Feeling confident in your smile can do wonders for your self-esteem, and it can be tough to feel your best if you aren't proud of the appearance of your teeth.
Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry procedures can help you get the smile that you're looking for. At Carolina Dental Care, Dr. Andrew Spiguzza, an expert in cosmetic, general, and preventative dentistry, leads a team of dedicated dental professionals who can improve and enhance your natural smile. Whether you're in need of a full smile restoration or you're simply looking to lighten up your teeth, we've got you covered.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Some of our cosmetic dental procedures include:
Dental Bonding: This procedure can cover gaps between the teeth, correct the appearance of chipped or misshapen teeth, and cover dental stains. Your dentist will simply apply a thin layer of bonding material that matches your tooth, then polish the layer until smooth.
Dental Bridges: If you're missing teeth and don't feel comfortable with your smile, you're not alone. Dental bridges can help restore your smile by filling in the gaps between your teeth. A dental bridge isn't just about looking great--it can also help to protect your other teeth, improve your speech, and bring back your ability to eat normally.
Dental Crowns: A dental crown is a composite material that's placed on the chewing surface of your tooth after it's been cracked or broken. A crown can also be used to cover a large filling.
Dentures: Aesthetic dentures have come a long way in recent years and are indistinguishable from natural teeth. Your tooth color, shape, and size will be customized to create a look that will help you feel confident each time you smile.
In-Office Teeth Whitening: If coffee, tea, smoking, or the aging process has taken a toll on your teeth over the years, in-office teeth whitening can help restore your smile to its original brightness. Your teeth whitening process will take place over a series of one-hour appointments. Your dentist will also talk with you about foods and drinks that you should consider avoiding in order to maintain your results for as long as possible.
An important note: let your dentist know if you've also been using whitening products at home, as they may advise you to stop until you've completed your in-office treatments to avoid unnecessary tooth sensitivity.
Veneers: These thin, tooth-colored ceramic shells are placed on top of the tooth's surface, creating a white, even smile. In addition to creating a white, uniform appearance, veneers can also cover issues, including chipped teeth, spaces between the teeth, and crooked teeth. Some veneers are removable, but most are firmly attached to the teeth. Modern veneers can last for up to two decades.
How Is Cosmetic Dentistry Different from General and Restorative Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses primarily on enhancing the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, and overall smile. It includes elective procedures aimed at improving aesthetic appeal. After all, healthy teeth do not always look as beautiful or perfect as someone may wish, even with great brushing and flossing habits.
General dentistry, on the other hand, concentrates on preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral diseases, while restorative dentistry aims to repair and restore functionality due to tooth decay, trauma, or disease, often using procedures that also improve oral aesthetics.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
The benefits of cosmetic dentistry extend beyond aesthetics. These procedures can improve oral health by making cleaning easier and often lead to increased self-confidence and psychological well-being. Improved dental alignment, for example, can reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease by simplifying the cleaning process. Moreover, patients who have an attractive smile are more inclined to take care of their teeth to maintain their smile, for improved oral hygiene and health.
Who Is a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Candidates for cosmetic dentistry are individuals looking to improve the appearance of their teeth, gums, or smile. Ideal candidates should have overall good oral health but may want to enhance their smile due to discoloration, misalignment, uneven spacing, or chips and cracks. It's also important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the results of cosmetic procedures. Those with active dental health issues like gum disease or severe decay may need restorative treatment before considering cosmetic options.
Customizing a Cosmetic Dentistry Plan
Customizing a cosmetic dentistry plan involves a thorough consultation where Dr. Spiguzza assesses your dental health and discusses your aesthetic goals. Advanced imaging techniques may be used to preview results and tailor treatments such as veneers, teeth whitening, or orthodontics to suit individual needs, ensuring the outcomes align perfectly with the patient’s desires. For some patients, a combination of procedures may be most appropriate to achieve their preferred transformation.
Cosmetic Dentistry Costs
The costs of cosmetic dentistry vary widely depending on the scope and type of procedures involved. Simple treatments like teeth whitening are generally more affordable, whereas more complex adjustments such as veneers or full smile makeovers can be more costly. Many dental practices offer financing plans to help manage these expenses, making treatments accessible to a broader range of patients. Dental insurance does not typically cover cosmetic procedures, though it may partially cover some procedures that are also restorative in nature.
Why Choose Carolina Dental Care for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Choosing Carolina Dental Care for cosmetic dentistry ensures access to a skilled team of three talented dentists, each with a unique blend of expertise in creating beautiful, natural-looking smiles. The practice is equipped with the latest in dental technology, allowing for advanced treatment options that cater to individual needs. The team’s commitment to personalized care ensures that every patient achieves their desired outcomes with comfort and confidence. This focus on quality and patient satisfaction makes Carolina Dental Care an excellent choice for cosmetic dental services.
Carolina Dental Care: We're Here to Help!
At Carolina Dental Care, we know that having a smile you feel great about is an important part of looking and feeling your best. If you'd like to make some changes to your smile, we'd love to talk to you about which of our cosmetic dentistry procedures could be the right fit for you. Contact our office today at 843-765-2755 or click here to learn more and schedule a consultation.
