COSMETIC DENTISTRY | Dr. Nick Withem | Oxford Dental Office | 467 Main Street, Oxford, MA 01540, USA

Cosmetic Dentistry

We leverage the latest technology and techniques of the day to restore your beautiful smile and to maintain your youthful glow. Need to replace your missing teeth or just time for a standard dental cleaning? Read more about the types of procedures that we offer here, below:

PORCELAIN CROWNS

Crowns are a fantastic way to ensure a tooth is truly protected for years after the procedure is done. A crown is essentially a porcelain cover that is fitted over the top of the existing tooth. Crowns are made to be aesthetically pleasing, long lasting, and functional in your bite.

Crowns are generally used when a tooth has become too damaged by impact or decay, in which a filling would be ineffective for repair. Dr. Nicholas Withem, the most experienced dentist in Oxford, MA, is an expert on fitting crowns to any type of tooth. Your smile will have the visual appeal you want without breaking the bank with crowns. The procedure is painless, fast, and only requires a minimum of two visits.

Crowns can be made of a few varied materials, depending on what lab the dentist uses to make the crowns, but they are normally made of a porcelain material with other natural substances, so the crown has the look and function of a real tooth that matches your other teeth in style and color.

Your dentist will first talk over your dental plan with you, giving you their recommendations and suggestions, so you can make a well-informed decision on how to proceed. Dr Nicholas Withem will work on the broken or decayed tooth to ensure that the damage does not spread. There may be a bit of filling added, and they may grind down a portion of the tooth to get rid of the decay, if applicable.

Then, an impression is made of the space where the crown needs to be fitted over the damaged tooth. That impression and other data are sent to a lab where they make your custom fitted crown, which usually takes a week to a few weeks, depending on how far back you are in line. But, do not worry, a temporary crown that your dentist has will be placed over the tooth while you wait for the real crown to arrive.

Your second visit will be when you receive your custom-made porcelain crown. The procedure is easy, fast, and painless. The dentist simply fits the crown over the tooth, ensuring a strong bond to the existing tooth, checking your bite for functionality, and once everything is as it should be, you are done!

Additional information about porcelain dental crowns can be found by calling (508) 987-8125 to speak with a dental professional and to schedule an appointment.

TEETH WHITENING

There have been many modern advances in the teeth whitening process that is much safer, easier to administer, and provides enhanced results since this service has been offered in dental offices all around the world several years ago. If you reside in and around Oxford, MA, you can rely on Dr. Nicholas Withem to provide you the best teeth whitening services available.

Unfortunately, discoloration occurs for several reasons throughout our lifetime. The food we eat, the drinks we have, and our oral hygiene habits all have effects on the enamel of our teeth, or lack thereof. Yellowed teeth are not necessarily dirty or have plaque and bacteria all over them. The dentin in our teeth is yellow, and when the enamel of a tooth is worn away and becomes thin, the yellowish substance begins to show through. Fortunately, Dr. Nicholas Withem's teeth whitening procedures help with immediate whitening, and also the overall health of your teeth, so your teeth may restore themselves through the added nutrition and modern techniques used.

Dr. Nicholas Withem offers two choices in teeth whitening:

In-House Teeth Whitening – Our teeth whitening dental experts will administer a powerful peroxide gel to your teeth that safely whitens your teeth while also adding essential minerals and nutrition to your teeth. The process usually takes about an hour to complete.

At-Home Teeth Whitening – We also offer at-home teeth whitening. You have the option to purchase a take-home kit and do the process yourself if you prefer. These kits are better overall than any over-the-counter dental whitening kits that you find in box stores, grocery stores, and drug stores. The whitening gel provided is not as powerful as the whitening gel used in-house, but it is very effective in achieving the desired results. If you want convenience, this is the best choice.

*Please always use products according to the manufacturer's instructions*

DENTAL BRIDGES

Dental bridges can be an effective alternative tooth replacement option for an area between two vital teeth. It is a fixed dental prosthetic supported by crowns on either side of the missing tooth. The bridge fills the gap left by the missing teeth and restores function and aesthetics.

Every situation is different, but do not worry, there are three types of dental bridges that a dentist can use, so you can be sure that you are getting exactly what you need.

Traditional Fixed Bridge – This method is the most commonly used in recent years. The process involves fitting two crowns over the teeth surrounding the gap where the false tooth will be placed. Once those are properly fitted, the false tooth will be made to match your smile and will be adhered to the anchor crowns for a solid, proper fit.

Cantilever Bridge – When only one tooth is present to act as an anchor for the false tooth, this type of bridge is commonly used. It is important to know that dentists only use this method in areas of your mouth that do not experience most of the bite force.

Resin-Bonded Bridge – Similar to a traditional fixed bridge, a false tooth is placed in the gap, but this method requires the dentist to adhere the false tooth using metal bands and resin that are anchored to the surrounding teeth. This method is not for teeth that experience a heavy bite force.

The Procedure

The entire process will take multiple visits to complete, but each one is a step closer to having a beautiful smile. The first step is to get the anchor teeth, or the teeth surrounding the gap where the fake tooth will be placed, prepared for crowns to be fitted. Normally, the anchor teeth do not need to be adjusted, but there are cases that do require the dentist to take off tiny amounts of tooth in order to have the crowns fit correctly. Once this is done, the impressions are made, just like the way normal crowns are put on. While the crowns are at the lab getting made, your dentist will fit a temporary bridge into the gap in order for you to remain confident in your smile and eat and drink without worry.

Other visits are scheduled when the crowns come back to the dentist’s office, and when the bridge is finally fitted, the dentist will likely need to adjust it to ensure a lifelong, proper fit. You can always make an appointment yourself if you feel that something is wrong or if something is loose, and the dentist will get you in as soon as possible to have that adjusted.

