. But, if you’re self-conscious about your smile, those moments can feel much more challenging. Because of the trauma, Sarah’s long-term prognosis for her front teeth was unpredictable. Plus, there was still a chance that Sarah could grow or experience bony facial changes. Therefore, as you can see from our first blog with Sarah from 2016, some composite bonding was done to give a cosmetic improvement, but mostly to help “buy some time.”

What did she want?

Over the years, Sarah and Dr. Elizabeth worked together through several challenges to preserve her natural front tooth for as long as possible. Whenever it is healthy and predictable to do so, preserving a natural tooth is often the best option. Keeping the natural tooth helps maintain the surrounding bone, supports the natural bite, and preserves facial structure and alignment. While modern dentistry offers excellent replacement options such as dental implants and bridges, nothing can completely replace the unique qualities of a natural tooth. Over the years, Sarah started in her career and wanted to invest in herself. She knew her bite was not ideal to support an implant so in planning for the need to eventually replace her traumatized tooth, she started looking into orthodontics with Dr. DeVoe in 2020.

What was involved?

Sarah did many treatments with Dr. DeVoe, including orthognathic surgery with the oral surgery team, to improve her tooth and jaw positions. This took awhile and unfortunately, Sarah noticed her traumatized front tooth starting to darken again, while Dr. Elizabeth noticed that the tooth wasn’t looking healthy on the x-rays. Sarah’s tooth was experiencing root resorption – a condition where the body begins to break down the root structure of the tooth. So, although every effort was made to save Sarah’s tooth, Sarah knew that she wanted something different after her orthodontic treatment. She also was planning to get married and wanted a brighter, more pleasant smile for that.

After a thorough evaluation and careful collaboration between Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. DeVoe, the plan was to keep the resorbing tooth until orthodontics was complete and then move Sarah to a dental implant to replace the tooth. As Sarah was finishing her orthodontic treatment, she had the surgery done to place a dental implant with a temporary crown to be used during the healing phase. Sarah also underwent some gingival recontouring surgery to help gain more symmetry between her front two teeth.

Once Sarah’s dental implant had healed and her orthodontic treatment was complete, she returned to Dr. Elizabeth to begin the final phase of her smile transformation. With a healthy, stable foundation in place, the focus shifted to creating a smile that was not only beautiful, but also functional, balanced, and natural-looking.

Sarah’s customized treatment plan began with Opalescence GO® whitening to brighten her natural teeth and establish the ideal shade for her final restorations. Once whitening was complete, Dr. Elizabeth carefully designed three porcelain veneers for Sarah’s upper front teeth, as well as the porcelain implant restoration for her implant. Each veneer was meticulously planned to complement her facial features, match the implant restoration seamlessly, and create a harmonious smile that looked as though it had always been hers.

After years of preserving her natural tooth, coordinating orthodontic treatment, and thoughtfully planning every step of care, Sarah’s journey culminated in a healthy, confident smile designed to last for years to come.

What does she think?

We asked Sarah a few questions about how the process went for her. She told us “I knew it would be a long process, but I also knew it was something I wanted to do because of the long-term benefits. I felt it would be worth the investment in my smile and my future.” Sarah let us know that the process was much easier than she expected it would be. In fact, she said “The oral surgery was a breeze and the final restorations were surprisingly simple! It only took a few appointments, which was really nice, and the team was wonderful about helping me schedule everything before my wedding!”

Sarah told us that if she were talking to someone considering similar treatment, she’d tell them “I would absolutely recommend it. Do it sooner rather than later because the entire process can take some time – but it’s completely worth it. 100% worth it!”

Sarah’s story is a wonderful reminder that transforming a smile is often a journey rather than a single procedure. Through years of careful planning, collaboration between specialists, and a commitment to preserving her oral health whenever possible, Sarah achieved a smile that is healthy, functional, and beautifully natural.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our goal is always Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles. We are grateful that Sarah trusted us through every stage of her journey and are honored to have helped restore not only her smile, but also the confidence that comes with it. She made a beautiful bride!

