COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Treatment options that are sure to meet your smile goals

Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Newport News, VA

Oftentimes, patients may wonder what they can do to take their smile to the next level. We want you to have the smile of your dreams and that is why Tidewater Family Dentistry is pleased to offer cosmetic dentistry to improve the look of your smile. From teeth whitening to dental veneers, our cosmetic services span a wide range of treatment options that are sure to meet your smile goals.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is popular, cost-effective cosmetic dentistry that produces dramatic results in a short amount of time. Professional teeth whitening is non-invasive and does not change or alter the enamel of your teeth, making it the perfect place to start for patients seeking a brighter, more confident smile.

Over the years, many factors can influence the color of your teeth. As we age, teeth naturally become discolored. Maybe you have tried whitening toothpaste, or even whitening strips, hoping to get that whiter, brighter smile. Some common causes of stained teeth include:

Smoking or chewing tobacco
Food and beverages such as coffee, red wine and tea
Certain medications
Poor dental hygiene
Trauma

It is important to note that teeth whitening is not permanent. You may need to repeat the whitening process every few years to maintain a bright white smile.

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How Does It Work

At Tidewater Family Dentistry, Dr. Owen will examine your teeth and gums and help you determine if teeth whitening is the best treatment option for your smile goals. Next, a mold or impression will be made of your teeth in order to create a custom, clear and comfortable whitening tray. At the next appointment, Dr. Owen will fit your custom bleaching tray to your teeth and make any adjustments necessary to fit your unique smile. The teeth whitening treatment is a safe, gel-based solution that is applied in a thin bead along the bottom of the bleaching tray. Once you place the bleaching tray in your mouth, the gel will coat the outside surface of your teeth and begin to whiten and brighten your smile. You may choose when to wear your bleaching tray depending on the amount of whitening you would like to achieve. Some patients wear the tray for 30 minutes a day, while others may choose to sleep in the tray overnight.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

The benefits of whitening your teeth go above and beyond simple aesthetics. A whiter smile can make you look and feel younger giving you a renewed sense of self-confidence. People find teeth whitening a great cosmetic treatment option to enhance their appearance for a big event such as a wedding or graduation. Teeth whitening is an affordable, conservative treatment that you can do at home on your own time.

If you are interested in learning more about professional teeth whitening, call (757) 874-6712 today. We look forward to helping you reach your smile goals!

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is cosmetic dentistry used to improve the appearance of chipped or broken teeth. If you have a chipped tooth, tooth-colored bonding material can be molded, shaped and bonded to your chipped tooth to match adjacent teeth. The bonding material is made of a composite resin and is usually the same material that is used for tooth-colored fillings. Once the bonding material is placed on the chipped area of the tooth, a special light is used to harden and bond the resin to your natural tooth giving you a natural appearance.

Dental bonding can be used to treat a wide range of imperfections in your smile to help you achieve a beautiful, natural and enhanced cosmetic appearance. Dental bonding may be considered as a cosmetic dentistry treatment option for the following:

Alternative to amalgam or silver fillings
Close gaps in teeth
Alter the shape of teeth
Protect and restore the look of chipped or broken teeth
Make teeth appear longer
Applied to a portion of the tooth root that is exposed as gums recede

What to Expect

The dental bonding procedure is usually painless and can be performed without local anesthetic unless it is being used to fill an area of decay. For cosmetic bonding purposes, the dentist will etch the surface of the tooth with a special liquid that helps the bonding material adhere to the surface of the tooth. The tooth-colored resin is applied and molded to the perfect shape. Next, the dentist will use a special light to harden and bond the material to the natural tooth. The resin will be trimmed and shaped after it is hardened and then polished to match the luster of your natural teeth.

Dental bonding is a great cosmetic option to fix minor imperfections in your smile. Dental bonding on the front teeth can last for years. There are limitations to dental bonding and therefore it is important to discuss your cosmetic desires with Dr. Owen to help you determine if dental bonding is right for you.

If you are interested in learning more about the cosmetic dental procedure known as dental bonding, or teeth bonding, call Tidewater Family Dentistry today at (757) 874-6712.