You won’t find this type of advanced technology at many other practices – so come check us out as soon as possible and get restored smiles in just one day! And if CEREC isn’t right for you, Dr. Kevin Holley also offers alternative restorative and cosmetic options at an affordable rate. Please book your appointment today on our website and experience the future of restorative dentistry with Kevin Holley, DMD! You won’t find this type of advanced technology at many other practices – so come check us out as soon as possible and get restored smiles in just one day! And if CEREC isn’t right for you, Dr. Kevin Holley also offers alternative restorative and cosmetic options at an affordable rate. Please book your appointment today on our website and experience the future of restorative dentistry with Kevin Holley, DMD! Overview of CEREC Same-Day Crowns  CEREC same-day crowns are revolutionary dental restorations made possible by CEREC technology. CEREC stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics,” a revolutionary CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) process that uses digital impressions to design and fabricate porcelain crowns in just one visit. CEREC same-day crowns are created on-site and refined to match your exact specifications so they look and feel natural. Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns CEREC same-day crowns offer several impressive benefits over traditional lab-crafted crowns. We can design CEREC same-day crowns to provide superior strength and durability while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. CEREC same-day crowns can be more cost-effective because we can complete the entire process in one visit. CEREC crowns are also made from materials that can be stronger and more durable than traditional crowns, which means they can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. The CEREC Same-Day Crown Process Dr. Holley and his team will begin by prepping your teeth for a crown. Preparing teeth for a crown is a relatively simple process, and it typically only takes one appointment. The first step is to clean the decay or any other damage on the tooth, so it’s healthy and ready to hold a crown. Then, we shape the tooth to ensure enough room for the crown and modify it as necessary to ensure there won’t be any discomfort when you bite down.  Next, the CEREC same-day crown procedure begins with a 3D digital imaging scan of your mouth and teeth. We use this scan to design and produce a custom-crafted CEREC crown to fit your exact specifications. CEREC same-day crowns are then milled and polished in our CEREC milling machine, which ensures a perfect fit for your CEREC same-day crown. Once the CEREC same-day crown has been milled and polished, it is bonded to your prepped tooth, restoring its strength and function. Aftercare Instructions for CEREC Same-Day Crowns Caring for CEREC same-day crowns is no different than caring for traditional crowns. CEREC same-day crowns can last just as long or longer with proper care. CEREC same-day crowns should be brushed and flossed daily to prevent decay and staining, just like you would with your natural teeth. CEREC same-day crowns should also be inspected by a dentist every six months to ensure they are still in good condition. CEREC Same-Day Crowns in Greenville, NC Let Kevin Holley DMD be your source for the best preventive dental care and CEREC same-day crowns! As you now know, CEREC same-day crowns provide state-of-the-art convenience and beauty for your smile. We want to ensure that you have a pleasant experience receiving this procedure and that your new crown lasts for years to come. The best way to do this is with a consultation with Dr. Holley, who will go over any aftercare instructions with you and make sure that you are getting the procedure done in the safest way possible.  Give us a call today to schedule an appointment – we will make it easy for you to get that beautiful new smile sooner than ever before!

A helmet can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw.   Mouth Guards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw, a mouth protector is available for these teeth as well. A properly fitted mouth protector may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth protector also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries. Although mouth protectors typically only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouth protector on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth too. If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports. Types of mouth guards There are three types of mouth protectors: Stock – Inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult. Boil and bite – Can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don’t follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector. Custom-fitted – Made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized, they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf.

A relatively new technique called air abrasion uses powerful particles of aluminum oxide to remove debris and decay. The most exciting thing for patients is that air abrasion is painless and, in some cases, doesn’t require an anesthetic. Air abrasion leaves behind a gritty feeling in your mouth, which is simply rinsed away almost instantaneously using a small suction device. Tiny cracks and imperfections on a tooth can be fixed using air abrasion. Although air abrasion is not suitable for work on crowns and bridges, it is often used for bonding procedures, and on tooth restorations involving composite, or tooth-colored fillings.

Crowns Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance. Procedures A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is then made from the existing tooth to create a custom-designed crown. The impression is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place. Crowns are sometimes confused with veneers, but they are quite different. Veneers are typically applied only to relatively small areas. Caring For Your Crowns With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration. Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.

Bonding is often performed in order to fill in gaps or change the color of your teeth. It typically only entails one office visit, and the results last for several years. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration such as veneers. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities and broken or chipped surfaces. In addition, bonding can be used to close spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape. Crowns, also known as caps, are used in cases where other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but are the most time consuming.

Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession, and to improve the aesthetics of your gum line.  For example, an exposed tooth root resulting from gum recession may not be causing you pain or sensitivity, but is causing one or more of your teeth to look longer than the others. In other cases, an exposed tooth root causes severe pain because it is exposed to extremes in temperatures or different kinds of food and liquids. Once contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Bleaching products work with a chemical called peroxide and can brighten your teeth several shades. Another process employs the use of a special gel that is placed inside a flexible device you wear around your teeth for a certain period of time. After you remove the device, you must use a second bleaching agent, followed by a special light to activate the chemical action. Mildly stained teeth usually only require one session of bleaching.