“I am so happy with the results. I would never look back. I’m so glad I followed all of Dr. Elizabeth’s recommendations. I feel more confident, and honestly, I feel like a new person.” – Sarah

My Spring (Tooth) Break! Fixing a Fractured Front Tooth – Caleb’s Story!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Caleb was on spring break in Florida, vacationing with his family at the beach and playing in the sand with his sister. He accidently fell on a metal shovel on the beach and chipped his front tooth. His mom called from Florida to let Eggert Family Dentistry know what had occurred and asked how she should proceed. It was recommended that she send a picture of the tooth and keep the fragment in water so that we would have a better idea of the extent of the fracture. Caleb was still out of town for a few days, but was seen at the office when he returned. Unfortunately, Caleb was ill with a severe cough right after coming home, so it was over 2 weeks before he was able to see Dr. Jeff Eggert to attempt to reattach the fragment.

What was recommended?

Tooth trauma, also known as dental trauma, refers to injuries to the teeth, gums, and surrounding soft tissues of the mouth. These injuries can range from minor chips or cracks to more severe issues like tooth displacement or jaw fractures. Common causes include accidents, sports injuries, falls, and even biting down on hard objects. Symptoms can include pain, bleeding, swelling, and a change in how teeth fit together. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury, and may involve repositioning the tooth, root canal treatment, or other procedures.

Upon examination, Dr. Jeff reviewed some signs and symptoms with Caleb and his parents and did some tests to verify the status of the tooth’s nerve. Luckily, the tooth was still responding as vital, which means that the nerve was trying to heal after the injury. Teeth undergoing trauma like Caleb’s are at high risk for nerve necrosis (dying) and abscess (infection). It was decided to repair the tooth with composite filling material to build back what had broken since Caleb’s tooth fragment had now been out of his mouth a few weeks and the fragment available couldn’t replace all of what was missing.

Caleb was only 11 years old at the time of the trauma to his front tooth. When considering repairing a fractured front tooth, the appropriate treatment options and considerations can vary depending on a person’s age. Preserving the natural tooth structure, including the tooth’s pulp for as long as possible is very important for the longevity of the tooth and surrounding tissues. Even though Caleb’s tooth nerve was testing vital, things can change overtime.

After a trauma like this, it is important to follow the tooth over time. Depending on the injury it is typical to reevaluate the tooth over a period of weeks, then months, then years to make sure that complications aren’t developing.

What else was involved?

Caleb’s tooth did very well for about 10 months and then his parents called reporting that he was having intense pain, sensitivity and swelling with the tooth. We saw him for another exam and unfortunately, the tooth was showing signs of a tooth abscess. Caleb saw the root canal specialist for a root canal as they were able to get him in for an appointment faster for that procedure, in fact, they were able to see him the very same day!

Caleb’s tooth has been stable and he now is in braces to help correct his bite. This will help keep his tooth better protected from forces for the long-haul.

What does he think?

It has been over 2 years since Caleb’s accident and his tooth is still doing well. The bonded composite filling has stayed in place and looks very natural. Because of how large the fracture was it is likely that the tooth will eventually benefit from a crown, but while the repair is holding up, Caleb will keep the filling.

Caleb and his parents were very appreciative of how quickly he was taken care of and monitored throughout the process. Caleb said “I thought it was kind of cool, how they just fill my mouth with filler stuff and then make it tooth sized.” He says he feels the same as before his tooth fractured and thinks “you can’t even notice it!” We look forward to seeing Caleb’s magnificent smile and his family as well for many years to come!

At Eggert Family Dentistry we have had many patients over the years that we have been able to help with dental trauma. Here are some additional examples of what trauma can look like:

“All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” – Connor’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Connor started seeing Dr. Elizabeth in the fall of 2020. Connor was born without two lower teeth. The teeth were congenitally missing, a condition often known as hypodontia. To mask this, Connor had been wearing a metal wire retainer (Hawley retainer) with two teeth attached to it since his braces were removed many years prior. Why some people are born without certain teeth is unknown. While there are often genetic or heredity links, it isn’t always that parents pass this condition on to their children, in fact, it is often found to skip a generation. Treatments for congenitally missing teeth usually include bridges, dentures, or dental implants. Often orthodontic treatment is also necessary to make sure the spacing available is adequate.

What was recommended?

Dr. Elizabeth talked with Connor about treatment options for the future, should he ever decide that wearing a retainer full time wasn’t for him. In an ideal world, implants can replace congenitally missing teeth without altering any other teeth in the area. Connor did go for a consult with the oral surgeon, hoping to hear that he could undergo implant treatment whenever he was tired of wearing his retainer. Unfortunately, Connor doesn’t have enough space for implants.

What this means is that Connor will have to undergo orthodontic treatment (again) before any implant surgery can be done. Connor and his mom and dad weren’t excited about that option and wanted to know what alternative treatment options he has. Connor goes to college and does not feel that orthodontic treatment at this point in his life is what he wants.

