You have various smile flaws or stained teeth you’d like to correct or conceal. You have read about cosmetic dentistry but realized various treatments can address the same issues. How do you know which one is best for you? What’s the process for these treatments? Is one more invasive than the other?
In this blog one of your local cosmetic dentists, Dr. Park, will aim to answer these questions, letting you know what to expect from various procedures, such as:
- Professional Teeth Whitening
- Dental Veneers
- Cosmetic Restorations
- Tooth Replacement
- Invisalign®
- Smile Makeovers
Cosmetic Dentistry: What Is it and What to Expect
Cosmetic dentistry is any treatment (or combination of treatments) designed to address aesthetic flaws.
As mentioned, I can address the same cosmetic issue using various means. For example, professional teeth whitening in Dedham, MA, can reduce or eliminate tooth stains, but this is not the only method to achieve a whiter and brighter smile.
What to expect depends on the treatment you choose. Fortunately, I can describe the treatments during your initial cosmetic dentistry consultation and tell you what to expect.
Some treatments, like teeth whitening and dental bonding, are non-invasive. In contrast, other treatments require a bit of tooth prep. However, modern cosmetic dentistry makes treatment straightforward and painless, no matter the option (or options) you choose.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures in Dedham
All cosmetic dentistry treatments and procedures start with a consultation in our dental office. This appointment is a conversation where I learn what you’d like to achieve through cosmetic dentistry.
For my part, I answer your questions and talk to you about the best treatment options for your specific concerns. Sometimes, the treatment you have been considering will not achieve the desired results. I can explain why and offer alternatives.
This appointment also covers costs and lets you know what to expect.
Now, let’s cover the various treatments and procedures.
Professional Teeth Whitening
I'm pleased to offer in-office and take-home teeth whitening. In-office means fast results and can brighten your teeth by up to ten shades during a single visit. This is the quickest way to lift tooth stains.
Take-home teeth whitening consists of custom whitening trays worn over the teeth and prescription-strength whitening gel. This method is for people who want to whiten on their own time over several weeks.
Before teeth whitening in Dedham, MA, I assess your oral health and may start you with teeth cleaning to maximize whitening results.
Porcelain Veneers
Many celebrities have porcelain veneers because they can give a picture-perfect smile. Veneers can hide most flaws, including:
- Short and worn teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Gummy smiles
- Slightly crooked teeth
- General flaws and discoloration
I remove a bit of enamel for porcelain veneers to ensure a flush and natural-looking result. Then, I secure the custom veneers to the teeth you’d like to treat. This is not painful!
However, removing enamel means your veneers are permanent and should be replaced if lost or damaged.
Veneers can conceal tooth discoloration if professional teeth whitening is not suitable.
Tooth-Colored Restorations and Bonding
Tooth-colored restorations may include veneers, tooth-colored fillings, and dental crowns.
A tooth-colored filling is an aesthetically pleasing way to treat tooth decay. Dental crowns support weak and damaged teeth and can also hide flaws like chips, cracks, short teeth, and discoloration.
I make dental bonding material from composite resin. I use it to sculpt, conceal, fill, and buffer out general flaws. I then set the material using a special dental light.
In the capacity of tooth stains, crowns and bonding offer an alternative to teeth whitening and veneers, with dental bonding being the most budget-friendly option.
Tooth Replacement, Including Dental Implants
Tooth replacement is vital to oral health, but it is also cosmetic.
Of course, dental implants, including single implants and fixed dentures, are the gold standard because they support bone health and are synonymous with longevity.
The dental implant is a tooth root replacement surgically placed in the jaw under anesthesia. You’ll not feel pain! The implant integrates with bone, and then it is ready for a dental crown. I can use up to six dental implants to secure a fixed denture.
Dental bridges are custom-restoration teeth connected to healthy teeth via attached crowns. They are also a fixed solution.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners in Dedham, MA, are made from impressions of your teeth. They are discreet and removable, so you won’t draw attention to your treatment or have eating restrictions.
Correcting misaligned teeth through orthodontics can take several months or longer than two years. During your initial consultation, I can determine how long you’ll be in treatment.
After treatment, I provide a custom retainer to ensure your teeth don’t return to their previous positions.
Smile Makeovers
A full smile makeover considers the health and appearance of your smile. Pretreatments may include repairing or replacing old restorations, treating new cavities, and addressing any underlying conditions to ensure cosmetic success.
With this option, I carefully plan treatment using various cosmetic options to address your goals. I can work on a timeframe that fits your budget and schedule.
You may want a whiter smile and to replace one or two teeth. You may also have slight misalignment and a damaged tooth. A complete smile makeover is designed to address a wide range of issues.
After Cosmetic Dentistry
I provide all aftercare instructions to help ensure long-term success.
However, cosmetic dentists in Dedham, MA, agree that it’s vital to maintain your oral health. It would be best if you visited our dental office for checkups and teeth cleanings every six months. This is true even if you have not had cosmetic treatment. It would help if you also implemented excellent oral hygiene between these visits.
It’s important to report all oral health changes and concerns to our office in a timely manner. We are always here if you have questions.
Are You Considering Cosmetic Dentistry?
Do you have questions for our team? Are you ready to schedule your consultation? To learn more or to get started, contact a friendly dental team member today at (781) 326-6260. Our office is easily accessible from Hyde Park, Norwood, and Canton.
Ask us about our financing options!