Looking for a smile makeover? Unhappy with the color, shape or overall appearance of your teeth?
Cosmetic dentistry can both enhance the appearance of your natural smile and improve your dental health. Dr. Kim can offer a unique blend of experienced, personalized dental care and advanced treatment options to meet your needs. She takes time with you to analyze the health, function, and comfort of your smile, discuss your cosmetic goals and recommend the most suitable options.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry in Williamsport, PA
While cosmetic dentistry focuses on the looks of your smile, it also provides benefits in various other ways.
Improving Oral Health
Cosmetic dentistry also plays a crucial role in improving oral health. Misaligned teeth, for instance, can make cleaning certain areas of the mouth difficult, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Correcting alignment issues with orthodontic treatments like Invisalign or braces reduces these risks and makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, procedures like dental crowns and veneers enhance the appearance of damaged teeth and protect them from further damage, preserving the integrity of your smile.
Moreover, cosmetic dentistry can improve your bite and chewing function. Treatments like dental implants or crowns restore the appearance of your teeth and enhance their function.
If you’ve lost or have a tooth damaged, a dental implant or crown can restore your ability to chew properly, preventing strain on other teeth and reducing the risk of further oral health issues. This functional improvement also contributes to better overall health, allowing you to eat a balanced diet without discomfort.
Other Great Benefits
Another advantage of cosmetic dentistry is its ability to offer long-lasting results. Many cosmetic dental treatments are designed to be durable and resilient, providing you with a beautiful smile for many years. For example, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining and can last a decade or more with proper care.
Teeth whitening treatments can keep your smile bright for years, especially when you follow up with maintenance treatments and good oral hygiene practices. Investing in cosmetic dentistry means investing in long-term results you can enjoy daily.
One of the most significant benefits of cosmetic dentistry is the improvement in self-confidence. When you feel good about your smile, you naturally project confidence in personal and professional interactions. Whether through teeth whitening, veneers, or orthodontic treatments, cosmetic dentistry can transform how you see yourself.
A bright, even smile can make you more likely to engage in social situations, smile more often, and feel comfortable in your own skin. This boost in self-esteem can ripple effect, positively influencing various aspects of your life.
The versatility of cosmetic dentistry is another key benefit. There are numerous procedures available to address a wide variety of concerns. Whether you’re dealing with discolored, chipped, misaligned, or missing teeth, there’s likely a cosmetic treatment that can help. Teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, and dental implants are just a few procedures that can be tailored to your needs. This flexibility allows you and your dentist to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns and goals.
Do you have discolored or stained teeth?
Dr. Kim can evaluate the cause of your tooth stains or discoloration and offer the best option for whitening your smile with lasting results. Professional teeth whitening guarantees even results with less side effects. We will customize each whitening treatment to their needs. While a professional teeth whitening can often meet your needs, there are permanent treatment options for addressing certain types of stains or to alleviate the need for future touch-ups. They can include tooth bonding, and porcelain veneers.
Tooth bonding is quick and affordable but will only last for a few years. Veneers are a more permanent option and will last for decades if cared for properly.
Damaged or broken teeth?
Teeth that have minor damaged can lead to more complex dental concerns, even tooth loss, if left untreated. Dr. Kim offers several treatments that can repair your chipped, cracked or broken tooth and give you back a healthy, beautiful smile. Tooth bonding is an affordable treatment option that we can complete in a single visit. It involves using a composite resin that your dentist will apply directly to the teeth. Your dentist will sculpt it by hand into the desired shape. However, bonding does not last forever.
If you desire a more permanent, lasting option, Dr. Kim will recommend porcelain veneers. Here, your dentist will apply very thin shells to the front and sides of the tooth to cover up the damage.
Crooked teeth?
If your teeth are crooked, Dr. Kim offers the option of discreet orthodontic treatment using Invisalign® clear braces. Invisible aligners make it easy and convenient to achieve the smile you desire. This treatment can be completed in as little as a single year. Invisalign works by wearing the clear aligners for 22 hours a day, removing only eat, brush and floss. The clear aligners are switched out about every one to two weeks. This will gradually move your teeth into alignment.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Cosmetic dentistry can improve both the aesthetics and function of your smile. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What’s the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on maintaining your oral health and preventing serious oral health problems from developing. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the aesthetics of your smile without much of a focus on oral health. However, making cosmetic improvements can also help overall oral health. With cosmetic dentistry, we want you to have a healthy, beautiful smile you’re proud of.
Is cosmetic dentistry permanent?
No cosmetic dental treatment is permanent, though some can last decades. Invisalign is close to permanent, but only if you ensure you’re wearing your retainer properly. Porcelain veneers last 10-20 years on average, while dental bonding lasts an average of 3-7. Taking proper care of your smile and restorations is the best way to extend their lifespan.
Can people tell that I’ve had cosmetic dentistry?
With modern developments in dentistry, cosmetic restorations look very natural. Each cosmetic treatment can be color-matched to a shade that matches the rest of your smile, or you can choose the shade you want your restoration to be. When we use porcelain veneers and bonding material, the surfaces are polished and match the natural sheen of the rest of your smile.
Does cosmetic dentistry hurt?
No cosmetic dental treatment should hurt. The ingredients used in teeth whitening can cause sensitivity, but the products are designed to reduce that possibility. With porcelain veneers, you also may experience some sensitivity due to the preparation process. We can also use a local anesthetic to ensure the process is smooth and painless.
Does my insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
No, since cosmetic dental procedures are considered a want, not a need, insurance won’t cover it. If you need dental bonding due to an oral health problem, insurance may cover it. We offer financing options like Care Credit to ensure you can get the dental care you need.
Am I a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Many patients are eligible for cosmetic dentistry. The main requirement is that you have good oral health. The smile needs to have a strong foundation and all oral health concerns must be treated before moving forward with cosmetic treatments. If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, we’ll schedule a consultation to determine the right path for you.
Smile Makeover Consultation
A smile makeover will begin with a consultation. Dr. Kim will go over all aspects of your oral health, learn more about your aesthetic goals and discuss our treatment options. Choosing the right cosmetic dentist, one who will also consider the impact of long-term dental health can impact the integrity of your result. It is important to build upon a healthy, functional oral foundation and address any underlying dental problems that could lead to a break down of your dentistry over time.
If you would like to explore your options and learn more about how cosmetic dental services can improve the health and beauty of your smile, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim in our Williamsport office.