Gladstone, MO -- (SBWire) -- 02/19/2015 --Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in the last few years. Porcelain is now the leading material of choice for crowns, bridges and veneers. Dr. David Platt and Dr. Gregory Dale of Gladstone Family Dental Group impress their patients with excellent porcelain dental work.

Previously, large fillings of amalgam (silver fillings) were used. These were neither attractive nor especially healthy for the tooth. Whenever decay was found in the same tooth, the existing filling was drilled out and replaced with a bigger filling. "As the fillings get larger, the teeth get weaker. Eventually, half of the tooth may be filled in that manner and if further decay is found, a crown would be required," explains Dr. Dale.

Porcelain crowns are the perfect solution to the problem of old silver filling causing the tooth to break away. The porcelain can be sculpted to replicate the look of natural tooth enamel. Dr. Platt and Dr. Dale use metal-free crowns so there is no unsightly metallic line on the edge of the crown. As Dr. Platt emphasizes, "At Gladstone Family Dental, we use durable, esthetic materials that look just like your own teeth."

A patient with a missing tooth or teeth will be excited to learn that any gap in their teeth can be easily replaced with a fixed porcelain bridge. Bridges are semi-permanent, but are very durable and strong.

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth. Their primary purpose is to improve the appearance of teeth. For individuals with dental problems such as discolored, worn out, chipped, misshapen or slightly misaligned teeth, porcelain veneers are the ideal solution. Veneers can also be used to close large gaps between teeth for a flawless smile. Gladstone Family Dental offers the Lumineers® brand of veneers.

About Dr. Dale
Dr. Dale consistently attends advanced dental courses. He has taken advanced courses in Lumineers®, Invisalign®, dental sleep medicine, as well as numerous courses on a variety of cosmetic dental techniques.

Dr. Platt has completed the Lumineers® smile design course, Invisalign® certification courses and multiple courses on implant restoration.

To make an appointment with Gladstone Family Dental Group, call (816) 452-3420.