Dentistry has traditionally focused on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease. However, dentists who are highly skilled at cosmetic dentistry procedures give their patients additional options to improve the appearance of their teeth, smile and mouth. In other words, restorative dentistry, also referred to as general and/or family dentistry practices address dental problems that require necessary treatment; whereas cosmetic dentistry provides elective – or desired – treatments and services.
Cosmetic treatments can give you the smile of your dreams, but they also provide restorative benefits. For example, decayed teeth are commonly treated with dental fillings. Previously, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth.
Today’s dental fillings may be considered cosmetic to a certain extent because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth. This helps maintain the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people choose to have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored fillings to enhance their smile.
Advancements in dental technology in natural-looking, tooth-colored dental materials make today’s cosmetic dental treatments more aesthetically pleasing. And, dentists are using more conservative techniques to preserve as much of your natural tooth possible.
Dentists may also use such technologies as lasers and digital scanners to perform some procedures necessary for cosmetic treatments in their own offices. Almost eliminating the need to refer patients to specialists. This makes procedures such as smile makeovers more convenient and comfortable for patients, as well as helps to reduce recovery time.
Cosmetic dentistry treatments include:
Chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth may be repaired or have their appearance corrected using a procedure called composite bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel is applied onto the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured and hardened with a high-intensity light. The result is a restoration that blends invisibly with the remainder of the surrounding tooth structure and the rest of your natural teeth to create a healthy, bright smile.
Teeth whitening is perhaps the most recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure to turn back the signs of aging. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea or red wine) or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth with whitening gels containing active whitening ingredients that penetrate your enamel can enhance the appearance of your smile. Custom-fitted trays are created that hold safe, effective bleaching product on the teeth and away from your gum tissue resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. (Read more about Teeth Whitening)
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells, that are adhesively bonded to cover the front of teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth and feel incredibly natural. A small amount of your existing tooth structure is removed to accommodate for the very thin, yet strong porcelain veneer that can offer smile improvements that range from subtle to transformative. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening. (Read more about Porcelain Veneers)
Dental implants offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth and an effective solution that will look and feel as natural as your original teeth. When a tooth is lost, the supporting bone quickly disappears. This leads to shifting teeth and additional tooth loss. Dental implants prevent this bone loss and act as support to replace a single tooth or every tooth. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older. (Read more about Dentures vs. Dental Implants)
ClearCorrect is a new technology to correct and enhance your smile. Similar to Invisalign braces, ClearCorrect is an alternative form of braces that avoids traditional metal brackets and wires; using a series of clear, almost invisible trays that are custom designed to gently apply pressure to misplaced teeth and gradually move them into their desired positions. New trays are worn for 2-3 weeks to adapt to the shifting teeth and to apply continuous pressure where needed. These trays are comfortable to wear and do not interfere with your speech; you may even forget that you are wearing them. The ability to remove them as needed allows you to comfortably eat, drink, and brush your teeth without interference. Treatment plans vary from 4 to 12 months and ClearCorrect can be used by teens and adults for beautiful results. (Read more about ClearCorrect, Invisible Braces)
Custom retainers can help maintain straight teeth after braces. It’s not uncommon for teeth to shift back to their previous positions after braces are removed, especially if retainers are not worn as prescribed. Now, custom retainers can be made without uncomfortable, goopy impressions through CEREC technology that can hold teeth in proper place and prevent relapse. (Read more about CEREC Technology)
Smile makeovers involve a comprehensive assessment of your smile aesthetics in order to improve its overall appearance. Typically, one or more cosmetic procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening, will be required for several teeth in both the upper and lower arches in order to achieve the look you want.
Don’t wait for a special event before getting the smile of your dreams. Chipped, cracked, misplaced, and stained teeth can negatively affect your smile and your self-confidence. With natural-looking cosmetic dentistry options at Premier Dental, Dr. Caye specializes in smile makeovers that will restore your smile. Let the world see the person you really are.
Schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation today. We look forward to customizing your treatment to best achieve your aesthetic goals for your dream smile!
Dr. Stephan Caye and his friendly, experienced team at Premier Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Lee’s Summit, MO area. Our office is conveniently located off of Highway 50 and SE Blue Parkway. We offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Premier Dental, we provide most dental health services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal therapy, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Please call us at (816) 600-6330 to schedule an appointment.
