Veneers are versatile, treating many cosmetic dental issues and can provide a range of results. From subtly tweaking your smile’s small imperfections to completely renewing your look, veneers can help most people who wish to improve the appearance of their smile. But what can veneers do for you? Find out more about dental veneers with Dr. Wynn Okuda at Okuda Cosmetic Dentistry in Honolulu, HI.

What do veneers treat? 
Veneers can treat a myriad of problems. The veneer fits over the surface of the tooth, allowing it to simply cover the tooth’s imperfections. Thanks to this design, dentists can use veneers to treat:

• cracked teeth
• chipped teeth
• discolored or yellowed teeth
• uneven teeth
• slightly misaligned teeth
• slightly under or overcrowded teeth
• too-wide or narrow teeth

How can veneers help me? 
Veneers stand alone on each individual tooth. This means that you can, for example, renew the appearance of a single chipped tooth or use veneers to completely overhaul your smile. A dental laboratory custom-makes each veneer especially for your smile to fit exactly into your existing teeth. In addition to its shape and size, the laboratory can also color-match the veneer to blend seamlessly in with your teeth.

Dental Veneers in Honolulu, HI
While veneers have many benefits which can help in various situations, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. The teeth which hold the veneers should be in good dental health and strong enough to provide a sturdy foundation for the veneer. Additionally, patients should understand that veneers require dentists to remove a super-thin layer of enamel from the surface of the teeth, meaning this procedure is permanent. Veneers can last for years before requiring replacement, making at-home oral care crucial to extending the life of your restorations. Brush twice a day and floss at least once in between twice-yearly dental examinations and professional dental cleanings.

For more information on dental veneers, please contact Dr. Wynn Okuda at Okuda Cosmetic Dentistry in Honolulu, HI. Call (808) 734-1099 to schedule your appointment for a veneer consultation with Dr. Okuda today!

If one of your teeth doesn’t look as good as it used to, a crown can make it look like new. Porcelain crowns, in particular, are the ideal restorative option for a number of reasons. Take a moment to explore how getting porcelain crowns at the Honolulu, HI cosmetic dental office of Dr. Wynn Okuda can restore both the look and function of your teeth. 

Crown Restorations
In most cases, when there are one or two problem teeth, one of the first solutions your dentist will consider is crowns. Dental crowns are a replacement for the outer enamel of a tooth that’s healthy on the inside. When all of the teeth are strong, they support each other and improve the overall function of your mouth. The addition of just one crown can make your smile considerably stronger and healthier.

Why Porcelain?
Crowns can be created using metal and ceramic material, but porcelain is the material of choice for most dentists. That’s because it has a combination of durability, resiliency and good looks that is unmatched by other dental materials. Porcelain is very smooth and feels as natural as human tooth enamel. Dr. Okuda specializes in porcelain crown installations at his Honolulu cosmetic dental office. 

The Crown Placement Procedure
You’ll have to visit your dentist at least two times to have a crown installed. At one appointment, the outer enamel layer will be removed to make room for the device. An impression will be made and a temporary acrylic crown will be added to preserve the spacing of your teeth. At the follow-up appointment, the newly fashioned permanent crown made of porcelain will be bonded to the surface using a strong dental bonding agent.

Does Your Smile Need Restoring?
A porcelain crown can do wonders for restoring the appearance and function of your teeth. Some patients forget that they even have a crown after a while because they look so natural and blend in with the rest of your teeth. Call (808) 734-1099 today to schedule a visit to Dr. Okuda’s Honolulu, HI cosmetic dentistry.

When's the last time you revealed your teeth in a photograph? If your teeth are yellow or stained, it's probably been a while. Honolulu, HI, dentist, Dr. Wynn Okuda, explains how teeth bleaching treatment can help your teeth look picture perfect again.

Dull teeth don't happen overnight

Teeth usually become duller gradually. If you look at old pictures of yourself, you'll probably notice that your smile used to be much brighter. A duller smile can occur due to several reasons. As you age, dentin, the darker layer of your teeth that's located just under your enamel, gets even darker. Unfortunately, as the dentin darkens, the layer of enamel covering gets thinner. Your smile will also look duller if you smoke cigarettes or cigars or chew tobacco. Your favorite foods and beverages can also contribute to a less-than-white smile, particularly if you enjoy coffee, tea or cola.

Bleaching makes stains a distant memory

Teeth bleaching, also called whitening, is very effective at targeting the stains that penetrate tooth enamel.

Dr. Okuda takes the time to protect these sensitive areas before your treatment in his Honolulu office begins. Protection involves a two-step process. First, a layer of gel is applied to your gums. The gel offers a very effective barrier that prevents the whitening agent from reaching the tissue. After the gel is applied, small devices called retractors lift your lips and gums and prevent them from coming in contact with the hydrogen peroxide. After about an hour, the whitening agent and the protective gel is removed, revealing a brighter smile.