Connor could choose traditional bridges, but Dr. Elizabeth was not in favor of this option because the bridges would be built on small anchor teeth. Initially, Connor planned to keep wearing his wire retainer, but then last summer, his retainer finally broke. Connor was tired of wearing a retainer so Dr. Elizabeth Eggert suggested Connor consider having bonded composite “bridges” completed. She talked with Connor about how conservative the preparation could be for the anchor teeth and was confident that the results could look good. Another advantage of the composite bonded “bridges” was that if Connor does decide to move forward with orthodontics and implants later in life, his neighboring teeth will still be in good shape.

What did he want?

After discussing the pros and cons with Dr. Elizabeth, Connor and his parents decided on composite bonded “bridges,” which is a type of fixed dental prosthesis for the replacement of a single missing tooth. The design of the bonded bridge consists of an artificial tooth made out of plastic filling material with a wing-like extension, which is bonded to the neighboring tooth or teeth. The tooth which supports the resin bonded bridge is called an abutment. The tooth which is replaced by the bonded bridge is called a pontic. Usually only minimal preparation is done to the abutment tooth and this treatment is considered minimally invasive.

What was involved?

After deciding to move forward with the composite bonded “bridge,” Dr. Elizabeth took impressions to get a model of Connor’s teeth so she could design the new restorations. Connor also wanted his teeth to be whiter so he did over-the-counter Crest White Strips to bleach his teeth. Connor then had an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth and in one day, he left the office with two new teeth as part of his composite bonded “bridges.”

What does he think?

Once the treatment was completed Connor was very happy with the esthetics and his bite. When we asked him some questions following treatment he said that he did not think much about having the procedure done, but just that it may take a while. He was surprised at how quick and easy the procedure appointment was and notes “I actually fell asleep for awhile I think!” Connor says “I love them! They’re super easy and they feel pretty normal already! It’s been great.” He would tell anyone that needed the same procedure to definitely do it! “It’s totally worth it.”

Thank you, Connor, for trusting us with your smile, we look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Now, Getting Ready for College – Elena’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Elena came to Eggert Family Dentistry at the age of 15 as a referral from our orthodontic colleague, Dr. DeVoe. Dr. DeVoe wanted Dr. Elizabeth Eggert to evaluate restorative options for Elena because she is congenitally missing (was born without) one of her lateral front teeth and her lateral incisor on the other size is undersized. Dr. DeVoe anticipated that Elena would want a solution for her smile after her braces were removed.

A congenitally missing tooth is one of the most common dental developmental abnormalities. In fact, roughly 20% of adults have at least one tooth that never developed. Why is that number so high? Well, we’ve all heard of that person who didn’t develop all, if any, wisdom teeth. If you take wisdom teeth out of the picture, the percentage of adults with congenitally missing teeth drops to only 5%. Other permanent teeth we often see missing are second premolars, upper lateral incisors, and lower central incisors.

A wisdom tooth that never develops would typically be thought of as a good thing – one less tooth to remove! However, being a person with a missing front tooth can be quite a different story. Teenage years are difficult enough without having to worry about your smile. With the emotional roller coaster of being a teen, we need to give our children any excuse to smile and no reason not to!

What was recommended?

Dr. Elizabeth had some options for Elena for replacing her missing tooth. One option was to use a “flipper,” which is a removable partial denture that contains one or more artificial teeth. A flipper is often made from denture acrylic and can blend in well with your smile. The flipper is custom made using an impression or digital scan of your mouth. Flippers can be uncomfortable to wear and they do come in and out of the mouth, which can be inconvenient.

To replace missing teeth, you can also consider a bridge. A traditional bridge uses the neighboring teeth as anchors to “fill in the gap.” Since Elena was still growing and developing, a traditional bridge wasn’t Dr. Elizabeth’s first choice. A more conservative option for Elena’s age was to consider a composite bonded bridge, which still stays fixed in the mouth like a traditional bridge, but is much more conservative for neighboring teeth and can more easily be altered with growth, if needed.

Another common method to replace missing teeth is to use a dental implant. With a dental implant, a small post, usually made of titanium, is placed into the jaw bone and serves as a substitute for the root of the tooth. Then, through a series of attachments, a tooth is added to the implant. Again, because of Elena’s age, a dental implant wasn’t indicated…yet, anyway.

