Cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on improving the aesthetic appearance and enhancement of one’s smile. Not only is it important to us to help with the look of your smile but we also care about the functionality and health of your teeth. Speaking and chewing are also aspects that we help with in cosmetic dentistry. There are several services that we offer and take pride in here at Dynamic Smile Design. Each service is unique and an option that may be just right for you and improving the look and health of your smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers may be a good option for you if you generally have healthy teeth but they are misaligned, crowded and even heavily stained. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom made layers of material that are permanently bonded to the front of visible teeth to create a more even smile. Porcelain veneers are natural looking and really add to the look of your smile. Some benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Can completely transform your smile without extensive procedures
- Natural tooth color matching capability
- Easily cared for, similar to natural teeth
- Can last 15 years or more
While porcelain veneers may be a more expensive treatment it is an option that can solve many dental aesthetic problems in a short amount of time. It is an option that lasts and is worth the investment.
If you have decided that veneers are the option for you and after discussing it with Orlando Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Patel, a skilled ceramist will create your veneers from a durable, high-quality dental porcelain. In the meantime you will wear a set of temporary veneers. Once your permanent porcelain veneers are complete they will be bonded in place and provide you with a gorgeous smile.
Teeth Whitening
Many different factors may lead to you needing to whiten your teeth. Food, beverages, and tobacco use are among some of them and can leave your teeth looking different shades of yellow, orange and brown. This can cause one to lose some self-confidence in their smile. We can help!
The teeth whitening option we offer is called Zoom! And can be done in our office or at home. Some benefits of this whitening system include:
- Removal of dental stains and discoloration
- Short treatment time. This can be done in a little over an hour
- A whiter smile in just one visit
- Whitening that lasts for weeks
- Touch up options that can be done at home
If it is determined that you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, treatment can start right away. A special gel will be put on your teeth and a lighting system will be put in front of your smile. You will be able to return to your normal activities. You may experience some sensitivity but it should not last for long.
We also offer teeth whitening trays that you can take home if the in-office system doesn’t work with your schedule.
Cosmetic Bonding
When you need a temporary solution until something more permanent can be done, cosmetic bonding is the option for you. It’s less expensive than veneers and is a simple and functional option. We will start by roughening up the surface of the tooth that needs to be reshaped. A conditioning liquid is applied to prepare the tooth for bonding. A composite resin is then applied and carefully molded to create the proper shape of the tooth. A light is then placed in front of the tooth to cure and harden the resin.
Some benefits of cosmetic bonding include:
- Little to no prep work
- Quick in office treatment
- Inexpensive option when compared to veneers
One of the drawbacks is that this does not last as long as veneers and will last between 5-10 years. Cosmetic bonding is still an excellent option for gaining a beautiful, healthy smile.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an excellent option when you want to achieve a straight and aligned smile. The Invisalign treatment uses a series of virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. These clear aligners are made with 3D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective.
Invisalign has many benefits which include:
- Virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth
- The aligners are removable so you can eat and drink what you want during treatment
- No problems while brushing or flossing
- More comfortable than traditional braces
- Because there are no metal or wires, this means you spend less time in the office getting adjustments
- Allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan
After a few visits to our office to get your customized aligners the treatment and check ins are easy. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next set, your teeth will move, little by little, week by week until they are straightened to their final positions. At your appointments with us we’ll make sure that the aligners are doing their job and your treatment is progressing as planned.
Dental Implants
When a tooth can no longer be saved dental implants will be recommended. Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place they allow us to mount replacement teeth onto them. Because implants are fused to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. The benefits of receiving dental implants include:
- A tooth can be replaced whether it was just lost or lost years ago
- Strength and structure are restored to your jaw bone and mouth
- Helps reduce the risk of additional tooth loss
- Can improve speech, eating ability and facial structure
- Brings a foundation for bridges or dentures
- Can last a lifetime
- Brings self confidence by improving smile appearance and functionality
To receive dental implants it’s important that you have healthy gums and adequate jaw bone support. Dental implants can help you restore your smile to its full potential.
Gum Contouring
Gum Contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure designed to improve the appearance of patients with a “gummy smile”. When these patients smile, there is a noticeably large amount of pink gum visible, while the whites of the teeth appear disproportionately small and/or crooked.
Enlarged gums are usually a product of genetics, but the condition may also occur as a reaction to certain prescription drugs. The goal of the gum contouring procedure is to physically cut back the gums and reveal more tooth surface, so as to restore a more natural gum-to-tooth ratio.
The gum contouring procedure is often conducted with a laser system, with the help of a local anesthetic. Lasers give dentists the ability to make very precise alterations and to target very small areas between teeth. Lasers also have the added benefit of being able to instantly cauterize (seal) the gum incision to limit bleeding.
Using this method, the gums are shaped to look aesthetically beautiful. Once the surface of the teeth is elongated, patients may have enough tooth surface area to support additional cosmetic procedures, such as the installation of caps or veneers.
Gum contouring may also serve a medical need by eliminating “gum pockets”. This is an empty space between the gum and the tooth surface, which food and germs may fall down into, causing an infection. Dr. Patel will use this procedure to eliminate the sections of gum with pockets.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your gums, contact the Dynamic Smile Design team today for a consultation. We’ll take a look at your smile and advise you of all the cosmetic dentistry procedures that you may be a candidate for.
