What are dental veneers?
One of the things that is very common in cosmetic dentistry is something called dental veneers. A veneer is a material placed over a tooth to help enhance its natural appearance, whether in shape, size, color, or overall aesthetics. They can be made of different types of materials, such as composite, which is like a filling-type material, or more permanent materials like porcelain. These are the different types of veneers available in dentistry.
Who are veneers best suited for?
Veneers are suited for people who have good oral hygiene and don't have significant decay or previous restorations. When applying a dental veneer, it's essential to have a fresh tooth surface for bonding. The longevity of a veneer depends on the strength of the bond. Ideally, you want a healthy, clean tooth that has never had any work done so the veneer can adhere properly and remain secure.
What options do I have for teeth whitening?
In cosmetic dentistry, whitening is a great option. There are three different whitening methods available. The first is the standard tray that you can buy from stores like Target or Walmart. Although professional grade, these trays are not custom-fit, which can sometimes cause the whitening solution to irritate the gums. The second option involves creating custom trays that fit snugly against the teeth, ensuring the gel stays where it should, preventing irritation. Lastly, there's in-office whitening, where you receive the strongest solution available, providing the fastest results. Take-home options usually take about two weeks to show results, but in-office treatments deliver noticeable changes within an hour and a half, and you receive custom trays for touch-ups afterward.
What is a smile makeover and what treatments are included?
A smile makeover is the ultimate cosmetic option, involving enhancements on all of your teeth. This could include bonding, veneers, or crowns, with the aim of improving the size, shape, proportions, and even positioning of your teeth. The result is a brand new, personalized smile that enhances aesthetics and potentially improves function.
How do you choose the right cosmetic dentist?
Choosing the right cosmetic dentist is crucial as this decision impacts your smile and long-term dental health. Start with a consultation to understand the number of appointments needed before treatment begins. Avoid choosing the cheapest option as it may involve cutting corners that could result in problems later. A good practice should ease you into the process, ensuring you're prepared and aware of each step. The dentist's artistry is also vital, as they play a significant role in designing your smile in collaboration with the lab. A skilled dentist will ensure a beautiful, functional, and durable result.
What is the difference between veneers and crowns?
The primary difference between a veneer and a crown is coverage. A crown covers the entire tooth, whereas a veneer covers only one side and may wrap around slightly. The choice between a veneer and a crown depends on the tooth's needs. Veneers are more conservative, requiring less removal of tooth structure than crowns, which necessitate removing structure from all around the tooth. The goal is to choose the option that best suits the tooth and provides the most beautiful, long-lasting result.
The practice of dentistry encompasses an amazing array of services and procedures, all with a common goal: to help you to preserve your natural teeth as long as possible, ensure your oral health, and keep you looking and feeling great throughout life.
There’s so much that can be done these days to improve the appearance of a person’s smile — at any age. From powerful, professional whitening treatments to amazingly realistic porcelain veneers to state-of-the-art dental implants, there’s a wide range of exciting possibilities.
The first step in any smile makeover is a thorough dental examination to make sure that your cosmetic problems really are just that, and not a sign of underlying dental disease. Once your health has been established, your smile can be cosmetically enhanced in a variety of ways.
Cosmetic & General Dentistry Procedures Modern dentistry offers a wide range of services to make sure your teeth stay healthy, function well and look great. These procedures include:
- Cleanings & Oral Exams, to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and catch early signs of dental disease
- Cosmetic Bonding, to repair small chips or cracks
- Crowns & Bridgework, to replace large amounts of lost tooth structure and/or missing teeth
- Dental Implants, for the longest-lasting tooth replacement available today
- Extractions, to remove unhealthy teeth that cannot be saved
- Fillings, to restore decayed teeth
- Inlays & Onlays, to fill teeth with larger cavities
- Invisalign Clear Aligners, for highly discreet orthodontic treatment
- Oral Cancer Screenings, to detect a dangerous disease that can be cured if caught early
- Orthodontic Treatment, to move teeth into the right position
- Porcelain Veneers, for repairing larger chips and cracks, and reshaping teeth
- Removable Dentures, to help you smile again
- Root Canal Treatment, to rescue diseased teeth
- Sealants, to help prevent cavities
- Teeth Whitening, to brighten a faded or discolored smile
- TMD Treatment, for pain in the jaw area that can interfere with biting and chewing
- Tooth-Colored Fillings, for a completely natural, healthy look
- Tooth Decay Prevention, so you keep your natural teeth as long as possible
When to Visit the Dentist?
Many people only go to the dentist when something is wrong. That is truly a shame, because they are missing out on so many preventive services that can save discomfort — and expense — down the road. Regular dental visits are essential to make sure oral health problems — from tooth decay to oral cancer — are detected and treated in a timely manner. Some individuals may need to see the dentist more often than others to stay on top of problems like plaque buildup and gum disease, but everyone should go at least once per year.
Your regular dental visits will include a thorough oral exam to check the health of your teeth and gums; and oral cancer screening to spot any suspicious signs early; and a professional cleaning to remove stubborn deposits and make your teeth look and feel great. So don’t miss out on the many benefits dentistry offers you and your family!
