With advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. For years, Dr. Lemieux has helped countless individuals improve their appearances with veneers. Porcelain veneers are extremely thin shells made of a strong and durable dental ceramic.

Porcelain veneers require two appointments because the veneers are fabricated at an expert dental laboratory. At the first appointment, the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a provisional covering. In a few weeks, the veneers are back from the laboratory and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. Using veneers, Dr. Lemieux has remarkable capacity to close gaps, align crooked teeth, and change the size and shape of your teeth

When a tooth is likely to break, or is too broken down to be restored with a filling, a crown may be recommended. A crown fits the tooth like a “slipcover” over the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breaking. Crowns are designed to match the natural function of the original tooth. It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. During the first appointment, any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in making a crown.

Between the two visits the crown is fabricated at an expert dental laboratory. During this time a provisional crown is worn. At the second visit, this provisional crown is removed. Then, the final crown is adjusted as needed and bonded or cemented in place.

If you have a missing tooth, it is vital that it be restored quickly. If left untreated, the teeth around the space begin to drift toward the gap, causing a domino effect. Teeth are supported by surrounding teeth, and, when one is missing, they all begin to shift. Within a fairly short amount of time, the patient’s bite changes in response to pressure, and neighboring teeth may be affected with decay or gum disease.

A bridge is an excellent option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. The bridge replaces the missing tooth, and the two surrounding teeth anchor it for support and strength. Dr. Lemieux can achieve beautiful results to keep your teeth at their best possible performance and appearance.

For more than three decades, Dr. Lemieux has been supportive of the health and environmental concerns of his patients. While science and the dental profession continue the debate over the issue of mercury fillings, we understand those who request the replacement of amalgam fillings for personal peace of mind.

In the past, many adults have had amalgam (silver alloy) fillings. As these fillings age, they tend to pull away from the surrounding tooth structure and create a breeding ground for bacteria and decay. All the fillings in our office are made using a tooth-colored composite material.

Not only are tooth-colored fillings more appealing, but they bond directly to the structure of the tooth. Composite material wears like enamel. It is less brittle, and it expands and contracts less to reduce the risk for cracked, sensitive teeth.