A captivating smile is more than a beautiful feature. It bolsters confidence and leaves a lasting impression.
Cosmetic dentistry is a term used to describe treatments that improve the appearance of teeth, ranging from dental implants to tooth whitening.
Dr. Jason Montgomery and Dr. Nicole Sivie are both trailblazers in the field of cosmetic dentistry, with a shared passion for education and community service. Their dedication to advancing their skills and staying on top of the latest advancements sets them apart from their peers.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin shells crafted of porcelain that we bond to the front of your teeth to mask many common aesthetic dental problems. They can cover discoloration, chipped or misshapen teeth, close small gaps, and give your smile a brighter, whiter appearance. These veneers are also durable and resistant to staining from coffee, tea, and even cigarette smoke (though we don’t encourage smoking for other health reasons). Veneers can be used alone or in combination with other cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening or Invisalign aligners.
The first step in getting veneers is to schedule an initial consultation and discuss what you want to achieve with your smile. You’ll also undergo a thorough examination, and your dentist may take X-rays to ensure your teeth are healthy. The dentist will trim a bit of enamel to make room for the veneers, but this is typically done under a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. The dentist will then take a mold of your teeth to guide the fabrication of your veneers, which will typically take about two weeks.
Porcelain veneers are permanent, so they’re better for patients who want a long-lasting solution to their tooth problems. However, composite veneers are a good choice for those who want a quick, affordable option or who don’t mind a temporary improvement. Ultimately, it’s important to discuss your goals and lifestyle with your dentist to help you decide which kind of veneers is best for you.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry plano tx. It uses a professional bleaching agent to remove surface stains and discoloration from the teeth, brightening them several shades. This treatment is safe for most people and typically does not require any discomfort or downtime.
Before the whitening procedure, your dental team will review your medical and dental history and ask questions about your smile goals. Then, they’ll use a tooth shade guide to record your current tooth color and determine your ideal shade. They’ll also take X-rays and/or a tooth impression to ensure that the treatment is appropriate for you.
A whitening treatment usually takes about an hour, depending on your needs. When it’s complete, your dentist will evaluate the new shade of your teeth and provide instructions for how to maintain your beautiful smile. They’ll recommend that you brush and floss regularly, avoid foods and drinks that stain (like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda) and visit the dentist for regular cleanings.
A captivating smile can make a profound impact on your life, boosting confidence and self-assuredness. Cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of solutions that can enhance your smile’s appearance and even improve your oral health, like straightening or correcting misalignment. With their expert guidance, Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Sivie are dedicated to transforming smiles into works of art that radiate beauty and positivity. To learn more, contact us today to schedule your consultation!
Dental Implants
Cosmetic dentistry not only improves your smile’s appearance, but can also correct structural problems like misalignment and bite issues. This can lead to better oral health and even a healthier diet, as properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and more difficult to decay.
Dental implants are cylinders surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw that function as sturdy anchors for replacement teeth. They are made from titanium and other materials that are biocompatible with the human body, making them a safe and natural choice for missing teeth. They can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or support full dentures.
After an initial consultation, your dentist will assess the health of your mouth and jawbone with diagnostic dental X-rays and other methods to determine whether you are a good candidate for treatment. Once your dentist has determined that you are, he or she will create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all of your concerns.
Depending on your particular needs, you may require a bone graft to ensure that you have enough bone to hold an implant. This can be done using natural bone from another area of your mouth or a synthetic bone-substitute. In addition, your dentist may recommend a sinus augmentation to raise the floor of your sinus cavity, which can make it easier for you to receive an implant. Once your implant has healed, he or she will put a crown on top of it, giving it the appearance of a healthy, natural tooth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a type of cap that your dentist places over damaged teeth. They can be made out of a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramic. Your dentist may recommend a crown for cosmetic reasons or to strengthen your tooth if other treatment options aren’t effective. Crowns can cover a weakened or broken tooth, provide a stronger chewing surface, and restore a normal shape. Your dentist may also use them to support a bridge or an implant, or they might be needed after a root canal or if you have a large filling.
Porcelain crowns look most like natural teeth, but they’re typically less durable and can break easier than other types of crowns. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a good option if you want the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. Resin crowns are a cost-effective choice but may not last as long as other types of crowns. Metal crowns tend to have the longest lifespan, but they’re not as strong or durable as porcelain or ceramic crowns.
To extend the life of your crowns, you should practice excellent oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s instructions. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help to prevent cavities, which can damage your crowns and the natural teeth around them. You should also visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist will be able to identify any problems and provide solutions before they cause further damage or lead to more serious issues.
Bridges
Missing teeth leave gaps in your smile that make it difficult to speak and eat normally. Dental bridges replace these missing teeth and help restore your natural appearance and function. You can choose between traditional and implant-supported bridges.
Traditional bridges consist of a crown on each side of the gap and a pontic in between. These bridges are typically made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. You can also get a Maryland bridge, which is similar to a traditional bridge except that it has metal wings on the back surfaces of your neighboring (abutment) teeth. This helps strengthen the bridge and prevent it from shifting.
If you’re considering an implant-supported bridge, your dentist will first place dental implants into your jaw bone during oral surgery. They’ll then wait for the implants to heal and fully integrate (fuse) with your jawbone. This takes three to six months on average, but it might take longer in some cases.
Bridges can last 5-15 years, but you’ll need to see your dentist regularly to maintain them. They can be weakened by tooth decay, gum disease, or if the abutment teeth aren’t healthy enough to support the bridge. You can prevent this by keeping your bridge clean, including rinsing with water and brushing it regularly. You should also avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or other hard items that can damage the abutment teeth.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment that hides or repairs tooth discoloration, chips, cracks, small cavities, and other dental defects. Bonding can even increase the length of a short tooth to make the teeth look more uniform in appearance. This procedure is usually performed in one office visit and requires minimal anesthesia.
The dentist starts by selecting a shade of composite resin that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. They then roughen the surface of the tooth and coat it with a conditioning liquid to help the adhesive material stick better to the tooth. Once the bonding is in place, the dentist molds and smoothes it to match the appearance of your natural teeth. Then a curing light is used to harden the bonding material.
The bonding typically lasts up to 10 years, but it’s less durable than other restorative treatments like crowns or veneers. It is also susceptible to staining, so you’ll want to be careful about what you eat and drink. To help keep your bonded teeth looking their best, you should brush and floss regularly and see the dentist for your regular six-month cleanings. This prevents plaque from building up and causing decay in the teeth. In addition, you should avoid biting your nails and grinding your teeth, as these habits can also damage your bonding. You should also see the dentist if you notice that your bonded teeth are chipping or breaking.
