Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. It involves treatments that aren’t considered medically necessary or required for your oral health, and they’re often not covered by dental insurance plans.
Composite veneers are thin ’covers’ of resin that can be skillfully sculpted to the front surfaces of your teeth, effectively correcting problems like chips, gaps, and discoloration. Schedule a consultation to find out if veneers are right for you.
Tooth-colored fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite resin fillings, are a great option for patients with small to medium cavities. They look more natural than traditional amalgam fillings and can strengthen teeth. With proper care, your tooth-colored fillings should last a lifetime.
Before the procedure begins, the dentist will numb the tooth-filling region with local anesthetic. Then, they’ll use a dental drill to remove decayed tissue and clean the area. They’ll then dry the area and etch it, so that the tooth-colored filling material will bond with the tooth. The filling is then placed and cured with special lights for hardening.
These types of fillings are also a good choice for replacing older amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings require a certain amount of healthy enamel to be removed for proper structural stability, but composite resin doesn’t, which means less healthy tooth structure is removed. Also, composite resin is more stable than amalgam, so it’s a better option for molars, which get a lot of wear.
Composite veneers
Composite veneers are a type of tooth-colored resin that can improve the appearance of your teeth. They can mask moderate to severe discoloration and correct tooth misalignment. They can also fix chipped or cracked teeth. They are an excellent option for patients who want a more attractive smile.
The veneers are affixed to your existing teeth with an adhesive bonding material. The dentist can usually do this in one appointment. The process is reversible, but the composite material may stain over time. The veneers typically last five to seven years, but they might need replacement after a few years.
Porcelain veneers last longer, but they are more expensive and require more invasive prep work to prepare the tooth surface for the shells. They are also not as durable and can be more difficult to repair than composite veneers. If you are considering porcelain, consider your budget and aesthetic goals before making a final decision. No-prep veneers are another option and offer a less permanent solution.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry Lancaster TX procedure to transform dull, stained teeth. During the process, our dentists use high-quality whitening gel and an LED Light System to stimulate the oxidation of stain compounds in the tooth enamel. This results in bright, white smiles that improve confidence and esteem. Although whitening is non-invasive, some patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages after treatment. This typically subsides within a few days.
Composite veneers are thin ‘covers’ made from porcelain or resin that can be placed over the front surface of a tooth to alter its appearance. These thin covers can be used to change the color, size, and shape of a tooth, as well as correcting other dental issues such as closing gaps between teeth or repairing chipped teeth. Like teeth whitening, veneers can be long-lasting with routine oral care. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to schedule touch-up visits every six months to maintain your beautiful new smile.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a popular alternative to dentures and bridgework. They replace missing teeth and improve a person’s ability to chew and speak. They also look and feel more natural than traditional tooth replacements. The procedure involves placing a metal screw-like post in the jawbone to hold artificial teeth.
During an implant procedure, you may receive a local or general anesthetic. You may also take antibiotics before the surgery to prevent infection. The surgical process takes place in a dentist’s office or hospital, and is performed by an oral surgeon.
Dental implants are expensive, but many dental insurance plans cover the cost of this treatment. However, it’s important to read your plan details carefully and pay special attention to the sections that cover "limitations and exclusions." Often these sections describe when your plan does not cover specific treatments, including dental implants. Moreover, patients with dental implants should brush and floss regularly, and visit their dentists for routine cleanings.
You must be logged in to post a comment.