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Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by Dr. J Brad Bynum of Valdosta


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Replace silver fillings with white tooth fillings


Many people in the Valdosta area have had silver fillings placed into their teeth because they had "cavities". These silver fillings are called amalgams. Amalgam fills the space where the decay in the tooth has been removed.

However, over time, the amalgam corrodes and leaks which blackens the silver, and many times the tooth. This is easily seen as soon as a patient opens his or her mouth and is usually a source of embarrassment for the patient.

At North Valdosta Dental Care we can provide you with composite fillings that are made of a porcelain-like material that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong and stain-resistant, and they are color-matched to the natural tooth, making them "invisible."

Composite fillings also lack the sensitivity that is often associated with silver amalgam fillings. They are especially suited for smaller cavities and for patients who may be allergic to metal fillings.


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Cosmetic dentistry fixes cracked, worn, discolored or broken teeth


For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. The only other alternative was gold and that was too expensive for most folks.

Now there is a new and economical way to restore teeth in the Valdosta area using tooth-colored resin fillings. The resin is made up of glass particles in a plastic matrix. Dr. Bynum bonds the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. This hardens the material and allows it to be shaped and polished for immediate use.

Once completed, the tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and last longer than the old silver-amalgam fillings. Resin restorations can range from $150 to $350 per tooth.


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Tooth whitening dentistry to fix discolored, dark or stained teeth


Tooth bleaching involves the placement of a bleaching solution on the teeth to eliminate stains and discoloration. The solution is held in place by a custom-made, see-through tray that fits over the teeth - much like a mouthpiece worn by a professional boxer.

Bleaching is a safe, effective and relatively easy means of producing a whiter smile.

The bleaching method available at North Valdosta Dental Care is At-Home-Bleaching, which is provided for home use (not to be confused with over-the-counter bleaching products available in local Valdosta area drug stores).

Sensitive teeth, or those that are chipped, eroded or weakened by cavities, should be repaired or protected before they are bleached.


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Tooth-colored restorations


For over 100 years, dentistry has restored teeth primarily with a material made of mercury and silver. It has done its job well, although we have had to live with its weaknesses. Those weaknesses consist of cracking teeth due to expansion of the material, and restorations turning black as the silver in the material corrodes.

Now we have many ways to provide tooth-colored restorations at North Valdosta Dental Care. We can use adhesives to bond tooth parts that look and act like teeth. We can provide a bright, healthy and strong smile with these exciting new techniques in adhesion dentistry.


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Poor self-image, resulting in low self-esteem


The appearance of the teeth has a dramatic effect on both the person's attractiveness to others and on their own self-image and self-esteem. Studies have shown that a person's appearance will have a strong effect on their social and career success, by influencing how others perceive them.

While the appearance of the teeth is one of the most important contributors to facial beauty, it is also probably the most often neglected when improvements to appearance are sought. A person with low self-esteem connected to their facial appearance, can often be greatly helped by cosmetic dental procedures.

Dental make-overs at North Valdosta Dental Care have become more common, less invasive, and more effective in correcting deformities and cosmetic dental problems. The effect of these procedures can be nothing short of dramatic both in terms of appearance and also in terms of correcting, at least partially, personality deficiencies caused by poor self-image. Ugly teeth are no longer a matter of fate; they are now becoming a matter of choice.


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Smile with porcelain veneers


Dr. Bynum many times uses porcelain veneers for the same reasons as bonding (to lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth). They are considerably more durable and stain resistant than bonding.

The veneer is actually a thin piece of porcelain similar in size to a fingernail. Once it is "bonded" onto the tooth it becomes extremely strong. Dr. Bynum also blends the veneer in with the remaining tooth structure so that it is unnoticeable to the naked-eye. Once in place, it looks, feels, and functions just like a regular tooth.

At North Valdosta Dental Care we can use porcelain veneers to change the shape and color of a single tooth or if necessary, revamp an entire smile. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct teeth that have been worn from clenching and grinding.


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Cosmetic dental crowns


Teeth are often restored with fillings of silver or composite plastics. These materials can often accomplish the aim of replacing the part of the tooth that has been lost in a strong and good-looking manner.

However, there comes a point where the damage to the tooth has removed too much structure to hold a filling. The restoration must be done by a technique that will attach to the remaining tooth, stand up under heavier use and meet more elaborate cosmetic requirements.

