Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Many people go through life without realizing their dream smile is only a phone call away. Cosmetic dentistry continues to advance, so the options available today look and feel more natural than ever. Whether a simple teeth whitening will suffice, or you find yourself in need of crowns or implants, Drs. Michelle and Scott Weninger, D.D.S. understand that a confident smile carries its own power.

Smile Makeovers Begin Here

Teeth whitening is one of the quickest ways to brighten a smile. One session in the office often brightens from 5 – 10 shades. Prescription strength home kits are far superior to store bought kits are just as easy to use.

Veneers offer a permanent solution to many cosmetic issues. Chipped teeth, irregularly shaped teeth, and those with surface damage can often be covered by porcelain veneers. For staining that cannot be corrected through whitening, veneers make a bright smile possible. This is a permanent procedure since a thin layer of enamel will be filed off the surface of the teeth to be treated. Once the permanent veneers are in place, they last many years with proper care.

Inlays and onlays fall somewhere between fillings and crowns. Inlays involve the center of teeth, while onlays involve at least one cusp. When a large piece of the tooth must be removed due to decay or damage, a mold is taken so a new piece can be made to order. Once the permanent piece is bonded in place, it is nearly impossible to detect.

Crowns are a pretty big step but one that may be necessary for some people during a smile restoration. More of the natural tooth material is removed than with veneers or inlays and onlays. If the root structure is sound and no damage or decay has hit the center, a crown may the answer. Custom crowns improve bite by replacing missing structure on misshapen or broken down teeth. Crowns can be permanently affixed to the natural tooth structure or an implant.

Dental implants replace damaged or missing teeth. A titanium rod implanted into the jawbone fuses with the bone over time to create a strong anchor for a custom crown. Implants offer improved bridge and denture experiences as well as single tooth replacements.

Botox & Juvederm work to improve smiles by their effect on the overall appearance of the smile, but they do so by different means. Botox is often used on frown lines and wrinkles in the brow and forehead area and crow’s feet near the eyes. Juvéderm tends to be used for laugh lines around the side of your mouth and for restoring lip fullness. It can also help reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.

Each person has their own reasons for wanting to improve their smiles. The team at Weninger Dentistry is here to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to set up an appointment to get started.