Dr. Elizabeth discussed pros and cons with Elena and her mom of these options and emphasized that something would have to be done to last through Elena’s teenage and early adulthood, even though a dental implant may be the best long-term approach.

What did Elena want?

For the undersized lateral on her right side, composite bonding was done to change the shape and size of the tooth. A porcelain veneer could have been done, but with Elena’s age, the composite material can more easily be changed, if needed, for future growth and development. As an adult, Elena could choose to convert her composite bonding to a porcelain veneer for ideal color match. After much discussion, Elena and her mom decided that for her missing tooth on her left side, Elena would use a flipper during the day and an orthodontic retainer at night.

Then what happened?

Throughout Elena’s high school career, she found it was inconvenient for her to wear her flipper and she also didn’t wear her retainer much so her teeth moved somewhat. In thinking of her life after high school, Elena wanted to review her options. Elena and her dad came to consult with Dr. Elizabeth she told Dr. Elizabeth, “I am interested in a bridge now.” Once again, Dr. Elizabeth reviewed Elena’s options in regards to how the most conservative approach would still be preferred. Dr. Elizabeth recommended that Elena complete a composite bonded bridge. Dr. Elizabeth would be able to artistically create a “fake” tooth and attach it her surrounding teeth. This choice is good for the esthetics and will buy Elena some time until she is older and can make some alternate decisions, if needed.

What does she think?

When asked how Elena felt about getting the procedures done, she said “I was looking forward to my tooth looking like a normal sized tooth.” She also said that her mom had a bridge done and so she was not worried about it. “I like it a lot and it looks good. It doesn’t feel weird to my bite. It does not feel weird when I chew or eat.” She is really happy to have her palate free! She would recommend that anyone needing the same or similar treatment done go for it. She says, “I like it! It’s nice to have a normal smile where all my teeth are a normal size.”

Congratulations on your amazing results Elena and thank you for putting your trust in us! We are delighted to help you move into your college years!

What Are the Types of Dental Fillings, and What Are the Differences?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

The earliest dental fillings date back between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago. Since the first fillings were created, dental fillings have been used to help millions of people preserve their teeth.

What Are of Dental Fillings Made of?

Dental fillings can be made from a combination of materials, including metal, plastic, glass, and other materials. The most common types of dental fillings are:

Composite fillings: Composite fillings – also called filled resins – are a combination of plastic, glass or quartz fillers and can be colored to match the surrounding teeth. They bond to the existing tooth to provide extra support, and they don’t require as much of the tooth to be removed. Composite fillings hold up well, often at least 5 to 10 years, often longer!
Amalgam fillings: “Silver” fillings, are really amalgam fillings, and are made of a mix of metals including mercury. Many people have had amalgam fillings hold up at least 10 to 15 years in their mouths, but in order to make space to hold the filling, amalgam fillings require more of the natural tooth to be removed and therefore, the overall tooth strength is decreased. Amalgams are generally not requested today because of their unsightly nature.
Gold: Gold fillings can last a long time, often 15 to 20 years. Gold was a more popular choice before composite fillings were available. In today’s market, however, the cost of gold has made it impractical to use this material, not to mention the need for 2 appointments to complete a the filling.
Ceramic: Ceramic or porcelain fillings often last more than 15 years, and they are more resistant to staining than the composite resin materials. With our CEREC restoration system, a ceramic filling can be completed in one appointment.
Glass ionomer: Glass ionomer is a combination of acrylic and glass. It is typically used for fillings below the gum line or for fillings on kids. This material releases fluoride so it can help prevent further tooth decay. Glass ionomer usually lasts less than five years, but it a lot more moisture tolerant during placement so it can be a great material for certain situations.

Is It Time to Replace Your Dental Fillings?

Like all dental work, dental fillings need to be revisited and replaced with time. When you visit Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff can help determine whether it’s time to replace your fillings.

If you think it may be time to replace a dental filling, call our office at 651-482-8412 to schedule an appointment.

3 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

A chipped tooth is no laughing matter. Depending on the severity of the break, a chipped tooth can be embarrassing and extremely painful. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we have three options for repairing a chipped tooth: bonding, veneers and crowns. Let’s take a closer look at each of these three options.

Dental Bonding

One of the biggest perks of dental bonding is the ease of the process. Dental bonding can be completed in a single appointment. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff apply a putty-like composite resin to your tooth and then sculpt and shape it before curing and hardening the material with an intense blue light. Once polished, composite bonded restorations have a smooth and shiny finish, blending in well with the natural teeth.

