A Beginner’s Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry

Do you have a tooth that is chipped, cracked or misshapen? Or are you one of the many people in Jacksonville, Florida, with misaligned, missing or discolored teeth? Cosmetic dentistry has the power to transform your smile, changing your life for the better.

Conditions like those mentioned above often lead people to feel embarrassed about their teeth, and for some, dental issues are an obstacle to eating and speaking properly. A cosmetic dentist with expertise in preventative and restorative care can provide an effective solution, restoring both the aesthetic appeal and the functionality of the smile.

Here at River Oaks Dental, our professional team utilizes a range of techniques to protect and improve the teeth, gums and bite. From minor touch ups to full smile makeovers, we do it all – keep reading to learn the basics on several of the most requested cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Dental Crowns

For teeth that are misshapen, broken, weak or discolored, dental crowns offer a solution. Typically made of ceramic or porcelain, custom-made restorations may be created with yellow, white and rose gold or a metal alloy. Cosmetic dentistry specialists also use crowns to replace missing teeth, either by anchoring a dental bridge or in the placement of dental implants.

Dental Veneers

Cosmetic dentists often recommend dental veneers, constructed from porcelain, for those who want to hide the aesthetic flaws in their smiles. Being custom-designed, veneers can be an excellent choice for those with many different types of imperfections, including small gaps between the teeth and teeth that are oversized, narrow, misshapen or slightly rotated.

Dental Bonding

When a patient has teeth with minor chips, cracks or gaps, dental bonding may be the cosmetic dentistry treatment of choice. Bonding is a non-invasive procedure, involving only the application of a tooth-colored resin material, one that mimics the shade of the surrounding natural teeth. An affordable option, bonding can also be ideal for those unable to get dental veneers.

Clear Aligners

Plenty of people in Jacksonville, Florida, would love straighter teeth, and custom-made clear aligners offer an alternative to traditional braces. Cosmetic dentists may suggest either the Invisalign® system or ClearCorrect® braces, both of which use gentle pressure to gradually shift the teeth into the proper position. As they’re nearly invisible, clear aligners are a discrete choice.

Teeth Whitening

A popular treatment among patients in Jacksonville, Florida, professional teeth whitening helps to make the smile significantly whiter and brighter. Dentists have access to bleaching agents that are more powerful than what can be bought in any store, and those who specialize in cosmetic dentistry can tailor treatment to target areas that need enhancement.

Dental Implants

Contemporary cosmetic dentistry is focused on improving the entire smile, and some experts – like Dr. Montiero here at River Oaks Dental – also specialize in implant dentistry, as dental implants are the ideal option for missing teeth. Once in place, implants seem completely natural in looks, fit and function, and with good oral hygiene habits, they can last a lifetime.

Consulting with a Cosmetic Dentist

The overall goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance the appearance of the smile while also providing functional benefits. To accomplish this, Jacksonville dentists form a plan that takes several factors into consideration, including the condition of the teeth and gums, skin tone, facial structure and what problems the patient has with their dentition.

If you decide to visit a cosmetic dentist, the initial appointment will begin with an oral examination and a discussion about your medical and dental history. The two of you will also talk about your specific needs, preferences and smile goals. Afterwards, advanced digital technologies – intraoral scanning and 3-D imaging, or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) – will be employed to precisely identify the nature and extent of your dental issues.

At this point, a skilled dentist will create a personalized treatment plan, potentially combining cosmetic dentistry techniques with restorative procedures in order to address all of your smile concerns. In some cases, a single appointment is all that’s required, but some people need to visit the dentist a few times to get a grin they love. Whenever possible, though, treatments are planned to minimize the amount of time spent in the dentist chair.

Let the River Oaks Dental Team Transform Your Smile

If you’re looking for a trusted local dentist with skill in cosmetic dentistry, your search can end with Dr. Montiero at River Oaks Dental. Known for compassionate care and outstanding results, she has the expertise to achieve all your smile goals.

Whether you’d like to get a whiter grin, repair a cracked tooth, eliminate small gaps, replace missing teeth or plan a full smile makeover, you can count on having a positive experience at our dentist office. Our high-tech treatment rooms were designed for comfort, with leather massage chairs, big-screen TVs with Netflix and noise-canceling headphones. And if you need help relaxing, oral sedation and nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, are available.

You’ll be in good hands with the professional team at River Oaks Dental. For more information on our cosmetic dentistry treatments, or to schedule a consultation, contact our dentist office in Jacksonville, Florida, today.