Whitening offers long-lasting results

If you've tried a drugstore whitening product in the past, you may have been disappointed because the results didn't last very long. Professional whitening offers much better results. In most cases, your teeth will stay white for at least six months after your treatment, although many people report excellent results as much as five years after whitening.

Make your smile brighter and whiter with teeth bleaching. Call Honolulu, HI, dentist, Dr. Wynn Okuda, at (808) 734-1099 to schedule your appointment.

If you have dreamed of having a bright white Hollywood smile, but cannot seem to imagine it due to your yellowed, dull or discolored teeth, you could benefit from a quick and easy cosmetic dentistry procedure performed right in your dentist’s office. Teeth whitening can take your smile from drab to fab, giving you a newfound confidence in your smile. Learn more about teeth whitening with Dr. Wynn Okuda at Dr. Wynn Okuda, Dental Day Spa of Hawaii in Honolulu, HI.

How can teeth whitening help me? 
While teeth whitening can surely help give you a beautiful smile, it can do more than just improve the appearance of your teeth. Looking great often means feeling great as well, meaning the confidence boost that comes along with your new look will help make face-to-face situations easier and more enjoyable and allows you to easily build your self-esteem.

What can I expect at a teeth whitening appointment? 
Your teeth whitening appointment will begin with your dentist determining that you are a good candidate for the procedure. You should be in good dental health with no signs of teeth decay or gum disease. Additionally, you should not have any noticeable or visible porcelain dental restorations in the area which you would like whitened. If teeth whitening is right for you, your dentist will section off the teeth from the rest of the mouth to ensure the gel does not cause any irritation or discomfort during the procedure. Then, your dentist applies whitening gel to the teeth and leaves it to sit for about an hour until the end of the treatment.

Teeth Whitening Treatments in Honolulu, HI
You will notice immediate results after your procedure and leave your dentist’s office with a smile that could be up to ten shades whiter than it was. Teeth whitening procedures are a safe and effective way to change your smile. Dentists often use this procedure in conjunction with other cosmetic dentistry procedures like orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you and your smile.

For more information on teeth whitening or what it can do for you, please contact Dr. Okuda at Dr. Wynn Okuda, Dental Day Spa of Hawaii in Honolulu, HI. Call (808) 734-1099 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Okuda today!

How your dentist in Honolulu can give you a beautiful smile

Do you want a more beautiful smile? Do you wish your teeth were a bit whiter or straighter? Do you have damaged teeth that keep you from smiling? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time for you to improve your smile with a cosmetic dental procedure. Modern cosmetic dental procedures are state-of-the-art, using high tech materials and technology. Dr. Wynn Okuda is a world-class cosmetic dentist located in Honolulu, HI. He wants to help you improve your smile.

Dr. Okuda is an internationally known cosmetic dentist who has been voted “Best Dentists of Hawaii” by his peers. He is also an Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Only 63 dentists in the world have that honor. You know when you visit Dr. Okuda, you are visiting one of the best cosmetic dentists.

Dr. Okuda offers a full range of cosmetic services. Some of the ways cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile include:

Teeth whitening, to whiten your teeth up to 8 shades whiter; you can choose from a quick in-office treatment that lasts about an hour, or a handy take-home kit which allows you to whiten when you want. Your amazing results can last up to 5 years!

Porcelain veneers, which are thin laminates of porcelain placed over the front surfaces of teeth; veneers can cover up major cosmetic issues including teeth that are:

• Excessively worn down due to aging
• Badly chipped or cracked from overuse
• Unevenly spaced due to genetics
• Badly broken or damaged from trauma or an accident
• Heavily discolored or stained from medications

Bonding, which uses composite, a liquid resin material that can be color-matched to your existing teeth, providing a uniform, virtually invisible look; bonding can repair cracks, chips or small defects in tooth structure.

Porcelain crowns, which can replace old, chipped metal and porcelain crowns; porcelain reflects light, just like your natural teeth so your new porcelain crown will become a natural part of your smile.

You can also replace missing teeth with either dental implants, a dental bridge, removable partials or dentures. Dr. Okuda can advise you on what might be the best choice for you.

You deserve to enjoy your best smile, and now you can, thanks to cosmetic dentistry and the skills of Dr. Okuda. Don’t wait to get the smile you deserve. Call Dr. Okuda in Honolulu, HI. Find out more about what cosmetic dentistry can do for you by calling today!

Let porcelain crowns restore strength and function back into a broken or decaying tooth.

It can be frustrating to find out from our Honolulu dentist, Dr. Wynn Okuda, that you are dealing with a broken, decaying or infected tooth. Many people that come into our office complaining of dental pain are often dealing with damage that has reached the inside of the tooth. If you are dealing with this issue find out more about dental crowns and how they can help.

