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Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by Dr. Ted Morgan of Gorham


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Replace silver fillings with white tooth fillings


Many people in the Gorham area have had silver fillings placed into their teeth because they had "cavities". These silver fillings are called amalgams. Amalgam fills the space where the decay in the tooth has been removed.

However, over time, the amalgam corrodes and leaks which blackens the silver, and many times the tooth. This is easily seen as soon as a patient opens his or her mouth and is usually a source of embarrassment for the patient.

At Morgan Dental Care we can provide you with composite fillings that are made of a porcelain-like material that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong and stain-resistant, and they are color-matched to the natural tooth, making them "invisible".

Composite fillings also lack the sensitivity that is often associated with silver amalgam fillings. They are especially suited for smaller cavities and for patients who may be allergic to metal fillings.


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Cosmetic dentistry fixes cracked, worn, discolored or broken teeth


For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. The only other alternative was gold and that was too expensive for most folks.

Now there is a new and economical way to restore teeth in the Gorham area using tooth-colored resin fillings. The resin is made up of glass particles in a plastic matrix. Dr. Morgan bonds the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. This hardens the material and allows it to be shaped and polished for immediate use.

Once completed, the tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and last longer than the old silver-amalgam fillings. Resin restorations can range from $150 to $350 per tooth.


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Tooth whitening dentistry to fix discolored, dark or stained teeth


Tooth bleaching involves the placement of a bleaching solution on the teeth to eliminate stains and discoloration. The solution is held in place by a custom-made, see-through tray that fits over the teeth - much like a mouthpiece worn by a professional boxer.

Bleaching is a safe, effective and relatively easy means of producing a whiter smile.

Our office offers at-home-bleaching, which provides for home use (not to be confused with over-the-counter bleaching products available in local Gorham area drug stores).

Sensitive teeth, or those that are chipped, eroded or weakened by cavities, should be repaired or protected before they are bleached.


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Cosmetic dentistry painlessly repairs broken teeth with dental bonding


Bonding by Dr. Morgan is typically painless and can yield dramatic results in a single office visit. Essentially, bonding hides any natural flaws through the placement of a thin plastic coating on the front surface of the teeth.

After treating the tooth surface, Dr. Morgan applies a putty-like bonding material that is then sculpted, shaped and colored to suit the your needs. A high-intensity light causes the plastic to harden after which the new surface is smoothed and polished.

Bonding can lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth. At Morgan Dental Care we can even utilize it to change the shape or color of a single tooth or if necessary to remake your entire smile.


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Tooth-colored restorations


For over 100 years, dentistry has restored teeth primarily with a material made of mercury and silver. It has done its job well, although we have had to live with its weaknesses. Those weaknesses consist of cracking teeth due to expansion of the material, and restorations turning black as the silver in the material corrodes.

Now we have many ways to provide tooth-colored restorations at Morgan Dental Care. We can use adhesives to bond tooth parts that look and act like teeth. We can provide a bright, healthy and strong smile with these exciting new techniques in adhesion dentistry.


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Poor self-image, resulting in low self-esteem


The appearance of the teeth has a dramatic effect on both the person's attractiveness to others and on their own self-image and self-esteem. Studies have shown that a person's appearance will have a strong effect on their social and career success, by influencing how others perceive them.

While the appearance of the teeth is one of the most important contributors to facial beauty, it is also probably the most often neglected when improvements to appearance are sought. A person with low self-esteem connected to their facial appearance, can often be greatly helped by cosmetic dental procedures.

Dental make-overs at Morgan Dental Care have become more common, less invasive, and more effective in correcting deformities and cosmetic dental problems. The effect of these procedures can be nothing short of dramatic both in terms of appearance and also in terms of correcting, at least partially, personality deficiencies caused by poor self-image. Ugly teeth are no longer a matter of fate; they are now becoming a matter of choice.


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Smile with porcelain veneers


Dr. Morgan many times uses porcelain veneers for the same reasons as bonding (to lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth). They are considerably more durable and stain resistant than bonding.

The veneer is actually a thin piece of porcelain similar in size to a fingernail. Once it is "bonded" onto the tooth it becomes extremely strong. Dr. Morgan also blends the veneer in with the remaining tooth structure so that it is unnoticeable to the naked-eye. Once in place, it looks, feels, and functions just like a regular tooth.

