Cosmetic Dentistry
 Your smile is an integral part of your physical appearance. It not only accentuates your confidence and makes you more attractive but can also influence how others perceive you. That said, not everyone is lucky to have a naturally appealing smile. If you are dissatisfied with your smile, cosmetic dentistry might be the best solution. At Colin M. McKinney, DMD, we are happy to help you achieve the perfect smile with our cosmetic dental procedures. Introduction to Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhancing Your SmileCosmetic dentistry encompasses any dental procedure aimed at improving dental aesthetics. Unlike traditional dentistry, which focuses on dental health and function, cosmetic dental procedures enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. There are four common types of cosmetic dentistry procedures that patients typically seek out. They include teeth whitening, dental veneers, Invisalign treatment, and dental implants. Teeth Whitening: Brighten Your Smile SafelyTeeth whitening is arguably the most popular type of cosmetic dentistry. As the name implies, it is designed to remove stains and restore teeth to their natural color or beyond the original color. Teeth whitening can be classified into two types: at-home teeth whitening and in-office treatment. At-Home Teeth WhiteningAt-home teeth whitening involves using over-the-counter whitening products or dentist-prescribed whitening kits to remove stains and discoloration. The most commonly used bleaching agents include hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. At-home whitening products typically contain lower concentrations of bleaching compounds, which presents unique benefits and downsides. The lower concentration of bleaching agents in these products means fewer potential risks and side effects. Furthermore, at-home teeth whitening products are relatively affordable compared to professional teeth-white procedures. However, at-home teeth whitening methods may not be as effective as professional treatments. This is especially the case when it comes to ingrained stains and extreme discoloration. They also require consistency and may take longer to produce the desired results. In-Office Teeth WhiteningIn-office teeth whitening, or professional tooth whitening, is typically done at a dental office. It entails the direct application of highly concentrated bleaching agents on your teeth. During your appointment, our dentist, Colin M. McKinney, DMD, will assess your teeth to determine the level of discoloration and required treatment. If you qualify, they will begin the teeth-whitening procedure. First, barriers are put in place to protect your gums. Next, a hydrogen peroxide-rich whitening gel is applied to your teeth to remove stains. They may also expose your teeth to laser light to accelerate bleaching. Although more expensive than at-home teeth whitening, professional teeth whitening is a safer way to brighten your smile. It also offers faster and more dramatic results than at-home whitening methods. In most cases, you will only require two appointments lasting 60-90 minutes each to restore your teeth to their natural look. Dental Veneers: Achieving a Flawless SmileWhile teeth whitening works for most people, some stains do not respond well to conventional teeth whitening solutions. In this case, getting dental veneers might be the better alternative. Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells covering the front surface of the teeth to mask stains. These dental coverings are more resistant to stains than the natural enamel of the teeth, which allows them to maintain their white appearance for longer. Besides improving the color of your teeth, dental veneers also conceal other imperfections such as cracks, chips, and gaps. When you visit our practice, our dentist will examine your teeth to ascertain your eligibility for veneers. If you qualify for these prosthetics, our lab technician will take impressions of your teeth to design your custom veneers. The process of developing your veneers can take 2-3 weeks. Depending on your situation, our dentist may fit temporary veneers until your custom ones are completed. Invisalign: The Clear Alternative to BracesIf you are seeking to achieve the perfect smile by correcting misaligned teeth, getting Invisalign treatment might be a better option than braces. Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift your teeth into your desired positions. During your initial consultation, our dentist will examine your current smile to determine whether you qualify for Invisalign. If your misalignment is more complicated, you may not be a good candidate for this treatment and will need conventional braces instead. If approved, they will create a detailed 3D scan of your teeth to create a custom treatment plan. Once your first set of clear aligners is fabricated, our dentist will check to ensure they fit perfectly and are comfortable. Over a series of follow-up visits, they will monitor the progress of your smile and provide a new set of aligners depending on the stage of treatment. Once treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth aligned. Invisalign treatment is a better alternative to braces for several reasons. First, it offers a discreet way to straighten misaligned teeth. Invisalign aligners are discreet and barely noticeable, allowing you to straighten your teeth without drawing unwanted attention to your smile. Moreover, they are removable, meaning you can indulge in your favorite foods and maintain your oral hygiene routine. Invisalign aligners are also more comfortable than traditional braces. Their smooth textures make them less likely to injure the soft tissues inside the mouth. This means you can wear them for long periods without experiencing the discomfort associated with braces. Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing TeethIf you feel self-conscious about missing a tooth or several teeth, consider investing in dental implants. These are titanium-made or ceramic posts fitted into your jawbone to support artificial teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants provide a permanent solution to lost teeth. In other words, once implanted, they remain in place indefinitely. Likewise, dental implants gradually integrate with the jawbone, providing stability for your new teeth while preventing bone loss. This allows you to perform everyday functions like eating and speaking without experiencing slippage or discomfort. Dental implants are also designed to mimic the natural look of your teeth. They are customized to match the shape and color of your teeth, restoring your confidence in your smile. Restore Your Smile Today with the Best Cosmetic Dentistry SolutionsA beautiful smile not only boosts self-confidence but can also improve overall quality of life. If you are ready to give your smile a facelift with the best cosmetic dentistry procedures, visit us at Colin M. McKinney, DMD. Alternatively, you can call us at (772) 266-2223 to book an appointment. |
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm Wednesday: 8am - 4pm Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday: 8am - 12pm Evening hours: Special appointment only |
