Cosmetic Dentistry Louisville – Improve the Look of Your Smile
Cosmetic Dentistry Louisville focuses on elective treatments to improve the look of your smile. These procedures range from teeth whitening to dental veneers and implant-supported bridges.
These treatment options can also address underlying issues that may threaten your dental health. A plan can be tailored to fit your specific goals and concerns.
Teeth Whitening
Most whitening products contain a combination of detergents and abrasives to remove surface stains and bleaches that react with the chromogens in a tooth’s color to lighten it. Professional whitening treatments use higher concentrations of bleaching compounds that are typically activated by a high-intensity light source.
The amount by which teeth are whitened varies from patient to patient, with inborn tooth color influencing results. Intrinsic stains, however, may be more resistant to whitening and can be addressed with alternative cosmetic dentistry Louisville solutions such as dental veneers.
Choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist is important for successful treatment. They should be able to show before and after photos of their work and provide patient testimonials. They should also be able to explain how they plan to treat your unique needs.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin coverings for your teeth that can mask discoloration, chips, and gaps. They’re custom-made for your smile and fit into your natural dental structure. They can also boost your self-confidence.
During your first office visit, your dentist prepares the tooth or teeth to hold the veneer. They may apply a mild anesthetic to reduce discomfort.
Once the shape, color and size are approved by you and your dentist, they permanently bond the veneer to the tooth with dental cement. Your dentist will check the veneers for comfort, function and bite, and may recommend that you use a mouthguard if you clench or grind your teeth at night.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a fast, affordable, and minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry Louisville treatment that can correct a range of issues including chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. During the procedure, dentists place a composite resin material onto the tooth and shape it for a natural appearance.
Your dentist will use a shade guide to select the composite resin color that most closely matches your natural tooth enamel. Next, they will prepare the tooth by roughening it slightly and coating it with a conditioning liquid to improve adhesion.
Finally, they apply the putty-like resin to your tooth and sculpt it into shape. Then they harden it using a bright light.
Lumineers
Lumineers and veneers are two popular cosmetic dental treatments that hide gaps, chips, cracks, discoloration, and slightly crooked teeth. Both options work by covering the front of your teeth, and both offer long-lasting and effective results. However, it is important to consult with a skilled Dentist in Louisville & Frankfort, KY, before selecting either treatment.
Lumineers are ultra-thin porcelain veneers that your dentist can affix to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Unlike traditional veneers, they do not require aggressive preparation of the natural teeth, making them a pain-free and less invasive option. Lumineers are also more reversible than veneers.
Dental Implants
If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants provide a permanent solution that looks and feels like natural teeth. They can also help you bite and chew more normally, and avoid bone loss in the empty socket.
Once the implant heals (a process known as osseointegration) the abutment is placed on top and an impression taken of the area so that the restoration can be made. Then the crown is screwed on top of the abutment.
Dental bridges and dentures are other ways of replacing missing teeth but our cosmetic dentistry Louisville prefer to use dental implants when possible. They’re more durable and a more attractive option for tooth replacement.
Smile Makeovers
Many people feel that their smiles are a vital social and professional asset, but others struggle to overcome self-consciousness due to discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Cosmetic treatments not only improve the look of your smile, but can also address underlying issues like tooth decay and jawbone loss.
A smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic dentistry Louisville and restorative procedures that are customized to meet your goals. It can include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and crowns or bridges, among other options.
Patients who receive a smile makeover should commit to practicing good oral hygiene habits to maintain their new, beautiful smiles. They should also avoid substances and habits that can cause them to lose their results over time.