What is a dental crown?

While dental crowns have been around for a very long time, the magic of advanced dental technology has been able to design crowns that truly look just like the crown of a real tooth. These hollow tooth-shaped caps are custom-designed to fit over your tooth to become its new and improve outer surface.

Why do I need a dental crown?

Imagine how weak a damaged tooth is, whether from injury, serious decay or an infection. Imagine how easy it would be to further damage a tooth that is already not as strong as it should be. Now you know why a dental crown is needed. A dental crown can fully restore function and strength back into a tooth that so desperately needs it.

Our Honolulu general dentist wants to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible, but since it’s damaged the best way to do this is often through a dental crown. By placing the crown over the tooth and cementing it into place we can breathe new life back into your smile.

While dental crowns are often restorative in nature they may also be used for aesthetic purposes as well. While less common, a crown may be placed over a tooth that is severely malformed, uneven or discolored. If the tooth cannot benefit from veneers, teeth whitening or other cosmetic treatments than we may recommend getting a dental crown to improve your tooth’s appearance.

Have questions about dental crowns? Want to find out if they are right for you? Then call our Honolulu dental office today to schedule your consultation.

Accelerated Dental Treatment consists of one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures intended to improve the appearance of your smile. Wynn H. Okuda DMD is a Honolulu HI cosmetic dentist who pioneered the Accelerated Treatment protocol. Here are four reasons you should consider Accelerated Dental Treatment.

Achieve The Perfect Smile

Accelerated Dental Treatment can fix a range of dental problems including chipped, broken, cracked, and stained teeth. Accelerated Dental Treatment may include one or multiple cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, dental crowns, or composite bonding.

Boost Your Self-Esteem

Tired of hiding your smile? Low self-esteem results from a poor self-image, which can lead to depression and a decline in your overall health. Accelerated Dental Treatment will boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Save Your Precious Time

With the recent technological advances in cosmetic dentistry, quick smile makeovers are now possible. Accelerated Dental Treatment will transform your less-than-perfect teeth into the smile of your dreams in less than a month. Dr. Okuda has extensive experience performing complete smile makeovers.

Make Your Life Better

Are you trying to land a second date? Do you have an important job interview coming up? Accelerated Dental Treatment could give you the boost you need to be successful in all of your endeavors. Don’t let less-than-perfect teeth get in the way of achieving your dreams.

Book an Appointment

Your smile is an accessory that you wear every day, so why not invest in Accelerated Dental Treatment? Dr. Okuda is a world-class Honolulu HI cosmetic dentist who is highly trained in the field of cosmetic dentistry. If you want a traffic-stopping, gorgeous smile, call Dr. Okuda at (808) 734-1099 today to book a dental appointment.

Ready to hide dental imperfections once and for all? Now you can with veneers!

Nothing looks better than a pristine smile. But if certain imperfections have you smiling less than you would like then it’s time to talk to your Honolulu, HI cosmetic dentist Dr. Wynn Okuda about whether veneers can help.

About Veneers

These wafer-thin shells may not seem that impressive at first but when they are added to the front of your teeth, you’ll be amazed just how much they can improve the overall look of your smile. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to cover surface imperfections and change the color, shape or size of a tooth or teeth.

While veneers can be made from a variety of materials porcelain tends to be the most popular because it is resistant to stains and also reflects light the same way as natural teeth. However, resin veneers often require less tooth enamel removal prior to placement. In order to decide which type of veneers are the best kind for you, you’ll need to talk with your dentist in Honolulu, HI.

When to Consider Dental Veneers

Veneers are most commonly used to hide:

• Discolored teeth
• Misshapen or worn down teeth
• Spaces between teeth
• Chipped, cracked or fractured teeth
• Misaligned, crooked or uneven teeth

If you are dealing with unsightly teeth and are looking for a way to get a whiter, straighter and more attractive smile then veneers may be the best option for you. Veneers can be used to fix so many different dental problems so find out how you can benefit from these cosmetic restorations.

Getting Your Veneers

Once we’ve evaluated your smile and determined that veneers are right for you, we will need to take X-rays and impressions of your mouth. These impressions will provide a lab with the proper tooth measurements from which to create your perfectly shaped and crafted veneers.

Next, your teeth will need to be prepared for your veneers. We will remove about ½ millimeter of enamel from the front of your teeth to prepare for the added thickness of the veneers. Don’t worry, this isn’t painful and many times this can be performed without needing local anesthesia.

Veneers are usually fabricated within one to two weeks. After which, you will come into our office for a fitting. We will temporarily apply the veneers to make sure you love your new look. Once you have approved your veneers will be permanently attached.

For all your general, cosmetic and restorative dental needs, turn to Dr. Wynn Okuda DMD, Inc. in Honolulu for the smile you want. We are here to cater to all of your smile goals. Call us today to schedule a consultation.