Veneers are usually made by a dental lab technician working from a model provided by your dentist. Veneers are usually irreversible because it`s necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to accommodate the shell. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. Typically, veneers entail at least three appointments: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding. During the tooth preparation visit, usually lasting one to two hours, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. During the same visit, a mold is taken of the teeth, and sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. During the final “bonding” visit, also about one or two hours, the veneers are placed on the tooth surface with water or glycerin on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color. While the veneers are resting on your teeth, they can be adjusted with various shades of cement to match the color of your teeth. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a visible light beam, or laser, causes a catalyst to be released, hardening the cement. During a two-week period of adjustment that follows, you may notice the change of size and shape in your teeth. It is important to brush and floss daily. After one or two weeks, you`ll return for a follow-up appointment. Porcelain veneers are reasonable facsimiles of natural teeth, not perfect replacements. It`s not uncommon to see slight variations in the color of porcelain veneers upon close inspection, as this occurs even in natural teeth. For certain patients no preparation of the teeth may be necessary. Please see our specialties page for more information.

Why Choose Cosmetic Dentistry in Greenville, NC? People choose esthetic dental procedures/surgery for various reasons—repair a defect such as a malformed bite or crooked teeth, treat an injury, or improve their overall appearance. Whatever the reason, the ultimate goal is to restore a beautiful smile. For these and many other reasons, esthetic dentistry has become a vital part of the dental profession. Common procedures involve: Dental Bonding: A procedure in which tooth-colored material is used to close gaps or change tooth color. It involves a special kind of durable resin. It can help to improve the look of your teeth, and it can also help to protect your teeth from damage. Contouring and Reshaping: Dental contouring and reshaping is a cosmetic dental procedure used to improve the appearance of your smile by straightening crooked, chipped, cracked, or overlapping teeth. The process involves carefully removing small amounts of tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. We etch the tooth using various tools, including specialized dental lasers, abrasives, and hand instruments. Although the results are not permanent, they can last for several years with proper care. We often use this procedure to correct minor irregularities in the shape of teeth, such as chips or cracks. We can also use it to adjust teeth’ alignment or make them look longer or shorter. In most cases, dental contouring and reshaping do not require any anesthesia. Dental Veneers: A procedure in which we place ultra-thin coatings over the front teeth. We use veneers to correct a wide range of aesthetic concerns, including teeth that are chipped, stained, or misshapen. The veneers are bonded to the natural tooth enamel using a strong adhesive, and the process is usually completed in two dental visits. In addition to providing an immediate cosmetic improvement, dental veneers can also help protect the teeth’ surface from further wear and tear. As a result, they are often an excellent choice for people looking for a way to improve their smile. Teeth Whitening: A bright smile can be a real confidence booster, but over time, teeth can become stained by coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco use. Teeth whitening is a popular and fast cosmetic dental procedure used to brighten teeth that have been stained or discolored. Dental Implants: Dental implants can provide an ideal cosmetic dental solution. Not only do they restore the function of the teeth, but they also fill in gaps and correct other imperfections. Dental implants can give you the smile you have always wanted. Which techniques should be used to improve your smile? The best way to discover some excellent cosmetic dental options is to schedule a consultation and exam. During the dental exam, Dr. Holley will consider many factors, including your oral health, and provide some helpful recommendations. Cosmetic Dentistry is Not Just for Aesthetics Some people may think that cosmetic dentistry is only for improving the appearance of teeth, but it can also improve oral health. Procedures such as contouring and reshaping can eliminate tooth decay, while veneers can protect damaged teeth from further decay. Contact Us Today to Schedule a Greenville Cosmetic Dentistry Appointment Dr. Holley is highly-skilled and experienced in providing the best cosmetic dental service possible. We want you to be happy with your new smile, and we will work hard to ensure you love the results – a beautiful, healthy smile that will make you proud. Please schedule an appointment today, and let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams in Greenville!

Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile. Complete or full dentures are made when all of your natural teeth are missing. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both. Complete dentures are called “conventional” or “immediate” according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks. An over-denture is a removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture. Partial dentures are often a solution when several teeth are missing. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments. Partials with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps. How are dentures made? The denture process takes about one month and five appointments: the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a “try-in” is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit; and the patient’s final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments. First, an impression of your jaw is made using special materials. In addition, measurements are made to show how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them (bite relationship). The color or shade of your natural teeth will also be determined. The impression, bite and shade are given to the dental laboratory so a denture can be custom-made for your mouth. The dental laboratory makes a mold or model of your jaw, places the teeth in a wax base, and carves the wax to the exact form wanted in the finished denture. Usually a “wax try-in” of the denture will be done at the dentist’s office so any adjustments can be done before the denture is completed. The denture is completed at the dental laboratory using the “lost wax” technique. A mold of the wax-up denture is made, the wax is removed and the remaining space is filled with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated to harden the plastic. The denture is then polished and ready for wear. Getting Used to your Denture For the first few weeks, a new denture may feel awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice. Your denture should easily fit into place. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps. At first, you may be asked to wear your denture all the time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to identify those denture parts that may need adjustment. If the denture puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. Your denture can be adjusted to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments, you may need to take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning. Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. Avoid sticky or hard foods, including gum. Taking Care of your denture It’s best to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water when handling your denture, just in case you accidentally drop it. Brush the denture (preferably with a denture brush) daily to remove food deposits and plaque, and keep it from becoming permanently stained. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the denture. Look for denture cleansers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean dentures is also acceptable. Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures. A denture could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist. At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or water. However, if the appliance has metal attachments, they could be tarnished if placed in soaking solution. Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important for maintaining a healthy mouth. Making Adjustments Over