Cavities and small fractures can cause much larger issues if left untreated. In the past, metal restorations called amalgam fillings (or silver fillings) served a need but left many teeth discolored and strained from the wedging effect of the metal. Today, tooth-colored composite resins blend into the tooth structure and are chemically bonded to the tooth providing a strong, permanent restoration.
Composites serve both functional and aesthetic roles, often at the same time. For example, a cavity invading the front of a tooth along the gum line may be visible in your smile line. By gently cleaning out the soft, discolored area and replacing it with a tooth-colored filling, the tooth is restored and looks better than ever.
Composites contain a mix of liquid resin embedded with finely ground glass particles. After being molded to the prepared tooth structure, a blue light applied directly to the composite hardens the filling material within seconds. Once its shaped and polished to a high shine, the restoration is complete.
At Thao Bui-Nguyen, DDS, watching patients see their brilliant new smile for the first time is the highlight of our day. Sometimes referred to as instant orthodontics, veneers can dramatically transform your smile. A set of veneers can correct chips, stains, and even deeply discolored teeth. But they can also alter the length and size of teeth or help give the appearance of a straight tooth where there is not. While it may sound dramatic, it isnt. Veneers provide a highly conservative approach to esthetic smile makeovers.
Veneers are the ultimate combination of dental art and science, handcrafted and customized to fit your smile. These paper-thin pieces of porcelain bond to the outside of your natural teeth. But just because theyre thin, don't be fooled. Veneers are highly versatile and can replicate all the complex nuances of a natural tooth.
Theres a lot of diagnostic work and careful planning that goes into a treatment plan that includes veneers. Models, photographs, and digital x-rays allow you and the doctor to create a perfect blueprint to guide your treatment from start to finish. Like all successful projects, this planning can't be compromised. Dr. Bui will consider your input and incorporate your desires into your veneer case, from color to shape and everything in between.
The doctor will create temporary restorations that mimic the veneers, which youll wear for up to three weeks. These temporaries provide a preview of your new smile and lets you try it out to see if any further changes are needed.
It is the truth! I am having a ball doing dentistry! It takes me a long time to learn the best clinical skills, and I had taken lots of Continuing Education. Learning is my passion and striving for excellence is my goal!
Learning at the Pankey Institute, the best place for advanced dental learning, since 2000 to improve my clinical skills, as well as honing on my leadership and business skills. So now after 30 years of practicing dentistry, I have mastered the dentistry techniques and the art of communication, and earned the trust of my patients.
In addition, being a Mommy, now that my three kids are grown and become young adults, I finally have the extra time and energy to work on my practice projects, that I have visioned and dreamed for years!
Moreover, our office has used only white composite (resin) fillings for 29 years, no silver fillings! We offer services in cosmetic bonding, gold inlays, porcelain veneers & crowns, root canals. In addition, we also offer Invisalign - to improve the occlusion of your teeth and improve your smile!
Practiced at the same location for 30 years has allowed me to get to know my patients! Honesty and trust are my motto and I treat my patients, as my family! It is my privilege and joy to see my patients every 6 months to check not only their teeth, but their well-being and their family!
The pandemic this year has changed the way we greeted our patients and practiced dentistry. We could no longer shake hands, hug and share a smile! Mask, face shield, long gown, scrub cap are the protective barriers now! However, the loving care to our patients are still the same! They still could see the warm smile in our eyes!
To protect our patients and our team, we have also followed safety protocols from CDC and ADA. We only see one patient or one family in office at a time; then the front door is locked behind. A customized shield is placed at the front desk reception area. Surgical Air Jade and Humidifier air purifier are placed in treatment rooms to kill the virus!