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Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by Dr. Mark Birnbach of Boulder


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Porcelain Veneers


Porcelain Veneers
If you have crooked teeth, porcelain veneers offer convenience and results, without braces. Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin coverings that are made custom to your specifications. These natural looking veneers fit precisely over your existing teeth in a simple, comfortable procedure. Porcelain veneers can help brighten visible front teeth and correct defects including:
  • Spaces between the teeth
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
  • Permanently stained or discolored teeth
  • Misshapen or crooked teeth
  • Whiten dark yellow or stained teeth
  • Cosmetic abnormalities (tooth shape, shade, lip and cheek support)
  • Out of position teeth



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Porcelain Crowns and Bridges


Gaps in your smile can be removed using porcelain crowns and bridges. They can correct missing teeth, bite dysfunction, and functional or structural problems. While a crown can restore a single damaged tooth back to its original form, a bridge can be utilized to replace more than one tooth. Because these kinds of restorations are cemented onto the teeth, they're referred to as fixed dentistry. Dr. Birnbach uses ceramic crowns to ensure the most natural looking results.


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Smile Whitening


Smile whitening is a process that lightens discolorations on your teeth and is the top cosmetic procedure performed in America today. If your teeth aren't quite the same shade of white that they used to be, we can brighten your smile. The level of whiteness that can be achieved will depend on the level of discoloration of the teeth and how they came to be stained. If you are self-conscious about the color of your teeth, find out how Dr. Birnbach can use cosmetic tooth whitening to significantly brighten your smile and outlook.


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Tooth Bonding


If you have gaps between your teeth, tooth bonding may offer affordability and beautiful results. Tooth bonding is the process of applying an enamel-like material to the surface of a tooth. It is then hardened, sculpted and polished to create a perfect smile. Bonding is a simple process that is usually completed in one visit. While bonding costs less than veneers, the results may not last as long. Bonding works well to restore broken, chipped or discolored teeth. It can also be used to eliminate gaps between teeth. While bonded teeth are less durable than teeth with porcelain veneers, they can be a great choice in creating the smile you've always wanted.


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Gum Recontouring


For patients with too much or uneven gums, Dr. Birnbach can recontour your gumline to create a more natural and even smile line. Although gum recontouring is commonly used in conjunction with the placement of porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, it is also done alone in many cases. Recontouring your gums can make a dramatic impact on the overall balance and look of your smile.


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Mouth Guards


Whether it's your natural smile or a cosmetically enhanced smile, protecting the beauty and health of your teeth from trauma is important. Mouth guards, made by general dentistry offices like Dr. Birnbach's in Boulder, Colorado, can be used to protect your teeth and mouth during athletic activity or from habits such as teeth grinding or clenching. They can also be used to treat a variety of medical problems such as TMD, snoring, or sleep apnea.

The Pure Power Edge What would you think if someone told you that a mouth guard can make you stronger, improve your flexibility and increase your balance? You might think they are crazy, but those are the benefits a Pure Power Edge or Pure Power Mouthguard can provide. Professional and amateur athletes from many sports are praising it, including Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox.

This appliance, derived from neuromuscular dentistry, shows how connected your bite is to the rest of your body. The idea is to find the ideal bite position ( where the muscles and joints are most relaxed ) and build that position into the appliance.The bite is found using TENS ( Transcutaneous Electro-Neural Stimulation ) to relax the muscles and then jaw tracking with EMGs ( measures muscle activity ) to see, in real time, where the bite is most relaxed.

We have found that when a person is in this position, they are better able to use their strength, increase their range of motion, and improve their balance. Background muscle tension is relaxed allowing them to use their body more efficiently.

There are athletes in all of the major professional sports using the Pure Power Edge and Pure Power Mouthguard. The Mouthguard is for sports where tooth protection and concussion resistance is important ( i.e. football, hockey, wrestling, martial arts, etc ) while the Edge (pictured) is for non-impact sports ( i.e. golf, baseball, gymnastics, etc. )

Pure Power Mouthguard How is a Pure Power appliance different from a regular ‘boil and bite’ mouth guard?

A regular mouth guard is made of material that is heated up and then the teeth are squeezed into it. This material is not very durable or comfortable. This is why you see many athletes chewing on the guard and taking it out all the time. Another type of mouth guard is the pressure-heat laminated type. This type fits on the teeth better, but the material shifts the bite so that the muscles have to work harder. We have found that athletes with these ill fitting guards may even perform worse with this type of guard.

The Pure Power Edge is a comfortable custom-fitted appliance, using specialized computer technology to pinpoint and capture your ideal bite position. The power of this device is amazing. If you or a friend is serious about your sport, call us to see if you are a candidate for the Pure Power Mouthguard or Pure Power Edge.

Dr. Birnbach may recommend mouth guards and similar devices to treat a number of dental issues:
  • Athletic Mouth Protection – All physical sports can be dangerous, especially those involving moving equipment and heavy contact with others. Using a dental impression, Dr. Birnbach can make a custom-fitted mouth guard which will protect your teeth from damage if you sustain trauma to the mouth or head during activity.
  • Jaw Pain & TMJ/TMD – If you suffer from temporomandibular disorders or other jaw pain, Dr. Birnbach may recommend a splint, which is worn all the time, or a night guard, worn only at night. These mouth guards keep your bite in the least traumatic and painful position.
  • Teeth Grinding & Jaw Clenching – Grinding and clenching teeth, or bruxism, can cause headaches, tooth trauma, and jaw problems. Dr. Birnbach may recommend either a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint. These custommade mouth guards keep your teeth from coming together, lessening the damage caused by frequent grinding and clenching.
  • Snoring – Dr. Birnbach may recommend a device similar to a mouth guard to treat your snoring. A splint can be custom-made to fit around the tongue to ensure the free passage of air while you sleep. A mandibular advancement device holds your lower jaw slightly forward, a position which enhances the free flow of air.
  • Sleep Apnea – Devices similar to those used to treat snoring, such as splints and mandibular advancement devices, can also be used to treat your obstructive sleep apnea.

There are a few different types of mouth guards that you may be fitted for:
  • Stock – Stock mouth guards are the most common type of mouth guard but they offer the least amount of protection or correction. For the most part, stock mouth guards are used for facial protection in sports and other activities.
  • Mouth-Formed – These mouth guards can be formed to perfectly match the contours of your teeth and gums. To do this, the mouth guards are placed in boiling water, allowed to cool, and then placed in the mouth and bitten down on. Like stock mouth guards, these mouth guards do not address specialized problems.
  • Custom – Custom mouth guards are made specifically for your teeth by Dr. Birnbach. They last the longest and offer the most protection.



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Mark Birnbach, DMD
Boulder Smiles

Office Address:

1636 16th Street
Boulder, CO 80302
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