Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a variety of services designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth, creating a more attractive and pleasing smile. At our dental offices, you can expect professional cosmetic dentistry services that prioritize the safety and integrity of your existing teeth.
Our practice focuses on improving dental aesthetics, including color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall smile appearance. At Eriks Dental Group, we help in demystifying cosmetic dentistry, making it accessible and easy to understand.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry is a broad field that involves various dental procedures – here are some of thecosmetic dentistry procedures available at Eriks Dental Group – Fort Lauderdale.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth discoloration occurs when the color of the teeth changes. Discolored teeth may appear less bright or yellow or have dark or white flecks. Teeth discoloration can result from avoidable and unavoidable causes. Avoidable causes of teeth discoloration include:
- Dark-colored foods and beverages such as coffee, soy sauce, and red wine
- Smoking and tobacco usage
- Poor oral hygiene
- Excessive fluoride exposure, especially during childhood
Unavoidable causes include:
- Dental trauma
- Aging
- Genetics
- Certain medications such as antihistamines and drugs for high blood pressure
- Certain diseases such as live disease and celiac disease
- Cancer treatment
If you have stained or discolored teeth, teeth whitening is an effective solution. This less invasive dental procedure can significantly enhance your smile by utilizing whitening agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Several methods are available, including in-office whitening procedures performed by your dentist, home whitening kits, or over-the-counter whitening strips.
Teeth whitening at your dentist’s office offers several benefits over DIY methods. Firstly, a licensed dentist can tailor the treatment to meet your needs. The dentist will determine the cause of your discoloration, whether surface stains, deep stains, or fluorosis, and determine if teeth whitening will be effective. They will also assess your gum health, tooth sensitivity, and existing dental work before the procedure. This can help minimize discomfort during and after the procedure and yield faster results.
While home whitening kits and over-the-counter whitening strips can also be effective, the results may take longer. It’s advisable to involve a dentist throughout the teeth whitening process. Not only can they offer guidance and support, but they can also assist in managing any discomfort or issues that may arise.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are meticulously crafted shells placed over your natural teeth to enhance their appearance cosmetically. They address various dental concerns, including:
- Discoloration
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Worn Teeth
- Uneven or misshapen teeth
- Gaps and spacing issues
At Eriks Dental Group, we customize veneers to each patient’s unique specifications making sure they match your teeth’ color, shape, size, contour, and dimension. With proper care, they can provide long-lasting results.
To ensure an optimal fit and aesthetic outcome, your dentist performs thorough preparatory work on your teeth, including reducing their surface area, before applying porcelain veneers. This preparatory process may require considerable time. However, a recent innovation in cosmetic dentistry introduces Lumineers, a brand of porcelain veneers that minimizes the need for extensive dental preparation. Lumineers offer a more cost-effective and time-efficient alternative than traditional porcelain veneers.
At our cosmetic dental office in Fort Lauderdale, Lumineers are among the options we offer to clients seeking cosmetic dental enhancements.
Dental Implants
Did you know approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? While this statistic may seem astonishing, the advent of dental implants offers a viable solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are essentially artificial teeth that are surgically implanted into the jawbone.
During a dental implant procedure, a dentist carefully places a titanium screw into the bone socket of the missing tooth. Over time, this screw undergoes a process called Osseointegration, wherein it fuses with the jawbone. The dentist then attaches a colored crown, also known as a cap, to the screw.
If you are considering dental implants, consult with a dentist to determine if this procedure is suitable for you. Dental implants may not be suitable for everyone. For example, individuals with weak or insufficient jawbones may not be ideal candidates. In such cases, your dentist can recommend alternative treatment options.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic procedures can help address common dental issues such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
This specialized field employs appliances like braces to exert consistent pressure on the teeth and jaws, gradually guiding them into proper alignment.
Orthodontic treatment is suitable for individuals of all ages, with recommendations from your dentist. Typically, the orthodontic journey commences with a thorough dental evaluation by your dentist to assess your suitability for treatment. If deemed appropriate, your dentist may suggest a treatment option, such as traditional braces, clear braces, invisible aligners, or retainers, tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Your dentist should provide detailed explanations of each treatment option, highlighting their respective advantages and considerations. With comprehensive information, you can confidently choose the orthodontic treatment that best addresses your concerns.
Tooth-Colored Bonding
Tooth bonding addresses various dental issues such as discoloration, short teeth, small teeth, and decayed or damaged teeth. In this procedure, dentists shape and polish tooth-colored fillings to blend with natural teeth. If decay is present, your dentist will first remove it. Then, the dentist will apply the colored tooth filling to the tooth and use a special light to harden the bond.
Tooth bonding differs from veneers in several ways. While veneers cover the tooth’s front surface, tooth bonding fills specific areas, such as cavities and chips, using a soft composite resin. Additionally, tooth bonding does not require the extensive preparation and maintenance of porcelain veneers. However, some individuals prefer the aesthetic results of porcelain veneers over tooth bonding. Discussing these options with your dentist to determine the best solution for your dental needs is advisable.
Cosmetic Dentistry & Facial Appearance
Cosmetic dentistry is viable for addressing various dental issues such as discoloration, short or small teeth, crooked teeth, and decay. But did you know that cosmetic dentistry can also enhance your facial features? Over time, straining to hide your smile can stress your facial muscles unnecessarily.
Additionally, missing teeth can cause the jawbone to resorb in an attempt to fill the gaps, potentially altering your facial structure. Cosmetic dentistry can effectively address these concerns, improving your dental health and overall facial aesthetics.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Fort Lauderdale
Eriks Dental Group is your destination for exceptional cosmetic dentistry. When you visit us, our dental team will prioritize understanding your aesthetic goals and desires. We then customize solutions tailored to your specific needs, designing the perfect smile just for you. We specialize in what we call a “smile makeover,” which aims to transform your smile from one you are uncomfortable with to one you are proud of.
In pursuit of your smile makeover, we may incorporate various cosmetic dentistry procedures that work harmoniously to achieve your desired results.
Visit us at 1625 E Las Olas Blvd to begin your journey toward a beautiful, confident smile. You can also request an appointment or call 954-463-5051 to speak directly to one of our team member.
