Cosmetic Dentistry

Imagine what it would be like to have a perfect, flaw-free smile. The power of a beautiful smile shouldn’t be underestimated; after all, having a healthy-looking smile is one of the most sought-after physical assets among people. We use our smiles on a daily basis to convey an array of emotions. A smile can make a person feel accepted and welcome.

Having a flawed smile can make life more difficult for some. If one is embarrassed by their smiles, he or she is more likely to suffer from low self-image and depression. Fortunately, people do not have to suffer from a less-than-perfect smile. Cosmetic dentistry can address imperfections of every nature to produce the appearance of asymmetrical, vibrant smile. Brown Family Dentistry offers some of the most popular cosmetic treatments available today including effective teeth whitening, white (tooth-colored) restorations, and porcelain veneers.

Teeth Whitening

If you’re happy with the shape and positioning of your teeth but are displeased with their color, receiving professional teeth whitening is an excellent way to revamp your smile and your overall appearance. Brown Family Dentistry provides effective yet safe professional teeth whitening. Our team utilizes prescription-grade whitening solutions that lift deep, stubborn stains that have formed below the enamel layer of teeth. Teeth whitening is a non-invasive way to produce dramatic results. Many people enjoy teeth whitening treatments before special events like weddings and parties.

White Restorations

When teeth are worn by years of improper contact, restorations can be used to bring teeth back to their rightful shape and size. If white materials are used to create restorations, patients can enjoy cosmetic benefits of restorations as well. For instance, a porcelain crown is a great method for protecting a damaged tooth and increasing its aesthetic appeal. Crowns fit over teeth like caps so they cover all visible surfaces of a tooth. This means that a crown can conceal everything from intrinsic and extrinsic tooth stains to chips and cracks.

Porcelain Veneers

When it comes to producing a total smile makeover, porcelain veneers are one of the best options. These cosmetic enhancements are permanently bonded to the outside of teeth to conceal imperfections like stains, gaps, chips, cracks, and tooth wear. Moreover, bonding multiple veneers over the most visible teeth produces the appearance of a uniform, symmetrical smile where teeth look straight, smooth, and vibrantly white. Porcelain veneers are wafer thin so that they look natural when covering a tooth’s flaws. Receiving porcelain veneers involves two to three office appointments since veneers are custom made in dental laboratories. The placement process is minimally invasive and normally does not require anesthetics. If you have questions about cosmetic dental treatments, call Brown Family Dentistry to reserve a smile makeover consultation.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Questions

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses procedures and treatments meant to increase the attractiveness of a smile. This means that cosmetic dental treatments strive to conceal or restore noticeable flaws like permanent tooth stains, worn dentition, cracks, chips, spacing issues, and misshapen teeth.

When performing a cosmetic treatment, our team takes a person’s entire facial appearance into consideration. Cosmetic treatments should improve the appearance of teeth without making a smile look unnatural. Since everyone’s facial structure and oral anatomy is unique, it is important to take a customized approach so that patients enjoy the best cosmetic treatments have to offer.

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that are custom made for each patient. They are bonded over a damaged tooth so that the crown covers all visible surfaces of the tooth being treated. When used to improve the appearance of a tooth, a white crown – normally made from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal – can conceal tooth wear, intrinsic and extrinsic tooth stains, and old unsightly dental work. Not only can white crowns improve the appearance of teeth, they can strengthen them by reinforcing their outer structure.

What is a veneer?

Dental veneers are tooth-shaped cosmetic enhancements that are custom made in dental laboratories. Milled from fine porcelain, veneers conceal nearly any type of dental imperfection without looking unnatural. In fact, since veneers are custom made, they will look and feel like biological tooth structure. A veneer is bonded over the front side of a tooth to conceal imperfections. Most of the time, patients choose to receive multiple veneers because when the most visible teeth are treated, a smile will appear perfect and flaw-free. Since veneers are custom made and carefully bonded over teeth, patients can enjoy their red carpet-worthy smile for years to come.

How often should I have a cleaning?

If your smile has become dull and discolored, you are likely feeling self-conscious about it. If you yearn for a whiter smile, we recommend visiting our practice for a consultation with our dentist instead of purchasing whitening products from a supermarket or drug store. Professional whitening is preferred to over-the-counter products because it is more effective and safe for teeth. Products purchased from a store might have unstable or ineffective formulas or harsh abrasives. Overusing store-bought products can lead to permanent tooth sensitivity. Professional teeth whitening utilizes clinical-grade lightening solutions that are potent enough to remove deep stains without compromising the health of a tooth or a person’s comfort.