An introduction to cosmetic dentistry: What it can do for your smile … and so much more!
The office of Stephen Huber, DDS, sees you as a person, not a set of teeth and gums. We account for all aspects of your one-of-a-kind personality and self when informing you about recommendations to improve the health and beauty of your smile. Similarly, our team in Leawood, Kansas, also appreciates that the positive impacts of dental care transcend the health and function of the teeth, gums, and mouth; elective cosmetic dentistry supports patients’ sense of well-being and quality of life. It is so rewarding for us to see patients immediately brighten and walk and speak more confidently with a transformed smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry – Before and After Images
Actual Patients / Actual Results at Stephen Huber, DDS
Case: Dean
A radiant, white smile is youthful. Dean’s smile was making him look older than he was. Dean had lived with severely discolored teeth for most of his life. His comprehensive exam also revealed advanced enamel wear and enamel fractures that were weakening the teeth. During the follow-up consultation, Dean expressed that he wanted to preserve the health of his teeth while improving their appearance. After careful analysis, Dr. Huber devised a plan that would achieve the outcome Dean desired. Treatment included eight porcelain crowns on the upper teeth and composite bonding on the lower teeth. Dean’s teeth not only look more youthful, but they will continue to be healthy and strong for many years to come.
Case: Mary
Mary wasn’t ever happy with her teeth, and as a result, her self-esteem suffered. At her initial consultation, she stated, “I hate to smile with my mouth open.” Mary desired a pretty smile. In order to achieve Mary’s dental goals, Dr. Huber sat down with her and together, they designed her new smile. Mary’s gums were repositioned to create the illusion of longer teeth, and all-porcelain crowns were placed to give her a bright, wide, and dazzling smile. Mary now has the teeth she always dreamed of, but more importantly, she appreciates, “the self-esteem I have regained by not being embarrassed to smile again, and smile BIG!”
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Services that fall under this banner are designed to correct imperfections and enhance the beauty of the smile. Options provided by Dr. Huber include dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and professional teeth whitening.
What can cosmetic dentistry do for me?
These procedures may be recommended to repair an array of concerns that detract from the balance and aesthetics of the smile. We can discuss options to disguise gaps, chips, and minor fractures. Dr. Huber can even reshape teeth that stick out in a displeasing way; for instance, overly pointy, worn-down or short, or otherwise irregularly-shaped teeth. Additionally, very yellow and stained teeth are no match for the customized and powerful whitening gels available at our office. The benefits transcend cosmetics by transforming the appearance of this central feature of your face. You feel better about yourself and how you look, and this confidence boost can positively affect every aspect of your life, both work and play.
What options are best for me?
We cannot “treat” what we do not understand. Your first visit, in turn, helps us to get to know you and your needs and goals. From there, we may recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers to cover up imperfections, including those mentioned above. Perhaps professional teeth whitening may be all you need to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile by removing stains and discoloration from the teeth. It is essential for Dr. Huber to confirm that your teeth and gums are healthy before moving forward with elective cosmetic dental treatments. If he finds an underlying oral health problem, such as decay or gum disease, restorative treatment would be in your future instead of cosmetic care. Restorations such as fillings and crowns look like natural teeth but blend cosmetic considerations with the need to restore a damaged tooth’s structure, health, and function.
What is the difference between dental bonding and veneers?
Generally, bonding is a one-visit procedure. Dr. Huber applies his considerable skill and artistry to shape a putty-like composite resin on the front surfaces of gapped, chipped, and other “flawed” teeth. Once the resin has been precisely shaped, Dr. Huber bonds or secures the material to the tooth. In doing so, the bonded material covers up the cosmetically imperfect tooth. Veneers correct many of the same concerns as bonding; however, porcelain is the material of choice here. The process is completed in two visits. During the first visit, the tooth and veneers are prepared. The tooth is slightly reduced. So, the porcelain bonded to it during the second visit fits on top of the tooth properly. Porcelain veneers at the office of Stephen Huber, DDS, may be attractive because this material generally resists staining well and optimally mimics the color and other properties of natural and healthy enamel. However, we will go over each option with you during a consultation.
To schedule your visit, contact our Leawood, KS team at (913) 349-9795 today.
