Your Perfect Smile – An Overview
Healthy teeth and gums are what every dentist wants for their patients. But we also understand the importance of a great smile. A beautiful smile means confidence and a big boost to self-esteem. We have lots of options to give you straighter, whiter, healthier-looking teeth. We’ll start with a customized treatment plan just for you and work with you to make it affordable. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for models and movie stars anymore. Everyone deserves a great smile they can be proud of, and we can make it happen. Here are a few of the most popular treatments we offer to help you achieve that perfect smile:
Teeth Whitening
Teeth-whitening is hands down the most popular cosmetic dental procedure. Surveys have shown that almost everyone wishes they had whiter teeth. What some of us don’t realize is how easy it is to reach that goal.
There are lots of options for whitening your teeth, from basic over-the-counter products to professional in-office whitening to take home trays made just for you by your dentist. Almost all whitening products use one of two types of bleach: hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The difference between over-the-counter and professional whitening products is the concentration of the bleaching agent. Your dentist is able to safely use higher concentrations of bleach so you’ll get better results faster with a professional treatment.
- Over the counter products including toothpastes and strips use lower concentrations of peroxide. They’re not as effective but are less expensive. If you opt for this route, look for the ADA seal of approval so you know the product is safe.
- In-office bleaching uses concentrated peroxide to give you a bright, white smile. Your dentist is trained to protect your mouth and gums and use the bleach safely at a higher concentration. This means you’ll see more dramatic results right away.
- Custom whitening trays from your dentist are designed to fit your mouth and can use more powerful bleaching agents than over the counter products. Your dentist will give you clear instructions on how to use the kit and how long the bleach should stay on your teeth. Custom trays are an excellent happy medium between in-office treatment and OTC options for many patients.
Dental Veneers for Discolored or Damaged Teeth
For patients with discoloration that whitening products can’t fix, worn or broken teeth, teeth that are too small or gaps between teeth, dental veneers are an excellent option. As the name suggests, veneers are a thin layer of material that covers your front teeth, and they’re designed specifically to improve the appearance of your teeth. Veneers can change the size, shape and color of your teeth, giving a fresh appearance to those all-important front teeth. They’re usually made of stain-resistant porcelain but can also be made from tooth-colored composite resin.
Patients should be aware that your dentist has to remove a small amount of your tooth’s natural enamel to apply the veneer. Then he’ll make an impression of your tooth, and the veneer will be created in a laboratory based on that mold. Veneers are considered a safe and conservative cosmetic procedure as they give your teeth a new look without the more dramatic modifications to your natural tooth that a crown requires. Veneers are best for patients with overall good oral health. If you have gum disease or other more significant problems, they may not be the best choice.
Dental Implants For Missing or Damaged Teeth
Implants are an increasingly popular way to replace missing or badly damaged teeth for a natural look. Think of a dental implant as a brand new artificial tooth–including the root–that attaches to your jawbone and functions like a real tooth. The titanium “root” is attached to a natural looking crown created to match the color of your natural teeth. Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for tooth loss and are one of the most powerful ways your dentist can help give you a confident smile. Dental implants are often more expensive than many other procedures and are not covered by all insurance policies. However, our clients find that the increased self-esteem and peace of mind is worth every penny. Our office is always ready to set up a financing plan that works for you.
Invisalign for Straighter Teeth
Not all of us got the braces we needed as kids. For many families in the 70s and 80s, orthodontics just wasn’t affordable. But the good thing is that it’s never too late for adults to get straighter teeth and a confident smile. The Invisalign system has revolutionized orthodontics for adults in the best possible way.
The Invisalign system of clear aligners shifts your teeth without braces. Your dentist takes a virtual scan of your teeth which is used to make a series of progressive molds. Each mold is worn for around two weeks, and the series of aligners gradually move your teeth into the position you and your dentist determine is right for you. The upsides of Invisalign are that the aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed while eating. The only catch is that patients must commit to wearing them for at least 20 hours each day. Invisalign usually costs about the same amount as braces, and we offer a range of financing options to cover the cost of the aligners.
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