Cosmetic Dentistry – Veneers, Crowns, Whitening and Dental Implants for a Perfect Smile

Facial injuries and everyday wear and tear can make your smile look old or damaged. A skilled cosmetic dentist can restore your teeth’s shape, appearance, and function with a variety of treatments.

While all dentists can perform fillings, a cosmetic dentistry Raleigh NC has additional training and extensive experience in procedures like veneers and whitening. They offer a fully transparent approach based on your needs and #smilegoals for optimal results.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are coverings for the front surface of a tooth that help camouflage cosmetic flaws, such as chips, cracks, stains or gaps. They are a non-invasive one-stop treatment that can improve your smile’s appearance and boost your confidence. However, they are only a cosmetic procedure and shouldn’t be used to replace necessary dental care like teeth whitening or crowns.

Typically made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers are thin sheaths that cover the visible front of your teeth. They can improve the appearance of a chipped or broken tooth, close small gaps, lengthen worn teeth, or make teeth appear whiter and brighter. While they aren’t a permanent fix for your smile, they can last up to a decade.

Traditional veneers require extensive prep work, which involves removing a layer of the enamel to allow for proper placement. However, some dentists offer a less invasive option called no-prep veneers or lumineers. These veneers are similar to other types but don’t require the removal of tooth structure and can be applied in one office visit.

To care for your veneers, brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects or foods and wear a mouthguard if you play a contact sport. You should also talk to your dentist about avoiding certain foods and drinks that may stain or discolor your veneers, such as coffee and red wine.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a type of restoration that covers and protects damaged teeth. It can also be used to support a dental implant or help halt the progression of tooth decay. A dentist can use various materials to craft a crown, but the most common are porcelain and ceramic. The natural look of these materials makes them ideal for restoring broken or misshapen teeth.

Gold crowns are typically reserved for molars because they offer the best longevity. They are also able to withstand the intense bite forces generated by chewing hard foods. These types of crowns are also preferred by patients with bruxism because they are less likely to break due to heavy pressure.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the durability of metal and ceramic for a more natural-looking option. However, the metal part of the crown may show through the gums if the patient’s gingiva recedes. For this reason, it’s important to maintain good tissue control during the preparation stage and impression stage.

The lifespan of a dental crown is directly related to its fabrication method, the materials used and the overall treatment plan. To promote the lifespan of any crown, patients should practice excellent oral hygiene and visit their dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams.

Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening is an excellent way to brighten teeth that have become discolored over time. It works by removing the discoloration from the surface of the tooth and bleaching the remaining internal structure. Many teeth whitening products contain oxidizing chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which break down the staining molecules in the tooth’s enamel.

The success of a whitening procedure depends on a number of factors, including the natural color of your teeth, how white you want them to be, and what caused the initial discoloration (e.g., antibiotics, coffee, tea, red wine). It is also important to consider whether you have any other dental treatments, such as bonding or crowns, because whitening does not work on these materials and can even damage them.

In addition to whitening, there are other cosmetic dentistry Raleigh NC procedures that can help improve the appearance of your smile. For example, dental veneers are extremely thin "shields" that cover the front of your teeth to create the shape, size and shade you desire. Dental veneers can also fix chipped or cracked teeth, fill in gaps, and cover stains.

Dental Implants

Implants offer an attractive and long-term solution to missing teeth. They also help preserve the jaw bone and significantly reduce bone resorption that would otherwise occur with missing teeth. They also allow the patient to chew and speak with more confidence, as well as improve their facial appearance.

Dental implants consist of a titanium screw-shaped implant post, an abutment and a crown. The implant post is surgically placed in the jawbone, where it heals and integrates with the surrounding tissue. This process is known as osseointegration. The abutment fits over the implant post, and the crown is placed on top of it to create a complete artificial tooth.

The implant process takes several months or even a year to complete, and it is important to follow your doctor's advice regarding oral hygiene and regular visits. During the healing process, you may experience pain or discomfort. If you smoke or engage in behaviors that contraindicate good oral health, the implant may fail to fuse with the surrounding tissue, causing it to fall out or become loose.

If you're interested in enhancing your smile, the team at our dental clinic can help. We offer a wide range of smile-perfecting treatments, including metal-free dental crowns and Invisalign clear aligners. We'll work with you to find a treatment that best suits your needs.