At Morgan Dental Care we can use porcelain veneers to change the shape and color of a single tooth or if necessary, revamp an entire smile. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct teeth that have been worn from clenching and grinding.


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Cosmetic dental crowns


Teeth are often restored with fillings of silver or composite plastics. These materials can often accomplish the aim of replacing the part of the tooth that has been lost in a strong and good-looking manner.

However, there comes a point where the damage to the tooth has removed too much structure to hold a filling. The restoration must be done by a technique that will attach to the remaining tooth, stand up under heavier use and meet more elaborate cosmetic requirements.

The crown is the dental restoration that can strengthen and restore the entire top of a tooth. The crown can also be part of the attachment of a fixed bridge for the replacement of teeth. The tooth is strengthened because it is covered from the outside with a casting of metal or ceramic that will wrap up and splint the tooth.

The chewing of the tooth can be improved because it can be reshaped to match more efficiently with the opposing teeth. A crown can improve cosmetics by the use of modern ceramic processes that produce translucency and color that is more natural than has ever been possible.


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Replace unsightly silver-mercury fillings


For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. The only other alternative was gold and that was too expensive for most folks.

Now, at Morgan Dental Care, there is a new and economical way to restore teeth using tooth-colored resin fillings. The resin is made up of glass particles in a plastic matrix. Dr. Morgan bonds the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. This hardens the material and allows it to be shaped and polished for immediate use.

Once completed by Dr. Morgan, your tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and last longer than the old silver-amalgam fillings. Resin restorations can range from $150 to $350 per tooth.


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Sedation dentistry for patients too fearful to go to the dentist


Once you've experienced sedation dentistry with Dr. Morgan, you'll probably never be afraid to go to the dentist again.

You'll be sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were relaxing. You'll wake up refreshed, with little or no memory of what was accomplished. Because you are completely comfortable, Dr. Morgan can do years of dental treatments in as little as one or two visits.

Dr. Morgan can replace crowns or dentures, restore sore gums to good health, whiten yellow or stained teeth, fix a chipped tooth, and more. People with very busy schedules can get the dental care they need, easily and quickly.

Imagine being able to smile with confidence and chew your food without pain. No wonder so many patients say: "Thank you, Dr. Morgan. Sedation dentistry changed my life."


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Are you a candidate for sedation dentistry?


People who have:
  • High fear
  • Traumatic dental experiences
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A bad gag reflex
  • Very sensitive teeth
  • Complex dental problems
  • Limited time to complete dental care

People who:
  • Hate needles and shots
  • Hate the noises, smells and taste associated with dental care
  • Are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth



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Questions and answers about sedation dentistry


Dr. Morgan, will I feel any pain?

No. You will feel nothing!


Will I be unconscious?

No, you will be in a deeply relaxed state, and you will be responsive.


Will I be monitored, Dr. Morgan?

Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.


How long will I be relaxing?

Depending on your needs, from two to six hours.


Will someone need to accompany me?

Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.


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Sedation dentistry facts


It Really Works! You really can relax through your dental appointment.

It Is Safe! Dr. Morgan will give you a small pill prior to treatment, no intravenous tubes or needles.

You will have little or no memory of the experience. You probably won't remember any sounds or smells.

You will relax for up to five or six hours after taking the pill. The time you are relaxing will vary depending on your needed treatment.

Complex dental treatments that often require six to eight appointments, can be done in as little as one at Morgan Dental Care! All while you relax.

People who have difficulty getting numb will find that relax dentistry eliminates this problem.

Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.


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Sedation dental care information


Dr Morgan will give you a small pill to take an hour prior to your dental appointment. Your companion will accompany you to the office. By the time you arrive, you will be very drowsy.

When you arrive in our office, you will be escorted into the comfort room, covered with a thick, warm blanket and placed on a monitor to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable, Dr. Morgan and the experienced clinical team at Morgan Dental Care will take care of your dental needs.

When your treatment is completed, your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day.


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A missing tooth? Dental care implants!


Losing a tooth by accident or by extraction is not the end of the matter. When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to tilt or drift from their normal position, and the teeth above the gap will move downward.

