Achieve your dream smile with treatments such as teeth whitening, dental cosmetics veneers and gum contouring. Cosmetic dentistry follows the Greek concept of beauty, focusing on balance and harmony.
A beautiful smile can boost self-confidence and improve quality of life. However, it is important to note that cosmetic procedures are not typically reimbursable by dental insurance.
Teeth Whitening
The most popular dental cosmetic, teeth whitening lightens the shade of your natural teeth by bleaching the color pigments. It is effective for removing extrinsic stains caused by foods and beverages and bad habits like smoking.
Over-the-counter products and in-office whitening treatments use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down the chemical bonds in your discolored teeth, allowing them to be lighter in color. The process is quick and painless.
Some patients experience sensitivity after the treatment, but this is usually short-lived and can be managed with desensitizing toothpaste or over-the-counter pain relievers. The procedure won’t work on tooth-colored fillings, veneers or crowns and can leave them with an unnatural appearance if not done correctly. It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoiding acidic foods and drinks to prevent staining.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are a great cosmetic dentistry treatment for patients with discolored, chipped or misshapen teeth. They can correct gaps, uneven teeth, and mask other dental imperfections in a single session. They are typically made from porcelain, composite resin, or acrylic resin. Some dentists offer no-prep veneers, which can reduce recovery time and avoid removing tooth enamel (though it is important to thoroughly vet your dentist and look for reviews and photos online).
In the first visit, your dentist will check your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy enough to receive the veneers. Then, they will reshape and remove a small amount of enamel and choose the right shade for a seamless blend with your natural teeth. Some patients may notice rough patches on their veneers; these usually improve over time and can be smoothed by your dentist.
Dental Bonding
Teeth bonding repairs minor cosmetic flaws, such as chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration. It can also close small cavities, reshape irregularly shaped teeth, or protect roots exposed by gum recession. This procedure is quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive, compared to other restorative treatments like crowns or veneers.
The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth, which is then molded and smoothed for a natural appearance. A mild chemical is used to roughen the surface of the tooth, which helps the resin stick to it. Once the resin hardens, it is trimmed and polished. The process is typically completed in one office visit. However, bonded resin doesn’t resist staining as well as enamel, so patients should avoid chewing on pens, ice cubes, or hard foods.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns work by providing a protective covering for damaged or weak teeth. They can be used after a root canal, or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth. They can also replace a large filling, especially one that is not natural-looking.
They can be made of several different materials. Noble metals, like gold and platinum, are the most popular. They last the longest, rarely chip and are able to withstand biting and chewing. Metal crowns are usually used on back molars.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns, or PFM crowns, have a porcelain coating over a metal base. They look more natural than metal crowns and can be matched to your tooth color.
Invisalign
Clear plastic aligners are a popular alternative to metal braces. They’re less noticeable and can be removed to eat and drink. During your initial visit, we’ll create a digital model of your teeth and devise a treatment plan. Next, a series of custom-made clear plastic trays is created. You’ll wear each set for about a week before switching to the next. We may also recommend attachments (also known as “buttons”), which are tiny tooth-colored pieces that can help your trays stay in place better.
You’ll visit us every 6 – 8 weeks so we can check in on your progress and make sure you’re on track to achieve your dream smile. Keep in mind that the more consistent you are, the faster your Invisalign treatment will be!