FAQ         Q:  My back teeth have a lot of silver and gold. Is there a less obvious way to fill cavities?     A:  Old, unsightly fillings can now be replaced with aesthetic filling materials such as porcelain fillings, crowns or onlays. These materials are bio-compatible and look great. They are as strong as your own teeth will last just as long, providing they are properly cared for.         Q:  How can I make my discolored teeth whiter?     A:  We offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments. Professional whitening treatments may brighten your teeth and remove the appearance of coffee, tea and tobacco stains or improve the color of yellowing teeth.         Q:  Will my dental insurance cover cosmetic dental treatment?     A:  Like plastic surgery, insurance does not usually cover treatment done for purely cosmetic reasons. However, treatment that is needed to repair broken or decayed teeth, or to replace existing restorations that are defective may qualify for some insurance reimbursement.         Q:  I'm an adult, and I don't want to go through braces. Will veneers help correct my crooked teeth faster than orthodontics?     A:  Porcelain veneers are a perfect alternative to braces for many adults. Veneers can correct the shape of teeth that are not aligned correctly or have gaps and spaces. If you have always wanted straighter teeth but have no desire to undergo years of treatment with braces, this may be the solution for you. Instead of months and years in braces, crooked teeth can usually be corrected in as little as two appointments!         Q:  How many veneers do I need to have done?     A:  This depends entirely on the desired result. If there is only one tooth that is discolored or malformed, then a single veneer may be able to be used. To get a more balanced and even looking result, it is usually recommended that several veneers (from 4 to 8) be done at the same time. This allows us to get the most beautiful result possible. When closing large gaps between teeth, 6 to 10 veneers may be necessary to get a proper aesthetic result.         Q:  I have a "gummy" smile. Is there anything that can be done about it?     A:  Absolutely! Your smile-line is a combination of the shape and alignment of your teeth and your gum line. Excessive or uneven gums can be corrected with state-of-the-art laser technology resulting in a more even, pleasing smile. With this procedure, smaller teeth can become larger, and larger teeth can appear to be in better proportion to your smile.         Q:  Why do teeth discolor?     A:  Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be caused by your genetic make-up or simply by the aging process.