It’s true that most people seek cosmetic dentistry in Winston-Salem because they’re unhappy with the appearance of their smile. It may be that teeth are stained, worn, or misaligned.
In this blog, we explore:
- Porcelain Veneers: The "Shield" Against Acid Erosion
- Dental Bonding: Sealing the "Microwear" Before It Cracks
- Invisalign®: Alignment is About More Than Straight Rows
- Dental Implants: Restore Your Smile and Preserve Your Oral Health
- Teeth Whitening: Make Occasions Memorable with a Bright White Smile
- The Top Three Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Boosts Your Oral Health
- You Have a New Smile. Now What?
- When to Contact Your Winston-Salem Dentist
Porcelain Veneers: The "Shield" Against Acid Erosion
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain secured to the fronts of teeth. They are color-matched to blend with untreated teeth, and they look completely natural.
To secure dental veneers, the dentist removes a bit of enamel to ensure a flush and natural-looking finish. Enamel removal means you must consider your veneers permanent. If one is lost or damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
Veneers conceal:
- Short and Worn Teeth
- Slightly Crooked Teeth
- Gummy Smiles
- Abnormally Shaped Teeth
- Tooth Discoloration
- Small Gaps
- General Imperfections
They also protect the enamel from erosion and prevent cracks from widening by creating a barrier or shield.
Dental Bonding: Sealing the "Microwear" Before It Cracks
Dental bonding is an inexpensive way to hide a wide range of tooth flaws.
Made of composite resin, your dentist applies it to your teeth in a soft, malleable form. Then, we sculpt and fill the tooth to fix chips, cracks, and other imperfections. Your dentist can touch up the bonding periodically as needed.
Dental bonding can fill microwear before it leads to a chip or similar dental issue.
Invisalign®: Alignment is About More Than Straight Rows
Invisalign in Winston-Salem is a way to correct orthodontic issues without metal and wire braces. It is a system of clear aligners worn over the teeth and changed out every few weeks to guide the teeth into straighter positions.
At the end of treatment, the dentist fits you with a custom retainer to ensure you don’t suffer orthodontic relapse. It’s crucial to follow the directions provided by our dental office.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss effectively. Also, aligned teeth mean there are fewer areas for bacteria and tartar to collect.
Aligned teeth reduce wear and tear and support long-term jaw joint health.
Dental Implants: Restore Your Smile and Preserve Your Oral Health
Dental implants are most like natural teeth and don’t require added steps in your oral hygiene routine. Simply, brush, floss, and visit the dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
Implants may be single (one restoring root capped with a custom dental crown), or you can discuss implant bridges and dentures with the dentist. We use approximately six dental implants or fewer to secure a full arch of replacement teeth to the jaw.
The oral health benefits of dental implants include:
- Jawbone Support: When teeth are lost, so is the supporting bone. Dental implants help keep the jawbone viable and healthy.
- No Tooth Migration: Dental implants prevent tooth migration, which can lead to additional tooth loss.
- Restored Bite: There are no eating restrictions with dental implants in Winston-Salem!
Teeth Whitening: Make Occasions Memorable with a Bright White Smile
Teeth whitening may not contribute to your oral health, but you may be tempted to brush and floss more often when your teeth are bright, white, and beautiful.
When whitening your teeth, we encourage you to trust your whitening to a cosmetic dentist. Over-the-counter options can cause ongoing tooth sensitivity, enamel damage, and leave you with uneven results.
Before we whiten your teeth, we ensure your dental health is up to the task and often start with a professional teeth cleaning to boost your results.
You can whiten alone or roll this option into a full smile makeover. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, it’s all about you and your goals.
The Top Three Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Boosts Your Oral Health
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry notes that cosmetic treatments often improve the strength and function of your teeth. There are many benefits to consider, and we’ve discussed them throughout the blog.
Here we share the top three oral health benefits of cosmetic dentistry:
- Restored Function: Options like dental veneers, dental crowns, and implants improve the function of your smile, especially if you have worn, damaged, or missing teeth.
- Better Oral Hygiene: Treatments like Invisalign make brushing and flossing more effective, leading to fewer cavities and fresher breath.
- Long-Term Success: Options like dental implants can last for decades and even a lifetime, helping prevent tooth migration, tooth wear, and more.
You Have a New Smile. Now What?
You’ve taken the plunge and now have the smile you’ve always wanted, but how do you retain these fabulous results?
Fortunately, most cosmetic dentistry options don’t require a lot of upkeep, but it is crucial to do the following:
- Brush and floss after every meal or at least twice daily.
- Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Avoid or lessen your intake of tooth-staining foods and drinks.
- Never use your teeth as tools to open packages.
- Report loose restorations or other changes to your dentist as soon as possible.
- Wear a nightguard if you have bruxism and a mouthguard if you play sports.
When to Contact Your Winston-Salem Dentist
To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry options or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (336) 760-1277. Ask a dental team member about financing options through third-party lenders.
