Cosmetic Dentistry with Our Langley Dental Team and Cosmetic Dentists
In modern society, first impressions and appearances are important, and that means having a bright, healthy smile. As a result, cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity in recent years, and we are happy to help our Langley patients achieve the perfect smile.
How is Cosmetic Dentist Different from a General Dentist?
Many patients assume that general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry are the same things, but these are two different types of dentistry. Although similar in nature they have different purposes.
Cosmetic dentistry (Aesthetic dentistry) is more about improving the look of your teeth than the health of your smile.
General dentistry focuses primarily on the health of your teeth and not just their appearance.
Simply put, cosmetic dental procedures are not essential. However, they do offer several benefits. For example, they can help improve your confidence or resolve other problems, such as teeth grinding. These cosmetic procedure can include whiter teeth, veneers or implants and we have several cosmetic procedures to help you achieve a bright, beautiful smile.
Before booking your appointment, it's important to understand the different types of cosmetic dentistry, along with their benefits.
Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry in Langley
At Blue Water Dental our Langley clinic offers several types of cosmetic procedures. Advancements in the field have made it easier and convenient to change your smile dramatically. From chipped teeth to tooth discolouration and misaligned teeth, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. The cosmetic procedures performed in our office have little or no recovery time and are often painless.
Inlays and Onlays
Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are created in a lab and used when teeth are decayed. We may recommend this solution if you don't have enough structure left to support a traditional filling. Inlays can sometimes be placed directly onto the tooth's surface if the tooth's cusps are undamaged. However, if the cusps are damaged, an onlay can be used to cover the tooth's entire surface.
Inlays and onlays are made of composite resin. Adhesive dental cement is used to attach the inlay or onlay onto the tooth. They can provide support, prevent further decay and help restore the tooth's shape.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics can help straighten your teeth and we like to use Invisalign to straighten your teeth gradually. The primary advantage of Invisalign is that it's virtually invisible as compared to traditional or ceramic braces.
Invisalign uses aligners to shift the positions of your teeth gradually. New aligners are used every few weeks, and you will need to come into the office every 6-12 weeks to check on your progress. The aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours per day to achieve results. From start to finish, the entire process should take 6-18 months. The results, however, are drastic and can make dramatic changes to your smile.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are designed to help improve the look of your teeth. They are manufactured in a lab and custom-made from ceramic or porcelain to look just like natural teeth. A dental adhesive is used to attach the veneers to each tooth. We may recommend veneers if you have crooked or cracked teeth, gaps between your teeth or damaged enamel.
Applying veneers requires just a few appointments (2-3 on average), making them a quick option for improving your smile. The life span of veneers depends on how well you care for them. Oral hygiene, consistent maintenance and attending regular dental exams can help extend the life of your veneers. It's also important to be cautious when chewing, biting or grinding your teeth. Avoid chewing or biting extra-hard foods. Dental veneers are an effective solution for repairing teeth and can instantly transform your smile. With the proper care, your veneers can last a decade.
Composite Bonding
The composite bonding procedure is an effective solution for discoloured, damaged and decayed teeth. We start by removing the decay from your tooth. Next, we apply a composite bonding material onto the surface of the tooth. The final step is to sculpt the material into the desired shape and cure it using a special light.
If costs are a concern, composite bonding is one of the most cost-effective procedures for treating damaged or decayed teeth.
Whitening
Overtime, teeth can become discoloured and stained due to smoking, medications, drinks and food. Whitening is one of our most popular cosmetic dental procedures, and it's also one of our quickest. Our goal is to help restore the natural colour of your teeth.
The process starts with a thorough cleaning to remove all tartar, plaque and debris from the surface of your teeth. The whitening process is simple and relatively quick. We take the right steps to ensure the procedure is as safe as possible.
We will discuss your goals and create a plan to achieve the results you want.
Implants
If you have one or more missing teeth either genetically or from a tooth extraction, dental implants are a great option. Although this is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is a solution that can help improve your oral health.
Dental implants are a multi-stage procedure. The first step is to implant a titanium post into the jawbone. The post will replace the root of your missing tooth and will be used to support a crown. Once implanted, the bone will heal around the implant and create a secure anchor for the crown. The bone will need time to heal, which can take several months.
