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LOCATION:
Dr. Larry J. Loewen
Pinebrooke Office Park
20240 Farmington Rd.
Livonia, MI 48152
(MAP)
(248) 474-0100
Financing Options
**NO-Interest**
Financing Available |
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Testimonials: The results are amazing! Dr. Loewen and his team made it a wonderful experience the entire time. I can't believe I didn't do this sooner.
....Amy, Farmington Hills, MI
Admired by both your patients and peers. I thank you for years of gentle, competent dental care. You're the best!
....Darlene, Farmington Hills, MI
Dr. Loewen, thank you for the gift of an amazing smile, and thanks to your amazing staff who are so caring and attentive.
....Deanna, Farmington Hills, MI
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Your Dental Evaluation A thorough dental evaluation helps Dr. Loewen assess the general health and cosmetic appearance of your teeth and gums. When you undergo your evaluation you may already have cosmetic dentistry in mind, or you may discover that you are a good candidate during the course of a regular checkup. The next step may be to determine the best options for enhancing your smile and whether preparatory dental treatment is needed. This is a good time to ask questions, so your decisions can be based on an understanding of the different techniques available. It also may help for you to realize that cosmetic dentistry can't create perfection -- but it can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth. Home - Contact Us
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| Your Dental History Your answers to a variety of questions helps Dr. Loewen begin to assess your oral health and determine whether cosmetic dentistry is an option for you. Questions about previous treatment or symptoms, such as tooth sensitivity, may indicate the presence of decay or other problems. You may also be asked whether you want to improve your smile. Asking about habits such as teeth grinding provides Dr. Loewen with clues to problems that might endanger cosmetic work.
Your Dental Examination
Dr. Loewen examines your teeth and gums, looking for signs of decay, gum disease, and bite problems, and evaluating the overall appearance of your smile. During the exam, Dr. Loewen also checks previous dental restorations, such as fillings and crowns, and observes gaps, fractures, and other cosmetic defects. He may make a model -- a replica of your teeth -- and take photos of your smile, which provide a record of how your teeth looked before enhancement.
X-Rays
X-rays provide an internal picture of your teeth and jawbones, confirming the absence of abnormalities such as decay or bone loss. X-rays are the best way to ensure that your cosmetic enhancements are built on a solid foundation. They also help determine what treatment, if any, is needed prior to beginning your cosmetic work.
Making Your Decision
Understand Your Options
Cosmetic procedures differ in many ways. Cost, special care, and durability are just a few of the variables. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each option can help you make an informed decision.
Have Realistic Expectations
Don't expect perfection. Although cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, no restoration can replace your natural teeth. If you understand the limitations, you will be happier with the final results. Home - Contact Us - Top |
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| What's in a Smile?© It can dazzle or sparkle, charm and entice. It says, "Let's talk." "I care." "Cheer up." A smile communicates your feelings about yourself and others. Like the lines, colors and shapes in a painting, your teeth should work together to produce a pleasing effect. A bright smile projects warmth, approval, pleasure, or self-confidence. But a dull smile is much like a sculpture eroded by rain and wind: some of the beauty and luster is lost. Dr. Loewen has the artistic and dental skills necessary to restore or "touch-up" your teeth to produce a more pleasing smile -- one that projects the image your want to communicate in your personal and professional lives. Home - Contact Us
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Dr. Loewen's patient
 A dazzling smile
with
healthy teeth 
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A porcelain veneer above
Below Dr. matching current tooth coloring 
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Porcelain Veneer:
A "Mask" for Your Tooth©A porcelain veneer is a paper-thin, custom-made covering that conceals the front and side surfaces of your tooth, much like a mask or an artificial fingernail. But unlike a fingernail, veneers are made of a very durable ceramic materials that actually strengthens your tooth. Veneers are versatile. They can correct stains, breaks, and odd shapes, and they can lengthen individual teeth. During a two-step procedure separated by 3 weeks, Dr. Loewen first prepares one or more teeth, then fits the veneer. A major benefit of veneers is tooth conservations: little enamel is removed in preparation for the restoration. Porcelain veneers, however, aren't ideal for people with severe bite problems or for those who grind their teeth -- a habit that can break the veneer. Also
featuring: "Cosmetic Veneers" as seen on "Extreme Makeover®" and "The Swan®"! Home - Contact Us
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The Procedure Your First Visit
 Your tooth enamel is removed so the veneer will blend with surrounding teeth and won't overbuild your teeth. At least half the enamel is left intact to provide a surface to which the veneer is attached. After preparation, Dr. Loewen may coat your teeth with a paste-like material that hardens into an impression, from which he makes a model of your teeth.
Between Visits
Continue to care for your teeth as usual, brushing and flossing daily between visits. Ask if you should avoid any foods since your prepared teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold.
Your Second Visit
 Dr. Loewen fits the veneers onto the prepared teeth. First the veneer is bonded to the front and side surfaces of your tooth. Once the veneer is attached, it is hardened in place for a minutes or more with a harmless, high-intensity light. Veneers may require slight color adjustments before they're fitted in place.
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| Bonding: A Versatile Technique© Unlike preformed veneers, bonding involves molding material directly onto your tooth, so it can be used either to rebuild a part of your tooth or to attach other materials, such as porcelain veneers. One adhesive material commonly used in bonding is composite resin, which combines the elasticity and durability of plastic with the strength and appearance of ceramics. A unique etching technique used in bonding helps these materials adhere well. Bonding is also relatively inexpensive, allows for a polished finish and keeps your tooth intact. Dr. Loewen can bond more that one tooth during a single visit. Whether or not bonding is a good choice for your depends on the size and part of your tooth that needs restoration. Home - Contact Us
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Porcelain Crowns: Durability Plus© Because full crowns cover your entire tooth, they often provide a good solution for severe problems -- a bad fracture, a large filling. As with other techniques, crowns can correct a wide range of problems. They're durable and strong, so replacements are needed less often. Crowns may not give the best aesthetic results for people with serious bite or gum problems. |
The Procedure
| Fitting a crown is a two-step procedure, similar to fitting a veneer. There's one big difference: to prepare a crown, more of your tooth is removed. Dr. Loewen can crown more than one tooth at a time. |
Before treatment
fractured tooth
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Your First Visit
Dr. Loewen prepares your tooth -- removing enamel and dentin to allow room for the crown. You will be given anesthesia beforehand. After preparation, Dr. Loewen makes a model of you teeth and gums.
Between Visits
During the 3 weeks between visits, the laboratory uses the model to custom-make your crown. You will wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth. To prevent this crown from coming loose, don't chew gum, and avoid hard or chewy candy.
 Your Second Visit
Dr. Loewen may take less than an hour to apply your crown(s). He removes the temporary crown and fits the permanent crown onto your tooth. Then cements are applied and the crown is positioned securely onto your tooth.
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| Other Treatment Options© A variety of other treatment options are also available. These include bleaching or whitening, which lightens and brightens teeth, and is tough on stains but gentle on your teeth. Similar to filing, reshaping is a simple way to smooth out rough edges on your teeth. Orthodontics is sometimes necessary for crooked teeth. Increasingly, adults choose this option since less visible braces are now available. |
Reshaping This is an easy, painless, cost-effective way to "file" or smooth rough edges on your teeth. Also called contouring, it can create rounder or sharper angles, depending on the desired effect. Reshaping can also smooth out tiny chips or level off teeth with slightly uneven lengths. Dr. Loewen may use this along with other techniques. |
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