Although a distinction is usually made between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, they connect strongly with each other. In a perfect world, all dentistry would be done with a view to your smile’s attractiveness. Dr. Patel has all the knowledge, technology, and skill to make all your dental work look so natural that nobody will know you have been to the dentist.
Dr. Patel offers smile makeovers that are one hundred percent customized. In planning your smile makeover, you and Dr. Patel will look at the options and discuss their relative advantages and disadvantages. He will answer your questions and explain why one approach might serve you better than another.
Do you have a bridge or any missing teeth? A bridge is a time-honored way to fill the gaps left by missing teeth, and when done by a skilled cosmetic dentist, will blend in beautifully with your natural teeth. However, there is a newer way to fill the tooth gap – and fill the tooth root gap as well, in the jawbone – and that is dental implants. They are titanium tooth roots that Dr. Patel can position in the jawbone as permanent anchors for one or more missing teeth.
Questions about
Cosmetic Dentistry
a. What is the difference between cosmetic and general dentistry?
General dentistry is the practice of caring for the teeth and gums for the patient’s optimal oral health. General dentistry includes preventative tooth cleanings, regular check-ups with X-rays, and treatments like fillings that protect teeth and keep them strong and functional. Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the appearance of the smile while maintaining or improving functionality. We offer exceptional care for patients seeking both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry treatments for smile restoration.
b. Is cosmetic dentistry only performed to improve teeth appearance?
No. A healthy smile is a beautiful smile, so improving appearance usually involves making positive improvements to strengthen teeth or balance the bite. Although our cosmetic dentistry procedures are intended to provide a more attractive smile, everything we do is designed to enhance the health and functionality of your teeth and gums.
c. Why should I choose Lasting Smiles of Bethlehem over other cosmetic dentists?
Dr. Patel is an LVI-trained general, cosmetic, and neuromuscular dentist who is highly skilled in a wide variety of smile enhancement techniques. If there are things that you would like to change about your smile, Dr. Patel can develop a highly personalized program to give you the smile of your dreams. In addition, Dr. Patel and his team treat you with the utmost respect and kindness, ensuring that you get the personal service you deserve as well as the high-quality results you expect.
d. How can I get a straight, beautiful smile with cosmetic dentistry?
There are many options for improving your smile including porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings, tooth whitening, dental implants, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.
e. Is metal harmful to use in cosmetic restorations?
While there is no definitive study proving that metal fillings are harmful to patients’ health, we avoid using metal in our dental practice. We feel that composite materials offer patients better results that are completely safe.
We will answer all your questions about cosmetic dentistry and provide a comprehensive smile evaluation. Our skilled team and knowledgeable dentist are here to help your family create beautiful smiles that are not only attractive but healthy, too.
If you are interested in learning more about your cosmetic dentistry options, please contact Lasting Smiles of Bethlehem today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Common Cosmetic
Dental Problems
a. How Smile Issues Originate
There are many factors that can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Your eating and drinking habits, for one, can have an impact on the appearance and health of your smile. If you fail to brush and floss as suggested by your dentist, you may eventually need fillings and other dental work. Too much sugar can lead to plaque build-up and cause cavities.
Smoking can cause discoloration and lead to gum disease. Tooth grinding and physical impact can cause misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. And whether you take good care of your teeth or not, genetics play a big role in the appearance and durability of your teeth. All of these things can create tooth and gum changes that make you self-conscious about your smile and threaten your dental health.
b. Solving Cosmetic Dentistry Problems
So, what can you do about yellow teeth, a chipped tooth, or an old metal filling? We provide a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions, including tooth-colored fillings and other safe and attractive smile enhancement procedures:
- Crooked teeth — Patients may consider porcelain veneers as a cosmetic option, or invisible braces to gently shift teeth into a better position.
- Yellow/discolored teeth — Teeth can be whitened using our professional take-home
whitening system that provides much better results than over-the-counter whitening
products. Dental bonding can be applied over the front surfaces of single teeth that are
noticeably duller than the rest. - Missing teeth — Dental implants are a great option to fill in missing teeth. Dentures and dental bridges are other solutions that can provide the necessary support.
- Chipped teeth — Dental bonding is a very conservative, easy, and affordable fix for tooth chips and other small imperfections.
- Broken/damaged teeth — Dental crowns are used to restore the function and form of teeth that have been compromised by decay or serious injury.
- Excessive gums — Smiles that involve high or overbearing gum tissue can be altered with state-of-the-art laser gum recontouring.
- Metal fillings — Unattractive metal fillings can be removed and replaced with safe, nearly invisible tooth-colored fillings made from durable porcelain or composite material.