Implants are designed to look natural, and they behave like your real teeth.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth and can last for decades. The risk of rejection or failure is minimal thanks to advancements in technology. As long as there is enough healthy bone to support the implant, the procedure should be a success. Bone grafting can help ensure that you have enough bone for the implant.
A healthy oral care routine can help extend the longevity of your implant. They require the same care as your natural teeth, including flossing and brushing. With proper care, your implants can last a lifetime.
Bridges and Crowns
If you are missing one or more teeth, we may recommend a dental bridge. Also, a crown can help repair a cracked, chipped tooth or discolored root canaled tooth. Unlike the other procedures on this list, bridges and crowns aren't purely cosmetic. They fill the gap from your missing teeth to help prevent them from moving or shifting.
Crowns and bridges can help prevent further damage while restoring the natural beauty of your smile.
What are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Aesthetic dentistry is generally not covered by insurance, so patients are naturally concerned about costs. However, understanding the benefits can help you determine whether the procedures are worth it.
Some of the top benefits include:
Convenience
Cosmetic dental technology has come a long way over the years in Langley, and procedures are now convenient. Recovery is quick, so you don't have to worry about taking time off for a long recovery. Additionally, we offer conscious sedation at our office to make the procedure as stress-free as possible. When cosmetic dental procedures are convenient and so dramatic there's no reason not to do them.
Improves the Look of Your Smile
If you want to improve your smile, aesthetic dentistry works. Our Langley office restores broken, cracked or chipped teeth back to their original shape. If your teeth are discoloured from procedures like root canals, we can whiten them internally. We can also treat a variety of dental issues witstoring your smile will also give you a major confidence boost and help you feel more comfortable when interacting with others. In many cases, improving the look of your smile will also help improve your oral health.
Long-Lasting Results
Many cosmetic dental procedures will last at least a decade. Some can last a lifetime if you maintain your oral health and come in for regular check-ups. When the results are long-lasting, you spend less time and money on future procedures. As a result, you can enjoy a brighter, healthier smile for years to come.
Motivation to Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Cosmetic dental procedures can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, which will motivate you to take care of your oral health. To maintain your healthy smile, you may need to change your diet and quit smoking. Brushing and flossing regularly and coming in for routine cleanings to see our team every six months can help you maintain your results. This also will prevent unwanted dental emergencies.
Protecting Your Teeth
Along with improving the look of your smile, cosmetic dental procedures can also help protect your teeth and your dental health. For example, procedures such as veneers can help fix chips and cracks while helping protect against future damage. Crowns and composite bonding can also help restore your smile while repairing the damage. Preserving your smile will also help improve your oral health. Preventing further decay and damage to your teeth at our dentist's office can help keep your smile as healthy as possible.
Gives You a Youthful Appearance
A bright, brilliant smile can help you maintain a youthful appearance. Many of our patients come into our office for cosmetic dentistry to refresh their look. Cosmetic dental procedures are a less invasive and more affordable way to turnback the clock compared to plastic surgery. If you're looking for a simple way to look younger, cosmetic dental procedures can help. We'd be happy to discuss your options and help you find the right procedure for your needs.
Is Spending Money on Your Smile Worth It?
When patients consider cosmetic dental procedures, their primary concern is whether the cost is worth it. Our answer is yes! As long as an experienced professional performs the procedure, cosmetic dentistry is absolutely worth every penny.
You can't put a price on your confidence and oral health.
Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice about you. A healthy white smile will give you a self-esteem boost and is an indication of your health.
Today, there are several cosmetic dental procedures available from our cosmetic dentists that are simple, quick and painless. For most procedures, there is no downtime, and the results can dramatically transform the look of your smile.
Our dentist office can perform a number of cosmetic procedures to improve the shape, space and colour of your teeth to improve your appearance and help you achieve a more youthful appearance.
In addition to cosmetic dental procedures, we also offer a variety of services:
For patients with dental anxiety or concerns about a procedure, we offer conscious sedation to eliminate pain and reduce stress. You will be alert and responsive during the procedure, and we will actively monitor your blood pressure and heart rate.
Cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve a fantastic smile, contact us today to schedule a consultation!
