
Enhance Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry at Westchase Dental
Aside from addressing your general dental needs, Westchase Dental offers a range of cosmetic dentistry westchase tx treatments that can transform the appearance of your smile. Depending on the treatment you choose, the results can last anywhere from one to ten years. For example, teeth whitening typically lasts for a year, while porcelain veneers can endure up to 20 years.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored composite or porcelain that can be bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are used to camouflage flaws such as chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration and more. Dental veneers can also help hide stains that don’t respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
The first step in getting dental veneers is selecting a shade of veneer to best match your natural teeth. Then, we prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel (imagine no more than the thickness of a fingernail). We then make an impression or scan your mouth to create a 3D model and send it off to the lab so your veneer can be fabricated. You may get a temporary veneer to wear while yours are being made.
Dental veneers are a great solution for people who want to boost their smile’s appearance but don’t have the time or money for more extensive treatments such as orthodontics. However, it’s important to remember that veneers are not permanent and will need regular maintenance. This includes not biting your nails or engaging in clenching or grinding your teeth, which can break off the veneer coverings.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening, or bleaching, is a non-invasive dental procedure that can significantly brighten your smile. The procedure uses a safe and effective bleaching agent that can be used in the dentist office or in a take-home kit for your convenience.
The most common methods of teeth whitening involve a relatively high concentration of a peroxide gel, which is applied to the surface of your teeth, typically after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. The peroxide breaks down the stains within your enamel, allowing the tooth color to lighten.
In most cases, a single in-office whitening session can whiten your teeth several shades. However, it is important to note that the whitening effect doesn’t last forever, and will fade gradually over time. You can help your whitening results last longer by avoiding food and beverages that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. You should also maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing, as well as attending regular dental appointments and cleanings.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts that anchor artificial teeth. They look and feel like your own natural teeth, allowing you to smile with confidence. Implants can also help preserve bone and tissue that would otherwise deteriorate over time.
Your cosmetic dentistry westchase tx will examine your mouth to determine whether you are a candidate for implants. A comprehensive exam includes dental X-rays and 3D images of your jaw and teeth. You may also need a sinus augmentation, a procedure that raises the floor of the sinus cavity to allow for proper implant placement.
With good oral health habits, such as regular brushing and flossing with a water flosser, your implants can last a lifetime. You will also need to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and maintenance. During your visit, your dentist can assess the health of your implants and recommend any needed care. We can help you find the best treatment plan to meet your specific needs and goals.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are more than just a cosmetic dentistry westchase tx procedure, they can improve the overall health of your teeth and mouth. Unlike fillings which plug up small cavities or veneers which cover crooked or chipped teeth, dental crowns encase your entire tooth. They are custom shaped, colored, and sized to match your natural tooth. They can fix severe discoloration, mild gaps, and a range of other problems for an even smile.
They are typically made of feldspathic porcelain, which is traditional and luminous (allowing the underlying tooth color to shine through). However, they can also be milled from a single block of solid ceramic for durability and strength (these are known as monolithic CAD/CAM crowns).
Before the dentist starts work, they numb the tooth with a local anesthetic and then reshape it to fit a porcelain cap. This is done after a x-ray has been taken to check the reshaped tooth for issues. Once it’s ready, they cement the porcelain crown into place.