Have you been putting off taking care of your oral health? Are you a part of the 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 that have at least lost one permanent tooth? Or are you looking to boost your confidence by enhancing your smile?
While regular cleanings and checkups may be your only reason to visit the dentist, don’t count out what cosmetic dentistry can do for you. From implants and crowns to whitening and aligning, find out what cosmetic dentistry can do for you.
Keep reading for more details on cosmetic dentistry procedures you can get in the Katy and Houston, Texas area.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
The cosmetic dentistry industry has exploded, and there’s a good reason why. Do you have a desire to improve your smile? You can visit a cosmetic dentist to focus on the appearance of your mouth and gums! The dentist is not just for regular cleaning and checkup purposes anymore.
Cosmetic dental procedures fit every smile, no matter the work your teeth and gums need. Whitenings and fillings are more common, affordable options for minor repairs. Implants and crowns are great for more extensive damage.
Let’s break down the various cosmetic dental procedures you can find at Katy Gentle Dentists, local to the Katy and Houston area.
1. Dental Implants
There are many reasons why cosmetic dental implants could be right for you. You may need replacements for missing teeth or need the removal of damaged teeth. This procedure is long-lasting, making for a worthy investment.
But what are dental implants, and what are they made of? Dental implants are durable, artificial tooth roots made from titanium rods. The dentist fuses the titanium rod implant to your jawbone. This allows the implant to replace many teeth at once and prevent future bone loss.
And don’t worry about your dental implants looking obvious! Your implant will be sure to blend in with the rest of your teeth and look natural with shading techniques.
2. Crowns
You may hear the word “crown” and think of royalty. But crowns are also a dental procedure perfect for anyone with moderate tooth damage. Crowns are customizable down to the shape, color, and size necessary to fit them on the surface of any tooth.
Crowns are placed on top of the damaged tooth–fitting like a glove–to help restore proper shape and size. You can get crowns made of various materials, including porcelain, resin, ceramic, or metal.
Dental crowns are sometimes used in conjunction with other dental procedures to add extra protection. If x-rays show that the tooth is at higher risk of infection or extreme decay, the dentist may perform a root canal first. Those with moderate decay or damage can use crowns for simple repair- especially when fillings won’t do the trick.
There’s no doubt that you’ll feel like royalty after getting crowns to repair your damaged teeth.
3. Teeth Whitening Procedures
Coffee, wine, cigarettes, tobacco: your daily vices can take a significant toll on our teeth- a toll that becomes pretty noticeable over time. But discoloration of the teeth is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. And cosmetic family dentistry is here to help!
In one dental appointment, you can get your teeth back to their brightest shade. This popular cosmetic dental procedure is quick, easy, and quite affordable.
Your cosmetic dentist places a whitening agent on your teeth and leaves it to penetrate the teeth for a certain amount of time. A polishing material may also be applied to help protect your tooth enamel post-procedure.
The Philips Zoom! Whitening treatment offered at Katy Gentle Dentists can leave your smile looking up to eight shades whiter and brighter. Other highlights of this procedure include minimal invasiveness and quick service–only 45 minutes.
Katy Gentle Dentists also offers a professional at-home whitening treatment if you prefer to whiten from home.
4. Invisalign
Do you want to perfect your smile without a metal mouth full of braces? Then Invisalign, inventive clear plastic aligners, is for you! Invisalign gets its name from being nearly invisible while working to align your teeth.
With Invisalign, you can say goodbye to pesky brackets and wires from traditional braces without breaking the bank! Invisalign clear aligners are also removable, allowing you to eat whatever you want still. Plus, no one will even know you’re wearing them!
At your initial appointment, cosmetic dentists will x-ray your mouth to understand your aligner needs better. A mold is then created in your mouth to make the perfect aligners. Then, the aligners get sent to your home with no hassle!
You’ll then come back into the office every six weeks to ensure your aligners are straightening your teeth properly.
A straight smile will not only bring you confidence but help in the prevention of future dental issues. Fractured, crowded teeth could cause problems such as periodontal disease. So, aligning your smile will help.
5. Onlays and Fillings
Dental Fillings and Dental Onlays treat the same issue: a damaged tooth weakened by decay. But what is the main difference between the two, and which one is right for you?
Fillings are pretty standard in cosmetic dentistry. Onlays are made from a mixture of silver and mercury alloy, colored to match the tooth. Then, they cover the damaged part of the tooth to restore it to its original shape.
Onlays are usually used for more extensive or more intense tooth damage. The process involves designing the onlays to fit over your tooth, often replacing the whole top surface. An onlay procedure can occasionally take place on the same day as your initial visit.
Fillings are usually the right choice for you if you have minimal tooth damage. But an onlay may be required to repair extensive damage. Consult a local cosmetic dentist you can trust to get a full assessment of what your teeth need.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures for You at Katy Gentle Dentists
You may be on the fence about seeking any of the cosmetic dentistry procedures described above. Just know that your smile and oral health are worth it! At Katy Gentle Dentists, we’ll make sure to work with your health care provider to ensure any cosmetic procedure is in your health’s best interest.
Contact Katy Gentle Dentists today to set up an appointment or for more information about our services. Let’s get you back to smiling again.