A bright and confident smile can be a game-changer, especially during this festive time of year. But, if you’re feeling like your smile has lost its sparkle, then you may not feel as merry as you’d like. Cosmetic dentistry can boost your self-esteem and get you in the holiday spirit. So, this year, give yourself the gift of cosmetic dentistry at Lakewood Dental Group.
Ready to explore the transformative nature of cosmetic dental treatments? Schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentists in Dallas, TX, at (214) 827-1885 now!
Thanks to advancements in cosmetic dentistry, achieving that dazzling smile before the New Year is more accessible than ever. In this comprehensive guide, we explore various types of cosmetic dentistry treatments that you can explore to transform your smile.
Dental Veneers: A Flawless Finish
Have you ever wanted to cover or hide dental flaws? Well, dental veneers may be exactly what the dentist ordered!
These tooth-shaped, ultra-thin prosthetic shells fit snuggly over the front surface of problematic teeth to hide a range of irregularities, such as:
- Whitening-resistant stains
- Minor chips
- Craze lines
- Gaps between teeth
- Slight dental misalignments
- Worn tooth enamel
This cosmetic dentistry treatment involves minimal removal of tooth enamel to make room for the veneers. Because of this, dentists consider this treatment to be permanent (meaning that veneer-treated teeth must always be protected by a prosthetic) However, veneers may not last forever. This means that patients must repair or replace veneers if they sustain damage or fall off.
Nevertheless, most patients can get at least 10 years out of their veneers before requiring repair or replacement. In some cases, patients can get decades out of their veneers by conducting proper oral care and attending regular dental appointments.
Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
For those with missing teeth, dentures may not be an ideal cosmetic dentistry solution. Indeed, many patients report discomfort, slippage, and problems speaking and chewing with conventional, removable dentures.
Dental implants, however, offer a permanent, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing solution to replace one, some, or all missing teeth. Traditionally, tooth implants consist of titanium posts that a dentist or oral surgeon surgically inserts into the upper or lower jawbone. Once the posts fully heal, they become a fused part of the jawbone, serving as an artificial, replacement tooth root.
It is important to note that a dental implant does not look like a tooth. A dentist must attach an abutment piece to the post before placing a tooth-like restoration on top (such as a dental crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture).
Once a dentist places a restoration atop the abutment piece, then patients can feel confident eating, speaking, and living as they usually would.
Invisalign®: Straighten Your Smile Discreetly
Say goodbye to traditional braces and embrace a more discreet option for teeth straightening – Invisalign!
These clear aligners are an easy and fast way to shift teeth into better position without the need for metal brackets and wires. Because they are basically invisible, Invisalign is a popular choice for adults and teens who want a less noticeable way to achieve a perfectly aligned smile.
One of the defining characteristics of this cosmetic dentistry treatment is their removable nature. Because patients can easily pop their aligners in and out of their mouths, they can enjoy all of their favorite foods and conduct optimal oral hygiene.
While Invisalign typically takes less time than traditional braces, there’s a catch – patients must wear their clear aligner trays for at least 20 hours out of each day to accomplish rapid results. Wearing them for less than 20 hours daily can add up to major setbacks in one’s treatment timeline. Indeed, it could end up costing patients weeks or months of their time and more money than they initially anticipated.
Dental Bonding: Repairing Imperfections
Dental bonding is a great way to improve and strengthen smiles. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is uniquely versatile, as it can address a variety of dental imperfections, including:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Slightly misaligned teeth
- Stubborn dental stains
During the bonding process, a cosmetic dentist applies a tooth-colored substance (known as composite resin) to the surface of problematic teeth. Once it is applied, the dentist then expertly sculpts the material into place before setting it with a special light. This special light bonds the composite resin to the teeth, creating a seamless, natural-looking repair.
Dental bonding is a cost-effective and efficient solution for minor cosmetic issues. Not only that, but it is reversible, making it a great option for patients who aren’t ready for the permanent nature of dental veneers.
Gum Contouring: Reshaping Your Smile
Sometimes, it’s not just about the teeth but also the gums that contribute to the overall appearance of the smile. Gum contouring (sometimes called gum reshaping) is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that adjusts the shape and size of the gums.
Adjusting the shape and size of gum tissue is beneficial for individuals with an uneven gum line or excessive gum tissue. After reshaping gum tissue, patients can enjoy a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
In the past, dentists used sharp dental tools to trim away tissue. However, today, dentists use ultra-precise lasers for optimal accuracy and comfort.
Smile Makeover: A Comprehensive Transformation
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, more is more. So, if you want to get the most out of your cosmetic care, a smile makeover may be the best way accomplish a comprehensive, long-lasting transformation.
Smile makeovers combine cosmetic dentistry treatments with restorative and orthodontic treatments to address multiple aesthetic and functional concerns. This comprehensive approach allows patients to tackle many issues at once, including:
- Tooth color
- Alignment issues
- Tooth size and shape
- Dental damage
- Overall facial aesthetics
Dentist works closely with their patients to create a personalized treatment plan that may include a variety of procedures, such as:
- Dental veneers
- Orthodontics
- Gum reshaping
- Dental bonding
- Dental implants
Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation in Dallas, TX
Cosmetic dentistry offers a ton of options for individuals who want to revamp their appearance and enhance their oral health. If you’d like to totally transform your smile in time for the holidays, contact Lakewood Dental Group. Our team can help you choose treatments that benefit your smile, health, and wallet. Request your cosmetic dentistry appointment here, or call (214) 827-1885 to schedule a consultation today.
