With cosmetic dental care, patients can brighten, realign, and add structure to their teeth. Dr. Jeffrey Bellisario and Dr. David Robbins offer smile makeovers for patients with multiple cosmetic dental problems. A smile makeover combines multiple cosmetic procedures to improve the smile’s look. Cosmetic dental solutions are just one of the comprehensive dental services we provide to new and existing patients in Ardmore, PA.
If you would like to fully makeover your smile, discuss your goals with Dr. Bellisario or Dr. Robbins. We’ll recommend the right combination of treatments for your needs. We always aim to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
Many patients may not realize that cosmetic dental treatments enhance the smile’s appearance and also improve patients’ oral health. With brighter and straighter smiles, patients are more likely to maintain their results with regular dental visits and a good oral hygiene routine.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Ardmore, PA
Cosmetic dentistry can improve dental aesthetics while restoring function to patients’ bites. Our cosmetic dental treatments improve the look and health of the smile. Continue reading to learn more about our cosmetic services.
Invisalign
Clear Invisalign aligners gradually straighten misaligned and crooked teeth over time. They use a series of aligners that are switched out every few weeks. Each set is slightly different as it shifts the teeth into a straighter position. The aligners are clear and discreet. Patients can also remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Because of this, Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces. To learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can help straighten your smile, see Invisalign.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are porcelain ceramic shells that we bond to the front of teeth. With dental veneers, we can cover small gaps between the teeth, slightly crooked teeth, stained teeth, and damaged teeth. Porcelain ceramic veneers can be used on multiple teeth to create a bright, straight smile. To learn more about how veneers can benefit your smile, see Porcelain Veneers.
Teeth Bonding
Dental bonding treatment uses a malleable material that is sculpted and bonded onto teeth. This tooth-colored composite resin can cover cosmetic imperfections, including chips, fractures, stains, and gaps in the teeth. When the bonding material is cured, it easily blends in with the color of the natural tooth enamel. To learn more about the bonding process, see Dental Bonding.
Teeth Whitening
We can treat years of tooth stains with in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening treatments. Zoom! and KöR are effective treatments that use high-quality active ingredients that penetrate stains in the tooth enamel. With professional teeth whitening treatment, patients can brighten their smiles by multiple shades. To learn more about the tooth whitening services we offer in our office, see Teeth Whitening.
Why Get Cosmetic Dentistry?
When people want cosmetic dentistry, it’s typically because they’re unhappy with the looks of their smile. And often, the consensus is that cosmetic dentistry is for looks alone. But it’s far from that.
Underlying oral health issues often lead to cosmetic dental problems. When we perform cosmetic dentistry treatments, we target the root cause to treat oral health and cosmetic concerns.
Reduce the Risk of Infection
One of the best examples of this is crooked teeth. People lose confidence in their smiles when they have crooked teeth. But they come with multiple oral health impacts.
Crooked teeth are harder to clean than straight ones. They come together at odd angles and are often cramped and crowded. Sometimes, we can’t reach certain areas even with specialized dental tools.
Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums, some areas of your mouth are hard to reach. Because you can’t clean these spots thoroughly, you are still at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Prevent Tooth Damage
Crooked teeth also cause uneven bites. When your bite comes together, the pressure distributes evenly throughout your teeth.
But when crooked, some teeth take on more pressure than others. These teeth wear down prematurely and are more susceptible to chips, cracks, and other damage. You then need restorative dental treatments to correct the damage to your teeth.
Stop TMJ Symptoms
Uneven bites are one of the leading causes of TMJ disorders. Because the bite doesn’t come together properly, the jaw joint doesn’t track properly either.
It starts to break down the joint as the muscles and ligaments that help move it become strained and tense. You may experience your jaw popping and clicking, pain throughout the head and face, and issues when you open and close your mouth.
Cosmetic dentistry can help prevent all these things from happening when you straighten your crooked teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions? We’re here to help. Continue to read answers to common questions about our cosmetic dentistry services in Ardmore, PA.
What are the differences between porcelain veneers and dental bonding treatment?
Porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic shells covering the front and sides of teeth. Dental bonding uses a material that we sculpt and cure onto the tooth enamel. Veneers last longer than bonding treatment, though tooth bonding is a more economical option for smaller cosmetic needs.
Can I whiten my smile if I have sensitive teeth?
Our professional teeth whitening treatments are formulated with tooth sensitivity in mind. However, if you have sensitive teeth, we may recommend dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or crowns. These cosmetic and restorative options cover areas of discoloration with tooth-colored materials.
Why should I straighten my crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth are not solely an aesthetic problem. Because it can be hard to clean between misaligned teeth, bacteria easily build up in hard-to-reach spaces. Over time, this bacteria can cause problems like cavities and periodontitis. Crooked teeth also create an uneven bite, which is a contributing factor to TMJ disorders. This is because they put more pressure on some teeth than others, which can stress the TMJ.
Are porcelain veneers or bonding treatments painful?
No, although patients may feel soreness following their treatment, they will not feel pain during the veneer or bonding process. Some patients may think preparing their teeth for bonding or veneers may be painful. However, they will not feel any pain during treatment. If pain persists for a week after your bonding treatment, contact our office.
How soon will I see results from my cosmetic dental treatment?
How quickly you see results depends on the type of cosmetic dental treatment you choose. KöR whitening can take weeks but is often the most effective option for patients with deep tooth stains. Many patients find the time it takes to get results worth it becuase the results can last from months to years.
If you choose Zoom whitening, you can notice a brighter smile after just one in-office visit. Take-home whitening kits can also make a big difference within a couple of weeks. Dental bonding is quick option. It typically takes just one appointment to repair chips, cracks, or small gaps, and you’ll see results immediately.
Porcelain veneers take a little longer because they are custom-made for your smile. It typically takes two to three visits, but the results can last for many years. Invisalign takes the most time since it gradually moves your teeth into place. Most patients start seeing improvements within a few months, and full treatment can take anywhere from six months to a year or more, depending on how much your teeth need to move.
How long do the results of cosmetic dentistry last?
The longevity of cosmetic dentistry results depends on the specific treatment and how well you care for your teeth afterward. For instance, teeth whitening may need touch-ups every year, while veneers and crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.
Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits like smoking or teeth grinding can help extend the lifespan of your cosmetic results. Your dentist will provide guidance on maintaining your new smile to keep it looking its best.
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Good candidates for cosmetic dentistry are those who want to improve the appearance of their smile and have healthy gums and teeth. Individuals with chipped, stained, misaligned, or uneven teeth often benefit from cosmetic procedures. Before starting any cosmetic treatment, we’ll ensure that you have no major oral health issues like cavities or gum disease. You want to maintain good oral health for the best results.
Will insurance cover cosmetic dental treatments?
Most cosmetic dental treatments are not covered by insurance because they’re considered elective or for appearance only. But if a treatment also improves your oral health or restores how your teeth function, your insurance may cover part of the cost. For example, fixing a damaged tooth with a crown could be partly covered if it helps you chew properly. We can review your insurance plan and help you understand what’s included before treatment begins.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Call for comprehensive, comfortable dental treatment today at (610) 839-8967. You can request a dental consultation with Dr. Bellisario or Dr. Robbins online. Do you have any more questions for us? Let us know at your next dental visit.