Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry in Torrance, CA
When it comes to fixing teeth that have been broken, decayed, or otherwise damaged, the goal of treatment is to give patients smiles that look great and function with the full strength of healthy teeth. At the office of Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto, we offer restorative dental care in Torrance, CA, with a focus on boosting the cosmetic appeal of treated teeth.
Restoring and Enhancing Your Smile
We want to give you a smile that looks as healthy as it feels. To accomplish this, we use tooth-colored materials that are made to mimic the look of real dental enamel. We offer prosthetics – replacement teeth – that restore damaged or flawed teeth, and allow your smile to look beautiful. These treatments include:
Crowns – For patients with severely decayed teeth, a dental crown replaces the top portion of dental enamel – what’s visible above the gum line. Crowns make weak, damaged teeth stronger by re-enforcing them with durable porcelain, ceramic, or even a metal base that is coated in natural-looking porcelain. Crowns also prevent the spread of further tooth decay through the removal and replacement of decayed enamel. Existing, healthy tooth structure – such as roots – is saved, and your tooth looks healthy once again.
Bridges – Permanent dental bridges replace teeth that have been extracted or knocked-out. Bridges are typically used to close the gap caused by one missing tooth, but can be made to replace larger groups of missing teeth. Bridges use dental crowns and other prosthetics (called pontics) to give you a complete smile. With a dental bridge, patients who were previously missing teeth can bite and chew with improved oral function.
Composite Fillings – These treatments for small spots of decay (dental caries) fill-in decayed dental enamel with tooth-colored resin. Unlike old-fashioned metal fillings, composite fillings do not expose patients to mercury and are a better choice for cosmetic effect.
Porcelain Veneers – While many patients seek veneers for the sole purpose of making teeth look more aesthetically pleasing, veneers can actually replace dental enamel that has been broken or chipped. Dr. Michelle Okamoto is particularly skilled at improving patients’ smiles with these natural-looking dental restorations.
Dr. Steven Okamoto has completed advanced training in the specialty field of prosthodontics. With his education and experience, our office is able to provide patients with restorative care that supports best oral health, as well as aesthetic outcome.
Why Restore Teeth?
You may not realize it, but teeth that have been weakened by decay, or that have been extracted, have a negative impact on your ability to do simple things – like enjoy your favorite meals. Beyond the visual effect of having gaps in your smile, or clearly damaged teeth, flawed teeth impact your overall wellness. Our Torrance cosmetic and restorative dental office treats many adult patients who have their teeth restored so they can bite and chew, worry-free.
As a father-daughter dental team, Dr. Steven Okamoto and Dr. Michelle Okamoto work together on patient cases, selecting the most appropriate plan of care that will allow them to meet patients’ treatment goals. If you’re ready to enjoy a newly healthy and beautiful smile, contact our dental office for your consultation.