A captivating smile can leave a positive impression and boost your confidence. Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist offers several techniques to elevate your smile while improving its function and addressing any oral health concerns.
The fusion of artistry and advanced dental techniques makes cosmetic dentistry a transformative field. Read on to learn how you can unlock your full potential with a radiant smile.
Veneers
Veneers are a popular and versatile cosmetic treatment that can mask many common dental problems. They are thin porcelain shells that are custom-made and tinted to match your teeth, then bonded in place using a special dental cement. They’re a good option for people who aren’t interested in whitening or other more extensive cosmetic treatments but want to brighten their smiles.
Gapped and misaligned teeth detract from the beauty of a smile, but they also increase your risk for tooth decay by creating spaces where bacteria can collect. Thankfully, veneers can close gaps between teeth and reshape misaligned ones. These veneers help prevent bacteria from collecting in these spaces, making them an excellent way to reduce your risk for cavities and other oral health concerns.
Before you get your veneers, you’ll need to prepare your teeth. This typically involves removing some enamel to accommodate the thickness of the veneers. Your dentist will then shape and smooth the surface of the teeth to ensure a comfortable fit. They may also remove a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the teeth to achieve a natural appearance.
Because veneers are primarily bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth, they’re an ideal solution for fixing imperfections that only affect the front of your smile. However, if your dental flaws affect more than the front of your teeth, the dentist will likely recommend an alternative cosmetic treatment.
For example, if your teeth are discolored due to genetics, aging, or medications, you might get a recommendation for an orthodontic procedure instead of veneers. The same goes for holes or cracks in your teeth, as the dentist will likely recommend dental bonding rather than veneers to repair these defects.
While veneers are very durable, you’ll need to take care of them to protect them from damage and staining. This means avoiding foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports and avoiding biting into hard or sticky items like ice or chewing on non-food objects like pencils or fingernails. You’ll also need to visit the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to keep your veneers looking great.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular and commonly used cosmetic dentistry services. It can lighten your teeth several shades in a few treatments, and it is a safe procedure. If you are self-conscious of the color of your smile, you can dramatically improve it with this treatment.
Teeth discoloration can happen naturally due to a person’s diet and lifestyle, as well as age, medication, and trauma. Having brighter and whiter teeth can instantly improve your appearance, and boost confidence and self-esteem. This can improve your professional and social interactions with others, and can also increase your overall quality of life.
While there are many ways to whiten your smile, the most common is a whitening procedure called bleaching. Your dentist will place a gel or rubber shield over your gums to protect them, then apply a peroxide solution that is kept on for 30 to 60 minutes. Some whitening procedures use special lights to activate the product and speed up the results.
There are several different types of whitening products, but it is important to find one that is right for you and your teeth. The best option is to talk to your dental team, as they will be able to recommend a product that is suitable for you.
Once you have undergone a whitening treatment, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices. This will help to prevent the stains and discolorations from returning. It is a good idea to use a mouthwash that has a mild abrasive and avoid staining foods and beverages like coffee, wine, and tea. It is a good idea to use straws when drinking these liquids, as they will minimize contact with the enamel of your teeth.
Even with the best oral hygiene practices, stains and discolorations can still occur. If this is the case, a second or even third whitening treatment may be needed. Luckily, this is relatively inexpensive and quick and can provide great results for your smile.
Bonding
Tooth bonding uses the same composite resin used to make modern dental fillings and is prized for its natural appearance. Cosmetic dentists can use this versatile material to hide stains, close gaps, correct misshapen teeth, or change the color of your smile. Although not as permanent as veneers or implants, tooth bonding is one of the least invasive cosmetic dentistry treatments and can be used for multiple problems in just one visit.
While a cosmetic dentist is not required to be certified in any specific procedure, they will have extensive training in the art of cosmetic dentistry. They will have practical experience applying these procedures, vast technical knowledge of how they work, and a refined artistic touch. Choosing a cosmetic dentist who is affiliated with the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry will ensure you have access to the latest technology and techniques available.
The academy is a non-profit professional association that was founded in 1984. The organization is composed of general dentists, specialists, and laboratory technicians focused on enhancing the beauty of smiles. They strive to achieve this by offering the most advanced treatment options and providing educational opportunities for their members.
Aside from the aesthetic enhancements, cosmetic dentistry can also be useful for improving your oral health by repairing minor damage and decay. Cosmetic dentistry is not considered medically necessary, but it can be an effective alternative to more invasive and expensive treatments such as implants or crowns.
While a dentist may be able to perform most cosmetic dental work in-office, they will likely need to refer patients to specialists for certain treatments such as implants or gum reshaping. When it comes to cosmetic dental care, having a full team of specialists working together is the best way to ensure you get the smile of your dreams.
It is important to note that even with the right training and skill, a cosmetic dentist cannot guarantee that every result will be perfect. Some cosmetic dental procedures are more prone to staining than others, and the results of dental bonding can be affected by food and beverage choices. You should therefore be careful about using your bonded teeth to open packages or chew on ice, and schedule regular visits with your dentist to maintain the best results.
Dental Implants
Implants replace missing teeth and can restore a full, radiant smile. They are a durable, stable option for tooth replacement that is more predictable than other repair and restoration techniques.
Surgically placed titanium posts fuse to the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. This natural bonding creates a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that blend with your other natural teeth and facial structure.
Because they are designed to keep pace with the way you live, dental implants can help you eat with comfort and confidence and enjoy your life on your terms without hiding your smile or worrying about how you chew and speak. They can also help you avoid the bone deterioration that occurs when natural teeth are removed and not replaced.
The implant process begins with a comprehensive dental exam that includes X-rays and models of your teeth and jaw. Once we know you are a good candidate for the procedure, we will schedule your surgery.
Before placing your implant, we may recommend a bone graft to prepare the site. This is especially important if you need to replace a missing tooth in the upper back region of your mouth. The graft can take several months to heal, but it helps ensure your implant has a solid base.
Once you have healed, we will attach a connector called an abutment to your implant. Then, we will place your new restoration, which is a crown, bridge, or denture that fits over the abutment.
To maintain the health of your new restoration, it is important to brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss once daily to remove food particles and plaque. It is also a good idea to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash a few times each week. If you have any questions or concerns about caring for your smile, please call our office. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.