Your Smile Makeover
The most important job you have as a member of your own smile makeover team is to communicate exactly what you don’t like about your smile and how you’d like it to be different. Before the first consultation, give some thought to the following questions:
- What do you like or dislike about the color, size, shape and spacing of your teeth?
Are you pleased with how much your teeth show, both when you smile and when your lips are relaxed? - Do you want teeth that are perfectly aligned and a bright “Hollywood White,” or would you prefer a more natural look with slight color, shape and shade variations?
- Would you like more or less of your gums to show when you smile?
It is extremely helpful for you to bring in pictures you have collected — of smiles you like, smiles you don’t like, and/or photos of the way your own smile used to look, if that’s the result you’re aiming for. Now is the time to get started on creating a smile that will make you feel as good as you look!
Welcome to Inspire Dental, where your smile and oral health are our top priorities. At our practice, we understand that comprehensive dental care goes beyond just maintaining your natural teeth; it’s about empowering you to look and feel your absolute best. Our dedicated team is passionate about providing a wide array of dental services meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of every patient, including individuals with special needs. Our commitment to compassionate and inclusive dentistry enables us to serve our community effectively, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality dental care.
Cosmetic dentistry is one of the standout features of our practice. If you’re seeking a smile makeover that will enhance your confidence and overall appearance, we offer an impressive range of cosmetic solutions tailored to achieve your desired results. Treatments such as professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile by several shades, combating discoloration caused by food, drinks, or aging. Our teeth whitening procedures are performed under professional supervision to ensure safe and effective results, so you can show off a dazzling smile with pride.
For those dealing with significant imperfections in their teeth, porcelain veneers provide an excellent option. These ultra-thin shells are custom-created to cover the front surface of your natural teeth, effectively repairing chips, cracks, and other aesthetic issues. The result is a stunningly realistic and natural-looking enhancement that can rejuvenate your smile instantly. We take the time to assess your specific dental concerns during your initial consultation, allowing us to craft a personalized treatment plan that brings your vision to life.
Our practice also understands that maintaining optimal dental health is crucial to your overall well-being. Regular oral examinations play a pivotal role in preventing dental diseases and ensuring that your mouth stays healthy and free of complications. During these comprehensive dental check-ups, our team will thoughtfully assess your teeth and gums and provide insights that help you stay on track for a lifetime of great oral health. Our preventive dentistry approach includes professional cleanings designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping to ward off cavities and gum disease.
In the unfortunate event that you experience dental emergencies, our emergency dental care services are available to address your urgent needs. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or lost dental work, we are here to provide prompt and effective treatment. Your peace of mind is our concern, and our compassionate team will work quickly to alleviate your discomfort and restore your oral health.
Inspire Dental is also a leading provider of dental implants — a durable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. Dental implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth while functioning just like natural teeth. Our skilled dental team is experienced in the implantation process, ensuring that you receive the highest quality care during your transition to a new smile. Dental implants not only enhance your smile's appearance but also play a significant role in maintaining bone health and facial structure, marking a lasting investment in your oral health.
For patients with more significant dental issues, our team offers crowns and bridgework to restore large amounts of missing tooth structure or replace missing teeth. Crowns can strengthen damaged teeth, extending their lifespan, while bridges fill the gaps left by missing teeth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably again.
Many of our patients appreciate our financing options, which make it easier than ever to access affordable dental treatment. We understand that budget constraints can sometimes hinder individuals from pursuing the dental care they need. That's why we offer various financing solutions, including CareCredit, to help you manage the cost of your dental services without compromising the quality of care you receive.
At Inspire Dental, inclusive dental care is one of our core values. We provide special needs dentistry to accommodate patients requiring additional support or personal assistance. Our team is trained to create a comfortable and welcoming environment, ensuring that everyone can receive the high-quality dental care they deserve. We firmly believe that dental health is essential for everyone, and we take every measure to accommodate diverse patient needs.
In addition to our general and cosmetic dentistry services, we also provide orthodontic treatment options, such as Invisalign clear aligners. These discreet and effective aligners allow patients to correct misalignment and achieve straighter teeth without the hassle of traditional metal braces. At Inspire Dental, we take pride in our comprehensive dental services, which encompass everything from routine exams to advanced cosmetic and orthodontic procedures aimed at boosting both oral health and self-esteem.
Our dedication to preventive care also extends to oral cancer screenings. We believe in the critical importance of early detection and treatment for oral cancer. Regular screenings allow us to identify potential issues before they become serious health concerns, so you can rest assured that your oral health is in good hands.
As we continue to serve our community, we remain committed to educating our patients on the importance of oral health and hygiene. Our warm and welcoming environment makes Inspire Dental the ideal place for families seeking exceptional family dentistry. We strive to build lasting relationships with our patients, fostering a culture of trust and transparency while addressing every dental need confidently.
Inspire Dental is proud to be your partner in achieving the smile of your dreams while maintaining excellent oral health. With our wide range of services, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to patient comfort, you can trust that you’re in the best hands. Our team is here to listen, support, and guide you throughout your dental journey, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care. Schedule your appointment today, and take the first step toward a brighter, healthier smile!