Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you’re like most people, your teeth may not look as nice as you’d like them to. Years of excess sugar and caffeine may have changed the shade of your teeth, or you could have chipped or cracked teeth. Thankfully, these sorts of issues can be rectified through different types of cosmetic dentistry.

A healthy and beautiful set of teeth can give us self-confidence and enhance our self-esteem, which is why dentists like Drs. Dave and Mike Rothan offer cosmetic dental procedures.

The procedures listed below are just some dental options available to help enhance your smile!

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is affixed in place over the top of a tooth and improves the tooth’s stability, appearance, and shape. They can be constructed from lots of different materials and may be recommended to patients for many reasons, including:

▪ Rebuilding a chipped tooth

▪ Restoring an implant

▪ Defending a fragile tooth from tooth decay

▪ Sustaining a splintered tooth

You may ask, “How is a dental crown applied to a tooth?” First, the dentist will perform an X-ray of the tooth they feel is at risk for disease or tooth decay. After resolving any potential issues in the first consultation, they will prepare the tooth to lower the risk of any problems, like the spreading of tooth decay.

The dentist will then reconstruct any missing tooth portion with composite material. This creates additional space for the crown to protect. An impression of the tooth will be built with a material known as alginate, after which it is sent to a laboratory. It takes a couple of weeks for the laboratory to gather the alginate replica and then compose a crown to fit the tooth properly.

While waiting for the final crown, the dentist will put a temporary crown over the real tooth until the permanent one can be installed.

With proper care and hygiene, the crown can last roughly fifteen years.

Dental Implants

There is evidence that dental implants date back to 600 AD. It’s been discovered that ancient Mayans implanted fake teeth by driving tooth-shaped seashells into the jaw. Technology has significantly advanced since then, and contemporary dental implants, constructed from titanium or zirconia, are implanted with modern techniques. These titanium or zirconia implants fuse to the bone through osseointegration. Bone loss typically occurs in the case of a missing tooth, but the dental implant inhibits this from happening.

Implants are an optimal fix for patients missing one or multiple teeth. The process requires some time to complete, as the implants—which function as new tooth roots—are surgically placed into the jawbone and need some time to heal before a crown is placed on top. When finished, the implant and crown perfectly mimic the appearance of a natural tooth.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth can become stained and discolored over time, and teeth whitening can offer patients a chance to look younger by restoring the whiteness of their smile.

Not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening, so it’s essential to consult with a dentist first. Healthy teeth and gums are a must before teeth whitening can be done. Additionally, tooth discoloration can happen for many reasons, and not all can be addressed through whitening methods. It’s also important to note that dental treatments such as crowns, veneers, and bonding will not whiten along with the patient’s natural teeth.

Twin Dental offers our patients several whitening options, including trays and strips. Whitening trays are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth, helping to hold the whitening gel exactly where needed, whereas whitening strips have the benefit of being started on the same day. Speak with Dr. Dave or Dr. Mike about which method suits your needs.

Most patients will see results after a couple of applications. How long the whitening lasts depends on the desired whiteness, amount of discoloration and lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking beverages, which can cause yellow teeth and staining. Our practice offers a “whitening for life” program that includes whitening touch-up kits every six months. See our teeth whitening page for more details.

Dental Veneers and Lumineers

Porcelain veneers are dependable for those who would like minor corrective treatments for problems like fractures, discolored teeth, and gaps. With traditional veneers, the dentist would remove a small amount of enamel—approximately 1 millimeter—before fixing the veneers to your teeth. Twin Dental is proud to offer lumineers, which are ultra-thin porcelain veneers that do not require the removal of any of your tooth enamel. Once the veneers are in place, it is practically impossible to differentiate them from your natural teeth.

Taking care of porcelain veneers requires nothing extraordinary. Regular flossing and brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste will keep them healthy and strong. The patient will probably be momentarily sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages, although this will only remain for a couple of days while the patient adjusts to the changes to their teeth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding uses a resilient plastic substance to fix issues like gaps in teeth, chips or cracks, cavities, exposed roots, and other aesthetic purposes. Once the material has been matched to the color of the patient’s teeth, Dr. Mike or Dr. Dave may put a conditioning liquid on the teeth that are being repaired. After this, the resin is bound to the teeth and sculpted to achieve the preferred appearance. A particular type of light is used to harden the resin, which is trimmed and polished to make it flush with the patient’s original tooth.

Bonding is a relatively simple process that takes about thirty to sixty minutes to complete. Furthermore, unlike the case with veneers and crowns, the bonding substance doesn’t need to be shipped to a lab, making it a less expensive cosmetic procedure. Unfortunately, the bonding ingredient is not as durable as veneers or crowns, and the recipient must be cautious as the bonding component may break and be damaged.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a system of clear trays that fit over your teeth and work to correct your smile in a more comfortable way than traditional braces.

Some of the benefits of Invisalign include:

▪ The trays are removable, so you can take them out when you eat or need to brush and floss.

▪ Invisalign doesn’t have the uncomfortable metal brackets, wires or rubber bands of traditional braces.

▪ The clear aligners are less noticeable, and most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

▪ The extra hardware in your mouth from traditional braces can make home oral hygiene much more complex, while Invisalign’s removable tray makes it as easy as it normally would be.

Cosmetic Dentistry at Twin Dental

With our different types of cosmetic dentistry services, all of your smile-enhancing needs can be done in one place. Drs. Dave and Mike Rothan are experienced professionals who can satisfy your dental needs, ensuring you’ll look and feel great.

Don’t wait—contact Twin Dental today and regain confidence in your oral appearance.