The crown is the dental restoration that can strengthen and restore the entire top of a tooth. The crown can also be part of the attachment of a fixed bridge for the replacement of teeth. The tooth is strengthened because it is covered from the outside with a casting of metal or ceramic that will wrap up and splint the tooth.

The chewing of the tooth can be improved because it can be reshaped to match more efficiently with the opposing teeth. A crown can improve cosmetics by the use of modern ceramic processes that produce translucency and color that is more natural than has ever been possible.


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Replace unsightly silver-mercury fillings


For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. The only other alternative was gold and that was always too expensive for most folks.

Now at North Valdosta Dental Care there is a new and economical way to restore teeth using tooth-colored resin fillings. The resin is made up of glass particles in a plastic matrix. Dr. Bynum bonds the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. This hardens the material and allows it to be shaped and polished for immediate use.

Once completed by Dr. Bynum, your tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and last longer than the old silver-amalgam fillings. Resin restorations can range from $150 to $350 per tooth.


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Are you a candidate for sedation dentistry?


People who have:
  • High fear
  • Traumatic dental experiences
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A bad gag reflex
  • Very sensitive teeth
  • Complex dental problems
  • Limited time to complete dental care

People who:
  • Hate needles and shots
  • Hate the noises, smells and taste associated with dental care
  • Are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth



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Sedation dentistry facts


It Really Works! You really can snooze through your dental appointment.

It Is Safe! Dr. Bynum will give you a small pill prior to treatment, no intravenous tubes or needles.

You will have little or no memory of the experience. You probably won't remember any sounds or smells.

You will snooze for up to five or six hours after taking the pill. The time you are snoozing will vary depending on your needed treatment.

Complex dental treatments that often require six to eight appointments, can be done in as little as one at North Valdosta Dental Care! All while you snooze.

People who have difficulty getting numb will find that snooze dentistry eliminates this problem.

Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.


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Sedation dental care information


Dr Bynum will give you a small pill to take an hour prior to your dental appointment. Your companion will accompany you to the office. By the time you arrive, you will be very drowsy.

When you arrive in our office, you will be escorted into the comfort room, covered with a thick, warm blanket and placed on a monitor to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable, Dr. Bynum and the experienced clinical team at North Valdosta Dental Care will take care of your dental needs.

When your treatment is completed, your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day.


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Why have dental crowns?


The crown serves two important functions. First, it restores the appearance of your teeth and your face. If your tooth is severely decayed or cracked, the dentist will need to restore it prior to preparing a cap. Teeth also support the muscles in our faces, so anything less than a full tooth may affect the way you look.

Second, a crown will be the same size and shape as the natural tooth. As a result, it will keep your jaw and bite aligned; it will also make sure that other teeth don't shift locations or take on a greater share of the work of biting and chewing.


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What are dental crowns made of?


At North Valdosta Dental Care our dental crowns are most often made of gold or porcelain. Crowns also can be made of stainless steel, but those crowns are often temporary and not designed for long-term wear.

Porcelain crowns usually are built on a metal base, which fits snugly over the natural tooth. We will choose a porcelain that matches the color of your natural teeth.

Porcelain crowns usually are so carefully matched in color, they cannot be distinguished from your natural teeth. Many people choose porcelain crowns for their cosmetic appearance and the confidence it gives them.

New materials are now available that allow the use of "all-ceramic" crowns in some cases. They have a beautiful life-like appearance and short-term studies support their success, with long-term trials ongoing.

Crowns also can be made of all gold. Some people prefer not to use gold because it stands out from the other teeth in appearance. At the same time, if the crown is on a back molar, some people feel the cosmetic issue is not a big one. At North Valdosta Dental Care we will discuss the types of materials available if we recommend a crown.


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Care of dental crowns


Once your crown is in place, make sure the area is brushed well and that you floss below the gum line. While the crown protects your remaining tooth from further decay, you must protect the base of the crown from bacterial growth and gum disease.

Regular brushing and flossing as you would your natural teeth will ensure that your crown will be in place for years to come!

Dental crowns that reflect light with a natural healthy glow are now available at North Valdosta Dental Care.


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J Brad Bynum, DMD
Valdosta Cosmetic Dentistry

Office Address:

802 Northwood Park Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
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