Aside from the obvious cosmetic problem, the changed positions of these teeth can lead to severe bite problems causing jaw pain and headaches.

Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their normal position. This can be done by Dr. Morgan with a fixed bridge or a dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good functional and cosmetic result.


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What is a dental implant?


A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement for a root of a tooth that is surgically implanted in the jawbone.

As the body heals for approximately two to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration.

After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures.


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What is the dental implant process like?


At Morgan Dental Care we begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical and dental history, and a full clinical examination of the entire mouth and missing tooth area. The clinical exam should also include specific X-rays.

After assessing the patient, a comprehensive treatment plan can be devised. From that point, implants are surgically placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia.

The length of the healing time is based on the quality and quantity of bone, as well as the type of implant placed. After adequate healing is allowed to occur, the implant can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture.


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How many dental implants should be placed?


This is a question that should be determined during the treatment plan. A good rule-of-thumb is to place one implant for each tooth replaced.

Other decisive factors for the number of implants needed for success is the quality and quantity of the patient's bone. Equally as important are the existing anatomy of the bone and the financial resources of the patient. (At Morgan Dental Care we try not to let money get in the way of good dentistry.)

Placing enough implants to restore teeth is vitally important to the long-term success of the restoration. Simply stated, the most costly mistake is to have an implant fail because not enough implants are placed to support the teeth. If the number of implants is limited due to financial constraints of the patient, then the implant treatment should be avoided or the type of restoration must be altered.


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Replace missing teeth with dental implants


"Well, you know Doc, it's just a back tooth. No one will see it so I'll just get rid of it. It's not going to make a difference." Unfortunately we hear this type of comment at Morgan Dental Care more often than you would think.

The plain truth is that it will make a difference. At Morgan Dental Care we know the loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy an entire mouth. "Well, if that's true, tell me more. I sure don't want to lose the front ones that I smile with."

Dr. Morgan often answers with an explanation that teeth will drift and tip into a space that is created by missing teeth. Just like two gears of a car that are not properly aligned, pretty soon you've got a whole lot of problems.

"Well, I don't like that. What can I do?" If it sounds like I've heard this conversation a few times, you're right. If I'm going to keep a patient happy, I need to provide options at this point.

One of the options we often discus at Morgan Dental Care would be a dental implant. This is the replacement of a tooth with a false root that is surgically placed. Dr. Morgan then carefully constructs a dental crown to replace the missing tooth, to prevent teeth from shifting and thereby causing further tooth loss.


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Who should you see about getting dental implants?


When getting dental implants, you should select a dentist or dental team with in-depth knowledge and prior experience with all aspects of the treatment. At Morgan Dental Care we have this expertise.

It is also important to know that implant treatment consists of two components: a surgical phase and a restorative phase.

Traditionally, a dental surgeon, like an oral surgeon or a periodontist, performs the surgical component. A general dentist, or prosthodontist and laboratory technician performs the restorative component. However, as implant dentistry has become more sophisticated, sometimes a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry conducts the entire procedure.


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Dental implant technology


The technology has been around for decades. In fact, some patients in the Gorham area have had dental implants for more than 40 years.

Hundreds of thousands of dental implants have been inserted with more than a 90% success rate. All other metal implants in the body (including hips and knees) are the result of the dental implant technology.


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Are there different types of dental implants?


Yes, several types are available. The American Dental Association considers both the endosteal and the subperiosteal implants to be acceptable.

An important factor for selection is to determine whether your jawbone can adequately support the implant. Most dental implants placed today are endosteal root form fixtures (similar to a man-made tooth root).


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What can be done for a single missing tooth?


In the case of a single missing tooth, a dental implant can be placed in the jawbone area of the missing tooth. The implant will serve as a replacement for a tooth root and an individual crown. The total apparatus is referred to as a single-tooth implant crown.

Once in place, the implant crown will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. They are cleaned and flossed just like natural teeth, and best of all, they do not require any special tools to clean around them like bridges. Although dental implants will not decay, they require impeccable oral hygiene.


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Ted Morgan, DDS
Morgan Dental Care

Office Address:

94 Main Street
Gorham, ME 04038
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