DENTAL VENEERS

Dental veneers may be the perfect solution for enhancing your smile. These ultra-thin, custom-made cosmetic restorations are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, improving their appearance by correcting discoloration, chips, gaps, or misshapen teeth. Dr Withem places high-quality veneers to help patients achieve a radiant, confident smile.

Types of Dental Veneers

There are two main types of veneers, and choosing the right one depends on your dental goals, budget, and the current condition of your teeth.

- Porcelain Veneers: These are the most durable and natural-looking option. They resist stains better than other materials and mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are custom-crafted in a dental laboratory to ensure a perfect fit and a seamless blend with your existing teeth.

- Composite Resin Veneers: Unlike porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers are applied directly to the teeth and sculpted into shape. While they are a more cost-effective option, they typically have a shorter lifespan and may require more maintenance over time.

Are Dental Veneers Right for You?

You may want to consider dental veneers if you have:

- Stained or discolored teeth that do not respond to whitening treatments

- Chipped or broken teeth affecting the aesthetics of your smile

- Gaps between teeth that you want to close

- Uneven, misshapen, or slightly crooked teeth

Dr. Nicholas Withem can assess your dental health and discuss whether veneers are the right solution for your smile transformation.

What to Expect During the Veneer Process

The placement of dental veneers typically requires at least two visits to our office.

1. Initial Consultation & Tooth Preparation

During your first visit, Dr. Nicholas Withem will examine your teeth and discuss your cosmetic goals. A small amount of enamel will be removed from the tooth surface to create space for the veneers. An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to a dental lab for fabrication. A temporary veneer may be placed to protect the tooth while your custom veneer is being created.

2. Final Placement of Veneers

At your second visit, Dr. Nicholas Withem will remove the temporary veneer and carefully bond the permanent veneer in place. Before finalizing the placement, the fit and shade will be assessed to ensure a natural look. Once bonded, the veneer becomes a strong and long-lasting part of your smile.

DENTAL BONDING

If you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective way to enhance your smile, cosmetic dentistry offers an excellent solution with dental bonding. This procedure involves applying a natural, tooth-colored resin to the surface of a tooth and hardening it with a special curing light. Compared to more extensive treatments like veneers or crowns, dental bonding is a quicker and more affordable option for making minor cosmetic improvements. While it may not last as long as other major restorations, it is ideal for small aesthetic fixes, such as repairing chips, closing gaps, or covering minor discoloration.

At Dr. Nicholas Withem's office, we specialize in cosmetic dentistry and strive to provide treatments that enhance the appearance and function of your smile. Dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that typically requires only one visit to our office. Unlike crowns or veneers, bonding preserves more of your natural tooth structure while delivering beautiful, natural-looking results. However, it’s important to note that bonding material can stain over time and may need to be replaced after several years.

How the Dental Bonding Procedure Works

The process of dental bonding is both quick and painless, typically taking between 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Shade Selection – Dr. Withem will first assess the shade of your natural teeth to select a resin that seamlessly blends with your smile.

2. Tooth Preparation – The surface of the tooth is lightly roughened, and a liquid bonding agent is applied to help the resin adhere securely.

3. Resin Application – The tooth-colored resin is carefully sculpted and molded onto the prepared tooth to achieve the desired shape.

4. Curing Process – A special ultraviolet (UV) light hardens the material, ensuring durability.

5. Final Touches – Once cured, Dr. Withem will trim, shape, and polish the bonded area for a smooth, natural finish that complements the rest of your smile.

Is Dental Bonding Right for You?

Dental bonding is an excellent choice for patients looking to correct minor cosmetic flaws in their smile. If you have small chips, gaps, or slight discoloration, cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve a more confident, radiant smile with this simple procedure. Since bonding is not as strong as veneers or crowns, it’s best suited for areas of the mouth that experience less pressure, such as the front teeth.

DENTAL INLAYS AND ONLAYS

At Dr. Nicholas Withem's office, we’re proud to offer high-quality dental inlays and onlays as a conservative, long-lasting solution for patients looking to restore the health and appearance of their teeth. These restorations are an ideal choice for repairing rear teeth that have been affected by mild to moderate decay or have sustained cracks that don’t require a full dental crown.

Dr. Nicholas Withem uses inlays and onlays to deliver strong, natural-looking results while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. These restorations are custom-made from durable materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or sometimes even gold, depending on your individual needs and preferences.

What’s the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?

The main difference lies in how much of the tooth needs restoration:

- Inlays are used when the damage is confined to the center of the tooth between the cusps.

- Onlays are used when the restoration needs to cover one or more cusps, providing more extensive coverage than an inlay.

Both options are custom-crafted to fit your tooth precisely and blend seamlessly with your natural smile.

Benefits of Choosing Inlays and Onlays

Patients who choose inlays or onlays enjoy several benefits, including:

- Natural Appearance: These restorations are color-matched to your existing teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable.

- Stable and Durable: Unlike metal fillings, inlays and onlays don’t expand or contract with temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracking. Long Lifespan: With proper care, they can last up to 30 years, far longer than traditional fillings.

- Tooth Structure Preservation: Only the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed, preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The process typically takes two visits with Dr. Withem. At your first appointment, Dr. Withem will clean the damaged area and take an impression of the tooth. This impression is sent to a dental lab where your custom inlay or onlay is crafted. A temporary restoration will be placed to protect the tooth in the meantime.

During your second visit, the temporary restoration is removed, and your custom inlay or onlay is bonded into place. Dr. Nicholas Withem will ensure a precise fit and comfortable bite before completing the procedure.