Services
A smile can make a lasting first impression. It can portray personality, self confidence, and vitality. We take pride in using the most advanced techniques in dentistry today to help provide you with the smile you have always wanted.
Porcelain Veneers
Of all the methods available today for changing and improving the look of your smile, veneers are among the most popular and successful with our patients. The process involves removing a small amount of tooth structure to make room for the veneers. The dental lab then fabricates the veneers from impressions. After placement, the veneers look like natural teeth. Some advantages of porcelain veneers over bonding include: increased longevity, natural beauty and resistance to staining.
In addition, we also offer Lumineers. This type of veneer does not require the removal of tooth structure so the procedure usually can be done without getting numb. Check and see if Lumineers are the right choice for you!
Lumineers
Lumineers® are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a perfectly aligned and permanently whitened smile. Our team can apply these contact lens-thin “smile shapers” to teeth without any grinding or shaving of natural tooth structure, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that perfectly fits you. Lumineers® are the painless and permanent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth. In just 2-3 visits to your Lumineers® dentist, you can have a custom-made smile that is clinically proven to last over 20 years...and it is completely reversible since your natural tooth structure is still intact!
Smile Design
A Smile Design is a work of art. The term Smile Design applies to the enhancement of a smile using a combination of methods. A client's eyes, lip line, coloring, gum tissue contouring, and face, are all considered when a new smile is designed for you. Our goal is to redesign your smile so that it fits you, is beautiful, strong, and natural looking.
Non-Metal Fillings
Tooth colored fillings look more natural than silver fillings, they can also conserve more natural tooth structure. Amalgam or “silver fillings” need to have a certain width and depth of material to have structural integrity. In addition, they are held into the tooth with engineered mechanical retention. In contrast, composite is bonded into the tooth. For this reason, composite restorations can be much more conservative, retaining more of the natural tooth structure. Also, since composite is bonded into place it is thought that it may provide a small amount to structural strength to larger restorations. Although this is still debated, it is our experience that we see fewer tooth fractures in teeth restored with composite versus amalgam restorations. Some people experience more temperature sensitivity with amalgam restorations as metal conducts temperature more readily than resin. Today’s composite fillings are safe, strong, and more attractive than metal fillings.
Crowns
Crowns are a type of dental restoration which cover the part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth. They can replace tooth structure missing from old restorations, fractures or decay. They also help to protect a weakened tooth from shearing forces that could result in a broken tooth. We offer several different options but typically provide porcelain and zirconium crowns.
Bridges
Missing teeth can cause a variety of problems, from low self-esteem to physical ailments, including gum disease, bite problems, bone loss, speech difficulties and painful chewing. A dental bridge can not only restore your smile to its natural appearance, but it can also return it to comfort and function. A bridge is a custom-fit false tooth (or teeth) that is permanently placed between two healthy teeth and is held in place by porcelain crowns.
Bonding
With a technique called bonding, your dentist can repair damaged areas by applying a "paste" made of a material called composite resin. The resin comes in a wide variety of shades. It hardens almost instantly when it's exposed to a special ultraviolet light, and it can be smoothed and buffed until it blends naturally with your smile.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is safe, effective, and an efficient way to dramatically improve your overall appearance. Dr. Rioux can help you choose the most effective and convenient method of whitening for you. We offer in-office whitening as well as take-home kits. These processes can actually make your natural tooth color brighter than it is right now!
Dentures
If you have lost all of your natural teeth, dentures can replace your missing teeth and smile. Tooth loss can come from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury, but with dentures, you can benefit your appearance and health, and can continue to function as a healthy, active adult.
Implants
Dental implants are the state of the art method for replacing missing teeth. An implant replaces the natural root of the tooth which can then be restored with a custom fit crown, a bridge for multiple missing teeth, or even to provide stability and support for a full denture.
Dr. Kim Rioux - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the area of Gig Harbor and Tacoma, Washington (WA).
