Even if your teeth are in perfect physical condition, minor cosmetic flaws can leave you feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable when smiling. Fortunately, Plano dentists can easily fix these aesthetic problems using a variety of innovative procedures.
Teeth whitening: Remove age-related or surface stains to reveal a whiter smile.
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic covers that bond to the front of your teeth to fix flaws. They are an excellent option for closing gaps, fixing chips, reshaping crooked teeth, or changing the color of your smile. Unlike crowns, veneers only remove a small amount of enamel, which makes your natural tooth stronger. The procedure is quick and simple, and your dentist will match the porcelain to your natural tooth color for a flawless finish.
Cosmetic veneers last 5 to 15 years, depending on what type you choose and your habits. The most durable veneers are made of porcelain, which resembles your natural teeth and is stain-resistant and gum-tolerant. However, composite resin veneers can be reversible, so you can opt for this more budget-friendly treatment if you are unsure about a permanent commitment.
Choosing the right cosmetic dental procedure is all about clear communication. Spend some time clearly defining what you want corrected, and don’t be afraid to ask questions of your cosmetic dentist Plano.
Some patients are not good candidates for cosmetic veneers. For example, severe crooked teeth may require Invisalign clear braces or traditional orthodontics instead of veneers. Patients who clench or grind their teeth (bruxism) can break the porcelain, so they should seek treatment for this condition before considering veneers. Additionally, if your teeth are significantly decayed or damaged, you should treat these issues before getting cosmetic work done.
Veneers are also not an ideal solution for patients who have a history of oral infections or diseases. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums before recommending this cosmetic procedure to ensure you are healthy enough for it.
Another great alternative to porcelain veneers is composite resin, which requires less preparation than porcelain. During the process, your dentist will apply a tooth-colored composite resin to your natural teeth and sculpt it into place, covering any imperfections. Once the restorations are cured and polished, you’ll have a beautiful new smile!
Unlike porcelain veneers, which are not reversible, composite resin is. If you decide later that you don’t like the way they look, your dentist will simply remove them and reapply them.
Although dental implants are not a cosmetic dentistry procedure, they can be a valuable part of your overall oral health care. They restore your bite, which helps prevent the loss of bone and deterioration in the surrounding teeth. They also reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay by filling in empty spaces where bacteria can grow. These benefits make dental implants one of the most important investments you can make in your smile. To learn more, contact our team today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacob Grapevine. He can help you discover the best cosmetic procedures for your unique smile!
2. Bonding
A simple solution to improve your smile, dental bonding is a minimally invasive treatment that repairs minor issues like chips, cracks, discoloration, gaps, and misalignment. A tooth-colored composite resin material is applied and sculpted to the surface of your teeth, creating a natural appearance and restoring symmetry and uniformity to your smile. Unlike other cosmetic treatments that may require extensive preparation, bonding is an in-and-out procedure that can typically be completed in 30 to 60 minutes.
Your dentist will begin by preparing the tooth surface by lightly texturing it and applying a conditioning liquid to ensure the composite adheres well. A color shade that closely matches your natural enamel is then selected. Once the dentist applies the bonding material, he or she will shape, trim, and polish it to blend in with your existing teeth, giving you a flawless finish.
In addition to fixing cosmetic imperfections, bonding can also help to protect the surface of your teeth against decay and prevent future problems. In fact, it is often used to address a cavity that has developed underneath a filling, or to protect the root of a tooth that is exposed during a root canal procedure.
While many patients choose to get their bonding done after a teeth whitening treatment, it can also be performed before to enhance its aesthetically pleasing results. This cosmetic treatment is a conservative solution that requires minimal modification of your natural teeth, and it can even be used to correct superficial staining on the front side of your teeth that has not responded to regular whitening treatments.
When you invest in your smile with a cosmetic dentistry treatment, you can expect to see amazing results that improve both your self-esteem and the function of your smile. In fact, patients who restore their smiles often say that they wish they had done so sooner because they feel more confident about their appearance and enjoy a renewed sense of vitality in their lives.
If you are interested in learning more about the transformative power of cosmetic dental procedures, contact a skilled and experienced dentist today. A cosmetic dentist in Plano can evaluate your needs and recommend the ideal solution to achieve a more attractive smile. Once you have invested in your smile, it is important to maintain it with regular visits and proper oral health routines. Your dentist can help you achieve and maintain a healthy, attractive smile for life. You deserve to love your smile!
3. Enamel Shaping
For many cosmetic dentistry patients, enamel shaping is the best option for making small changes with big results. This procedure, which involves polishing the teeth to sculpt them into more symmetrical and pleasing shapes, is quick, painless, and relatively inexpensive. It’s also less invasive than some of the more popular dental procedures, including veneers and bonding.
A beautiful smile can make a difference in your personal and professional life. Patients who work with an experienced dentist often find that a few minor adjustments can transform their lives and boost their self-esteem. But it’s important to choose the right dentist and understand what you can expect from your cosmetic treatment before making a decision.
Before the procedure begins, your dentist will assess your teeth to determine if they are suitable for enamel shaping. They will take x-rays in some cases to check the underlying structure of your teeth and confirm that there are no abnormalities that could interfere with the process. The dentist will then come up with a blueprint of which areas need to be altered.
During the actual procedure, your dentist will use a range of tools to shape and smooth your teeth. They may apply anesthetic if they’re worried about your comfort or pain, but this is generally unnecessary. They may also buff the surface of your teeth after shaping them to give them a polished finish. The process is usually completed within a single visit and the results are immediately apparent.
Once your dentist is happy with the result, they will rinse their hands and seal the area with a special type of cement to prevent infection. You may experience some sensitivity in the affected areas after the procedure, but this is typically short-lived and can be easily treated with over-the-counter painkillers or desensitizing toothpaste.
Enamel shaping is a great way to correct minor issues with your teeth, such as rough spots, jagged edges, or small chips. It can improve your self-esteem and increase your confidence, especially if you are self-conscious about the appearance of your smile. It’s also a good choice for improving your oral health by removing crevices where plaque and bacteria can accumulate.
If you’re interested in enhancing the beauty of your smile, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to discuss all of your options for cosmetic dentistry and help you feel confident in your decision. After you get your new smile, make sure to maintain it with regular visits to the dentist and diligent oral hygiene practices at home. Then, you can enjoy your new look for years to come! We can’t wait to see your beautiful smile at your next visit to Parker West Dental Associates. Schedule your appointment today! We proudly serve patients in the Plano, TX area.