Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry can offer patients a wonderful range of options to enhance their smiles. Houston cosmetic dentist Dr. Konig listens to the needs and desires of patients to carefully consider and discuss some of these cosmetic procedures:
- Whitening the teeth
- Porcelain Veneers
- Dental Bonding
- Orthodontics
- Gum Lift/Lip Tack
- Full Smile Makeover
Whitening is a good option for those who are happy with the shape and size of their teeth. Whitening works especially well for teeth that are yellowish in color. It is not a good option for tetracycline stained teeth or teeth that have white or brown spots on the surface. Whitening lightens the teeth; it will create the Hollywood White smile.
Porcelain Veneers can be used when patients desire to change the color or shape of the teeth. This can include straightening of the teeth, removing old stained fillings, and can allow for dramatic changes in shape and shades. Advanced veneer techniques can widen smiles and even correct the midline of one’s smile. Veneers are an art and science and should be designed with layers of shades to create a beautiful appearance.
Dental Bonding is utilized to change the shape and color of broken teeth. I can also be utilized to fix broken teeth by sculpting and contouring a resin material to fit seamlessly in the mouth. This is generally used to take care of small chips or to close spaces on a few teeth. It is not as strong as porcelain veneers, but in the hands of a skilled cosmetic dentist, has many useful procedures that can change smiles.
Orthodontics is an option to realign smiles and is often done by moving the teeth with braces. If patients are really happy with the color and shape of their teeth, then braces are a conservative option to align the teeth. Sometimes, Invisalign, which is the use of clear trays to move the teeth, can be used instead of braces. Instant orthodontics is also an option in some cases to whiten, strengthen, and straighten smiles.
A Gum Lift is an option when a patient has a gummy smile and all that is needed to raise or lift the gum up so that more of the tooth will show. Hi-tech lasers should be used for this and it is painless.
A new procedure called a Lip Tack can also be used to allow the lip to come further down to cover this gummy area. This can be used when the teeth are normal size and are not covered with excess gum tissue.
All the procedures discussed are truly an art and science. Every case will be different as assessed by different cosmetic dentists. This is the reason that is truly important for patients to see close-up photos of dentist’s cosmetic work as opposed to only a full photo. There are numerous considerations that should always be considered so that the cosmetic dentistry can last a long time.
If you have any questions about Houston Cosmetic Dentistry, please feel free to call our office, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF 713-668-2289
