Types of Cosmetic Procedures

THERE ARE VARIOUS COSMETIC PROCEDURES WE OFFER.

Smile Makeover

Are you considering a makeover? Why not start with your smile!

The latest advances in cosmetic dentistry are available to you at our practice. By correcting or improving the shade, shape, spacing, height or width of your teeth, your smile can be transformed into your best asset. Our skillful professionals using state-of-the-art technology and materials deliver superb results that are sure to please. Arrange for a private consultation to discuss your beautiful smile!

Whitening

Your teeth become stained naturally as a result of the food and drink that you consume.

Dental Whitening uses an ingredient to effectively lift the stain from deep within your enamel. The result is a whiter, more youthful smile! We offer 2 methods of this popular treatment. Our in-office system using a state-of-the-art activation light yields results in about an hour. Our convenient take home system can be used during the day or night and yields maximum results in about 10 to 14 days.

Crowns and Bridges

A crown is a protective covering that is bonded or cemented onto your tooth.

It is custom made in a dental laboratory by highly qualified technicians using ceramics, noble alloys or a combination of both. A crown may be recommended for a tooth that has a large filling, a root canal or a fracture. A bridge is simply 3 or more crowns linked together. A bridge is recommended to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge helps provide a continuous chewing surface, keeps teeth from drifting out of position, protects teeth and improve aesthetics. Crowns and bridges are quality restorations and are an excellent investment in your long-term dental health.

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth.

Veneers are an excellent remedy for chipped, cracked, spaced, stained or misaligned teeth. Dramatic results can be achieved in as few as 2 appointments. Veneers are considered long-term restorations that strengthen, protect and enhance the beauty of your smile.

Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone.

Following a period of healing, it will act much like the root of a tooth over which a crown will be placed. Implants can support a single crown, long span bridges and are often used when rehabilitating an entire dentition. They are considered long term restorations and provide excellent results that are comfortable, naturallooking and high functioning.

Invisible Braces

One of the most innovative advances in dentistry is the ability to straighten your teeth without traditional metal brackets.

We use a series of clear, plastic, removable “aligners,” which are computer generated to gently and progressively alter the position of your teeth until they are correctly aligned. Our patients are seen smiling as much during treatment as after treatment! Ask us if “invisible braces” are right for you.

Bonding

Bonding can be used to improve the color of a tooth, or close unsightly gaps.

Bonding is generally not as permanent a process as veneers, and can be vulnerable to the same kind of staining your natural teeth are prone to.

Cosmetic Contouring

Cosmetic contouring and reshaping procedures can remedy, and in many cases, greatly improve these conditions.

Teeth can become crooked, chipped, cracked, and even overlap as a result of many factors, including traumatic injury, bruxism (grinding) or even heredity.

It is our pleasure and privilege to welcome you to our office. Although there have been numerous advances in dentistry of late, the most important element is still the relationship between doctor and patient. With cosmetic dentistry we wish to facilitate a comfortable, long-term, respectful relationship between our health care providers and our patients, instilling confidence that you have chosen the best practice.Kristen Stovall, Clinical Manager, RDA

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that mainly deals with the aesthetic aspect of the face. It employs various dental techniques to improve the appearance of the teeth and give you a beautiful smile. It is becoming more sought after these days. Millions of people across the globe undergo cosmetic dental procedures regularly.

Cosmetic dentistry is different from traditional dentistry as its primary emphasis is on beauty. General dentistry deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various conditions that can affect our teeth to function properly. Con ly, cosmetic dentistry deals mainly with external appearance. Nevertheless, there can also be an improvement in the functionality of the teeth after performing cosmetic procedures, but this is not the primary goal.

Many in the field of dentistry do not consider cosmetic procedures as a separate field of dentistry. For example, professional organizations such as the Dental Association do not view cosmetic procedures as a different field. Dental colleges also do not offer different specialization degrees in cosmetic dentistry. However, cosmetic dentistry is just an amalgam of various dental techniques aimed at making the person more beautiful. It is not a separate field.

Cosmetic dental procedures are usually very costly. They can cost anywhere from thousands to several hundred thousand dollars. The cost will depend on the condition that is being treated, the fees charged by the dentist, material costs and other overhead costs. One of today’s significant disadvantages is insurance companies do not provide coverage for cosmetic procedures. You have to pay for all the fees on your own.

There are also specific ethical questions that arise with cosmetic dentistry. Not everyone in even advanced countries can afford primary quality healthcare, and we are not even talking about the Third World countries as it’s is even worse there. But if taken into consideration, is it justifiable to spend thousands of dollars on improving just the superficial appearance?

There are several factors you have to consider about cosmetic dentistry and the procedures it entails. Some people perceive cosmetic dentistry braces are for children and teens only. However, this procedure had gained popularity even for adults. If you have misaligned teeth, better resort to props rather than wearing conventional brackets and traditional wires. This brace is comfortable to wear and fit in your teeth because it is custom made.

Braces are not only ideal for people of young age but adults as well. Extractions have been made for adult patients. Because cosmetic dental brace is quite costly and some parents could not afford one for their children, they instead opt to seek cosmetic dentistry later when they earned savings for such needs. That is why individuals wait for that age when they are financially stable before undergoing enhancement of dental flaws.

The reason why dentist often recommend cosmetic dental brace is malocclusion or lousy bite caused by some circumstances. Smallmouth allows teeth limited position and space to grow that is why teeth become crowded that creates unwanted dental formations and structures. Pushing your tongue against your teeth may cause your frontal teeth to protrude; thus; using brace can set it back. Misaligned jawbone structure can also affect teeth formation and alignment.

The difference between brace and retainer is that the latter acts as a brace because it helps the teeth to stay in the proper location, but it is suitable only for minor teeth problem and should be worn all the time, while cosmetic dentistry braces have limited usage. There are general types of cosmetic dental braces to choose from that addresses different dental problems. The most favorite type of braces is the bracket. It is composed of thin wires that are set around the teeth. The bracket is made from metal, plastic, and ceramics. The metal is the most durable while the plastic and ceramics are merely for cosmetic purposes. The trendiest one is the lingual brace; it is not visible because it is set at the back of the teeth.

Invisalign is the recent technology about cosmetic dentistry. A clear brace system used as new orthodontic treatment. This system can strengthen your teeth through the custom molded clear plastic. The advantage of Invisalign is that it allows patients to floss and normally brush to reduce the chances of building stains and decay caused by braces.

Any treatment that is recommended is co-diagnosed, meaning that, you and your doctor decide how best to proceed. Treatment options, advantages, prognosis, materials, and fees are thoroughly discussed to ensure your complete understanding and long-term satisfaction.