Dental bonding is an effective way to repair and reshape a cracked tooth and is also used to correct gaps in teeth or cover up stains. Dental bonding usually lasts for 5-10 years and is a cost-effective solution that helps restore your natural smile.

Check out Lia’s story about her experience with dental bonding here!

Veneers

Veneers are a stunning option for cracked teeth as well as stained, gaping, and misaligned teeth. They consist of a thin porcelain shell that covers your existing tooth. Applying veneers is a little more labor-intensive process than dental bonding and requires 2-3 visits to complete. At your first visit, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will discuss the result they hope to achieve with the veneers. Then, they prepare your teeth for the custom porcelain overlay and take an impression of your prepared teeth. This impression is then sent to a dental lab where your veneers are fabricated. In the meantime, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will fit you with an attractive temporary solution. The veneer preparation process takes 2-3 weeks. Once your custom veneers are created, you will come back into our office where we will polish your teeth and bond your veneers in place. We work hard to make sure they feel like natural teeth and that you love the results.

Take a look at Katie’s story to learn how porcelain veneers transformed her smile!

Crowns

A crown is an excellent option for repairing a severely cracked or damaged tooth. Commonly made from 100% porcelain, crowns restore the integrity of a damaged tooth more than dental bonding or porcelain veneers because they “cap” or fully encompass the entire tooth. They facilitate chewing and can be color-matched to the rest of your teeth for a flawless appearance.

Creating and placing your custom crown will take 1-2 visits with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff. A local anesthetic will ensure your comfort while your tooth is prepared for the crown. In many cases, we can take a CEREC scan of your tooth and fabricate your custom crown in our office the same day! Sometimes, however, a lab fabricated crown may still be the better choice for your situation. If that is the case, we will take an impression of your tooth and surrounding teeth and send this impression into one of our trusted labs where they will fabricate your custom crown. This process usually takes 2 weeks. In the meantime, we will fashion a temporary crown for you to wear.

When we fit your crown, we use a cement bonding agent to ensure that your crown stays securely in place. Crowns usually last 10-20 years with proper care.

Read Mary’s story to learn how crowns dramatically improved her smile!

Do you have a chipped tooth that needs to be repaired? Give us a call at 651.482.8412 to make an appointment and discuss your options!

Which Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure is Right for My Teen?

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

During the adolescent years, kids typically struggle with their self-image. This can be compounded for teens who are forced to deal with chipped, misaligned, discolored or gapped teeth. Fortunately, at Eggert Family Dentistry, we offer some great cosmetic dentistry options that can help restore your teen’s teeth and go a long way towards increasing their self-confidence.

Teeth Whitening

When it comes to teeth whitening and bleaching, Eggert Family Dentistry offers some excellent options. We supply professional-grade strips and whitening trays that are more effective and gentler on your teeth and gums than their over-the-counter counterparts. We also offer the Zoom Whitening procedure. Performed in a single, two-hour appointment, we apply a professional whitening gel to your teen’s teeth and activate that gel with an LED light which allows the gel to penetrate into the teeth. We then educate both you and your child on follow-up care and sensitivity management.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells that cover the front of teeth. Veneers dramatically transform chipped, misaligned, discolored or worn down teeth into that award-winning smile. They can also be used to close unsightly gaps for a smile your teen will be proud to share. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff custom create dental veneers that compliment your child’s skin tone, facial features and personality and feel just like their natural teeth. This process takes two to three visits and the results are long-lasting.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, also known as composite veneers, is also effective in restoring chipped, misaligned, discolored or worn teeth just like dental veneers. Some differences do apply for these different restorations, however. For example, dental bonding can be completed in a single appointment. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff apply a putty-like composite resin to your teen’s tooth, sculpt and shape it before curing and hardening the material with an intense blue light. Once polished, composite veneers have a smooth and shiny finish, blending in well with the natural teeth. Dental bonding is popular since it is a more cost-effective option than dental veneers. However, the results typically only last or look their best for 5-10 years. But, that makes it a perfect option for getting your teen through their growing years when the body and jaw are still changing.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we are changing lives one smile at a time, which is why our motto is “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles.” If you have a special teenager in your life who could benefit from one of these cosmetic dentistry procedures, give us a call at 651.482.8412. We would be happy to discuss how we can partner with you to help your adolescent achieve a smile they can be proud of!