Restore Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

In the past, those with crooked teeth had to rely on traditional metal braces, which can be uncomfortable, difficult to clean, and not aesthetically pleasing.

Invisalign® trays, on the other hand, are corrective appliances that can be removed so patients can more easily clean their teeth with regular brushing and flossing habits; and, since these trays can be removed for eating, patients don’t have to worry about dietary restrictions. Since Invisalign® trays are created from both molds and x-rays, they are custom-fitted for each patient and are hardly noticeable because they fit snugly around each tooth.

Every few weeks, a patient will get new aligners as his or her teeth slowly shift. These new aligners are easy to care for and can be cleaned easily with water and a toothbrush! Invisalign® is not only great for those concerned about aesthetics but for those concerned about discomfort as well. For instance, traditional braces can sometimes be painful due to broken wires and brackets rubbing cheeks raw.

However, Invisalign® trays are made of a smooth clear resin; so, not only are they practically invisible, they won’t come with the pain of metal braces! While Invisalign® trays have many benefits, they are not the best solution for those with major malocclusions. However, it is best for a patient to work with a dentist before giving up his or her hopes of Invisalign®.

If a patient has lots of missing or damaged teeth, then he or she may want to consider a bridge. Bridges are false teeth that are bonded to healthy teeth. These healthy teeth, also known as abutment teeth, literally ‘bridge’ any gaps since the appliance is anchored to them.

Since missing teeth can make it difficult to eat, speak–and can even put too much pressure on any remaining healthy teeth–a bridge is a fantastic restorative solution. Bridges not only replace missing teeth, but they prevent any further decline or decay in other teeth. Along with obvious functional benefits, bridges can help an individual feel confident to smile again since their numerous gaps will be filled in.

Some patients get bridges along with other procedures, like crowns or dental implants. If the abutment teeth aren’t strong enough or decayed, then crowns and/or implants can be used to save an original tooth’s integrity and to create a structure that a bridge can be attached to. While bridges need a little extra care in regards to flossing, these oral appliances can be maintained with regular brushing habits.

Along with an initial consultation, patients will have to come in for a few appointments to get fitted and to make sure the prostheses are comfortable and secure. Some bridges are permanently placed, while others may be removable–a dentist will assess each individual’s case to determine which kind is best.

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry service because it has minimal risks and can quickly brighten a patient’s smile. This service is great for anyone who has stains or discoloration that cannot be fixed by regular cleanings or at-home remedies.

Unlike over-the-counter products, the dentist will use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, so patients can see a greater difference in shades after one or two visits. If a person know that he or she has highly sensitive teeth, then a dentist can adjust the bleaching solution to better fit his or her needs; special toothpaste can also be used to reduce sensitivity.

During the procedure, the dentist will cover up a patient’s gums and lips so that the bleaching gel does not irritate them or cause sensitivity later on. After the bleaching gel is applied, then the dentist will use an LED or halogen light to speed the bleaching process. In fact, this light curing can speed the whitening process up enough that a person may only need one visit to get the results they want!

If a patient does not want to whiten their teeth at the dentist’s office, whitening trays can be created for at-home usage; although, this method may take a little longer for patients to see results.

Inlays and onlays are sometimes confused with crowns and fillings. While fillings are used for minor damages and crowns are fitted for the entire tooth, inlays and onlays fall in between the two and only cover a portion of damaged enamel.

This procedure is great for those who have fillings that have fallen out, those with broken teeth, and those with serious decay. Inlays are used for damage to the inside cusp edges, while onlays are used for extensive damages around the outside of the tooth. If just a superficial biting surface, and inlay may be all that’s required; but, a dentist will determine how extensive the damage is and whether or not an onlay will be required.

One great benefit of both inlays and onlays is that they do not require a patient to undergo any drastic alterations with their tooth’s natural shape. Because they only cover a portion of a patient’s tooth and can be made to match their color, they are hardly noticeable, if at all. If a patient improves his or her oral hygiene, inlays and onlays can last a long time since their substances (porcelain, resin, etc.) are quite durable.

The procedure is very quick and not uncomfortable, so a patient can enjoy the benefits of strong functioning teeth in a short period of time.

Dental bonding is the perfect non-invasive procedure for those with tooth fractures and chips and for those with any unsightly gaps between teeth. And if a patient has otherwise very healthy teeth, then he or she will want to avoid reshaping or resizing teeth through other methods, like crowns or veneers.

During the bonding procedure, a dentist will sculpt a resin onto a tooth to repair any damages. Because no appliances will need to be created, this procedure is quick, painless, and can be completed in just one visit! Besides fixing functional issues, bonding can greatly affect a person’s appearance. For example, if a patient has perfectly functional and straight teeth, but has a few gaps that wouldn’t warrant full orthodontic treatment, bonding can be used to disguise these small imperfections.

If a patient has small teeth that give the appearance of a gummy smile, then bonding can be used to lengthen any problematic teeth.

Lastly, if an individual is not fond of teeth whitening, then bonding can be used as a more semi-permanent solution to eliminate any discoloration. In fact, if a patient is careful about what he or she eats and has good oral hygiene habits, dental bonds can actually last as long as a decade.

Veneers, or laminates, are thin pieces of porcelain that a dentist can apply to the front of a tooth. Great candidates for veneers include anyone looking for a more uniform and whiter smile. Veneers can easily cover up any disproportionate teeth, stains, chips, or diastemas.

The procedure will usually only require two visits: one for an initial consultation and placement of temporary veneers while the real ones are being made, and a second appointment for the placement of permanent veneers. During the procedure, the dentist will remove a very small portion of enamel so that the veneers can be placed. This procedure is non-invasive, but if a patient is quite sensitive, some anesthetic can be used.

Once the enamel is removed, a rough chemical agent is applied to give the teeth a more gritty surface so that the bonding agent can hold more easily to the tooth. Once the bonding agent has been laid, the dentist will cement each thin porcelain shell individually. Once veneers have been placed, a patient shouldn’t notice them at all.

Compared to bonding, veneers are more durable and can last a person two decades if they are well taken care of with regular brushing and flossing. Despite their durability, patients must be aware that veneers can be chipped and even come off if they have any bad habits, like biting their nails.