Modern cosmetic dentistry can help you get the smile of your dreams.
Cosmetic dentistry has been around for well over a century, but it wasn’t until the ‘80s and ‘90s when cosmetic dental practices as we know them today really took off in popularity. Today’s modern cosmetic dentistry is far more advanced compared to even just a few decades ago.
The evolution in the technology behind modern cosmetic dentistry also means more people than ever are interested in it. Cosmetic services like veneers and smile makeovers are certainly no longer something reserved for movie stars. Chances are you know multiple people who have invested in cosmetic services for their smile and been thrilled with the results.
If you’re interested in a smile makeover of your own but feel as though you’re in uncharted waters, don’t worry! Here are the basics of everything you should know about cosmetic dentistry.
The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to create a beautiful, natural appearance.
Do you want a smile makeover but you’re concerned about your new smile looking fake or obvious? We’ve got good news for you.
Shocking white smiles and the dreaded Chiclet teeth are all things of the past. Cosmetic dentists in decades past were pioneers and though those attempts at smile makeovers yielded not-so-natural results, they paved the way for the incredibly realistic techniques and materials we have today.
The priority of cosmetic dentistry is to get a beautiful result that looks stunning but still realistic. These changes may be obvious at first if you’re transforming crooked, discolored, or chipped teeth, but the teeth won’t look fake.
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t purely about aesthetics—there are functional benefits too.
“Cosmetic” may be in the name, but cosmetic dentistry offers a lot of functional benefits for many people as well.
These are a few examples:
- Straightening crooked teeth reduces plaque build-up and prevents tooth decay.
- Covering chipped teeth preserves tooth enamel and reduces sensitivity.
- Changing tooth shape and height allows for proper bite alignment.
- Replacing missing teeth means easier chewing and more nutrition absorption.
Cosmetic dentistry not only ramps up your self-confidence and makes you feel younger, healthier, and more attractive, but it can also help you achieve your healthiest smile yet.
Your cosmetic dentistry treatment plan can include multiple services or focus on just one.
Treatment plans for cosmetic dentistry vary from person to person. Some individuals only want a couple of teeth fixed while others may prefer a total smile makeover. There’s no problem too big or too small that a skilled cosmetic dentist can’t help you with.
The cosmetic dentistry services offered by Dr. Wohlers include:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the ultimate smile makeover solution. After your teeth are prepped, they’ll be covered in a wafer-thin porcelain shell that will form the new surface of your teeth. Modern porcelain veneers require less enamel removal and are more realistic in appearance than they’ve ever been before. Veneers can also be placed on just a few teeth or your entire visible smile.
Professional Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is highly effective and results in a dazzlingly bright smile. For patients who already like their smiles but need a little extra oomph, a whitening session can be just the ticket. Professional whitening is also often used in conjunction with porcelain veneers. If you’re only having veneers placed on a few teeth, you’ll often be advised to first whiten your smile to your ideal shade.
Porcelain Dental Bridges
Porcelain dental bridges are a semi-permanent solution for missing teeth. Using a combination of dental crowns and a pontic (the prosthetic for the missing tooth), Dr. Wohlers can make your smile look full and beautiful again.
Although more in the realm of restorative dentistry, Dr. Wohlers also offers permanent dental implants.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an alternative to porcelain bridges that’s more affordable, non-invasive, and reversible. Using a special composite material similar to tooth-colored dental fillings, Dr. Wohlers will sculpt the material directly onto your teeth. The composite fills in small gaps, chips, and wear. Your smile will also look brighter and more youthful.
Invisalign
Invisalign is great for straightening your smile without traditional braces. If you’re happy with your tooth shape, but not happy with your tooth placement or alignment, Invisalign can fix mild to moderate issues with crookedness, crowding, and gaps. Best of all, Invisalign can take less than half the time to complete treatment as metal braces.
Botox
People are often surprised to see Botox included with cosmetic dentistry, but it can be helpful for many patients. Dr. Wohlers can use therapeutic botox to alleviate migraines, headaches, and jaw pain associated with bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ, and other temporomandibular disorders.
Cosmetic dentistry is often more affordable than many people realize.
The cost of cosmetic dentistry is often more affordable than patients anticipate. In some cases, dental insurance may even help with covering costs if the procedure is necessary for maintaining oral health or oral function. Dental implants or porcelain bridges are a good example of this.
As far as out-of-pocket expenses go, credit programs like CareCredit are perfect for keeping payments manageable. Wohlers Family Dentistry also offers a program called Wohlers VIP Club, which offers a number of benefits for members, including 10% off treatment services.
Learn more about cosmetic dentistry and its benefits with a consultation at Wohlers Family Dentistry.
If you have questions about cosmetic dentistry or you’re eager to move forward with a consultation, you can schedule an appointment by calling our Marietta office. You can also fill out this quick online form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
